Greek Metal Hammer No191, 11/2000

The heavy/power/speed/prog world will be left speachless by Dream Devoid's second release which I hope will raise the interest of the large multinational record labels towards this amazing group. Fantastic is the hearing from a band which knows how to correctly absorb and assimilate the good elements of well-known bands, and produce songs with character and personality as well as background. All the instruments are faultlessly played, the vocalist possesses an excellent voice, the songs have been worked on 'till the last detail, while the sound and production are "professional". Even though the intro has a gothic touch, the rest of the cd presents five excellent compositions that balance between melodic power and speed, while the mastery and the whole orchestration depict a semi-progressive side of the group. Fans of Helloween, Crimson Glory and Iced Earth (as main references) will go wild over this release. In conclusion, the cd includes as a bonus their first demo-release "Nebulous" (containing four songs) in a remastered form. A must have.

Rating 9/10

 

Metalcrush E-Zine

(by George Gkousetis)

Dream Devoid come from Athens and "Aeons Of Forgetfulness" is a quite worthy piece of work. Second try for the guys, as they get a little away from what they had present 3 years ago with the "Nebulous' demo. More technical, smart use of keyboards and a superb setup and mixing! Except from their power/speed/progressive metal character, you can meet a different approach of D.D. at the 4th track "A Song To Whisper". A full-emotional arrangement based on a piano accompanied of flute and both male & female vocals. They seem mature enough to be involved with music & the metal music business, I'll not be suprised hearing that D.Devoid have a deal with any popular metal labels & agents. Notice that the cd includes "Aeons Of Forgetfulness" plus their first demo "Nebulous", and a spectacular cover artwork!

Rating 9/10

 

Symi-Gate E-Zine

II've warned you before about this release. It took some more time until this promo finds its way to my ears. So, now the time has come for its judgement hour lol. The CD includes 6 brand new songs and 4 remastered version ones from their demo "Nebulous" and is released by Steel Gallery, which is releasing only from very good to great stuff so far! And seems it continues following this route. Unique power metal coming from those Athenians, who seem to know the game really well. The addition of Panos Milonas (keyboards) and the change of the previous drummer with Fotis Giannakopoulos added a more progressive touch to the past's result ("Nebulous" demo 1997) so as and a different "air" to the drumming background. The sound remains heavy, featuring complex structures yet successfully performed and always in the frontiers of melody forms. Smart guitar riffs that usually open and close songs are excellent samples of their own sign. Especially the 1st 2 songs (after the intro "...In The Sky") "Dreams In Void" and "Dreamweaver" I think are their most representative ones and I guess that's the main reason they have put clips from those 2 on their web for listeners preview. I also think they are the best composed ones from every aspect since they include all the elements that can make them differ from any other band. Taking things right from the start we have one of the best intros I've ever listened for a long time, all by Panos Milonas where keys lead while there's a techno feeling at the hit-hats. Rhythm drumming prepares the soundway for "Dreams In Void". There's a perfect harmony between all parts in this one starting from riffs and keys and ending to accoustic parts, solos and vocal melodies. The use of bass is professional one so as and the rest instruments performance. Did I report I've found myself whispering the chorus next days? Excellent and fully sing-along refrain available for all tempos, rhythm or accoustic background. "Dreamweaver" has a more melancholic atmosphere and more accoustic parts than the previous, but still heavy, catchy and rhythm paced featuring great passages, which are not simple at all. Backing vocals work great while the use of vocals in this one is rougher than any other song on the album. The female (Sonia) addition in "A Song To Whisper", which follows, fits great with their soundscape and I believe they should continue using this element in the future too. Apart from this fact, this is the album's ballad tensioned, slow and accoustically-based as it should. "Leaves Of Sorrow" heavy and slow in the beginning, it turns torrentous and mid so as and fast paced in most parts featuring a ghost riff and smart passages once again while the chorus still has high sense of catchy one. Last new song of the album is the totally accoustic, deep, dark and chaotic and I guess works more like an outro of the new songs and intro for the old ones, is the album title as well. Now, about the old songs, it's important to say that the new ones are much better and I think their addition was a matter of CD space, and to be realised the amazing improvement that has been done, proving that the years between demo and this one were not idle. Of course, even if the songs are taken from the 1997 demo the present recordings are remastered versions. I wont analyse each one the old ones, but I'll just say even they are at least a level lower than new ones, they still have that touch it reminds of them immediatelly and that complex structures that characterizes their composing ways. And that "Consiquent Sins", which was the song that make them known to the Hellenic underground still keeps its magic and that intro "Not A Cloud..." is musically awesome. Basically old songs require more listenings to be better understood and judged fairly, but anyway. Looking for influences?? That's what I'll ask my friend Panos Argyriou when the interview time comes, because I'm really confused too. Maybe a little bit Iced Earth in some rhythm parts, maybe... The elements included in their music are such personal and I really don't know what to say. I also didn't find any disadvantages... maybe the production could be better, maybe and the vocals. The result I love it the way it is now anyhow. So, it deserves the almost perfect grade fairly. It doesn't need to mention you MUST get it! For the moment, just go to mp3 section and download the 2 samples. Recommended to every metalhead on this planet!

