The Flashcards: Dreamtale - Difference (2005)

65/100

Genre: Melodic power metal

This Finnish power metal band returns two years after the release of Beyond Reality. Based on the album title they chose, it only clicked for me halfway through that they were trying to say this album is different from their previous work.

There’s no hint of a conceptual flow here; it dives straight into the fast lane, but the hook is held down by "Wings of Icaros," which utilizes those signature Stratovarius-style keyboards. Unfortunately, the subsequent run of "New Life," "Lucid Times," and "Mirror" completely collapses the high-energy atmosphere that had been built up. "World's Child" heats things up again, but it’s immediately followed by the ballad "Sail Away," and the acoustic "Green Fields" as the closer. "Fly" and "Secret Door" sit at a mid-tempo pace, while the most memorable final moment belongs to "We Are One," which features vocal choirs reminiscent of Stratovarius's "Destiny".

Thus, it's clear that Dreamtale has taken a hit in terms of pacing, and I personally didn't find many emotional segments here. It’s pretty disappointing—even looking at that dark cover art just adds to the heartbreak. Truly different.

Tracklist:

1. Lost Souls

2. Wings of Icaros

3. New Life

4. Lucid Times

5. Mirror

6. World's Child

7. Sail Away

8. Fly

9. Secret Door

10. We Are One

11. Green Fields

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