Rating 9,5/10 (Review by Stamatis Kritikos)

 

Fame of Metal E-Zine

This cd was released the previous year and it includes the band's 1997 demo. In the meanwhile the guys have signed a contract with Steel Gallery Records and therefore this cd will be re-released shortly. As it seems, the guys from Greece present in this cd heavy power music in the style of the old Iced Earth. I find this cool, as there are very few bands that play this way and even less who can perform and play this well. But Dream Devoid are of the creditable exceptions. Their compositions are fresh, melodic and pure metal. I liked it downright very much. I can suggest this cd without any hesitation, as one cannot expect something other than good music coming from this band.

Rating 5,25/6

Monsters World of Metal E-Zine

Knowing where this cd was coming from, I quickly glanced at the cover in hopes of not finding another Iron Maiden clone done Hellenic style. My calls have been answered. I guess they got tired of my whining. Aeons Of Forgetfulness is a brand new demo from Dream Devoid and it also contains tracks from their previous demo titled "Nebulous", which consisted of a different line up. Results lead to two different bands, 2 different eras and two cd's. Confusing probably but just keep reading. The "Nebulous" demo tracks come off as straight on metal more inclined to the traditional early 80s in powered ways such as Fates Warning although probably not as epic and progressive structure wise (But they do try to be). Throw in some Running Wild too. Expect half speed metal and half thrash notions. Although not that old, they do sound outdated. They are short of a 'de bon air' energy that unfortunately causes the songs to come across as flat, lacking in fullness while being your average speed/thrash/power metal. Its funny how they have turned out considering some re-mastering. With a singer and a voice suited for that style, the creativity level falls short and repetitive, regardless if the vocalist keeps the listener from dozing off. With the songs relatively short in comparison to the newer stuff, looking at them through eyes of production, vibes, feels and what not one can draw conclusions that "Nebulous" came off Metallica's "Kill Em All" or any of the early Black Sabbath days. The blackish/Goth keyboard introduction on "Not A Cloud" can be taunted by Mercyful Fate production and texture parallels. "… In The Sky", Dreams In Void", "Dreamweaver", "A Song To A Whisper", "Leaves Of Sorrow" and "Aeons Of Forgetfulness" in their own introspective and cosmic way, dip into a much smarter, richer and progressive world. They tend to pull you in faster, make you headbang to a variety of tones and tempos that are more addictive and intelligent. While pulling for progressively heavily powered structures Dream Devoid didn't forget the inclusion of melodies via ways of acoustical segments, stellar guitar harmonizing, classical arrangements, piano (keys) sections, sing along refrains, folklore atmospheres, those odd late 70s Korg prog sections, male-female instrumental duets and changes that you don't see coming or where they are going and. Dream Devoid have developed to newer levels sounding fuller and richer as opposed to a typical speed power metal hungry clones. The new stuff is diversely Euro sounding than anything else. For example the guitars follow Scandinavian textures and tones of Twilightning, Dreamtale and so on while the music, feels and sounds follow the hugely renowned Italian metal scene.
Mini cd demos aren't always prime examples that adequately represent a well-grasped and descriptive overview of the band and music. Not taking anything away from them but overall their music won't make the Gods bow to them but they are strong and seem to be intent on disassociating themselves from their Greek counterparts clones rather preferring to find their own style and trademark. This they have done very well 'cause the new songs are a lot better sounding and stronger structure wise. This time around they throw in more melodies and catchy refrains with continuous efforts of vocal backups and playoffs thus further highlighting their abilities to improve and explorer their talents. Keeping the listener in it is important even if the compositions, much more progressed than ever before, reach scales of complexity, diversity and misunderstanding. Misunderstanding in the sense they have created music that is heavy, moody, speedy, moody and filled with an array of styles, tempos and textures making this a cd to grow on you for it is music that takes time to understand, just as the technical Pain Of Salvations and Spiral Architects. But as you can understand Dream Devoid have put forth metal of many styles and tastes. Put Dream Devoid next to Dream Weaver as bands to keep an eye on stemming from the Hellenic underground metal scene. Tell them Greek Labels to wake the hell up!!!!

Rating 7.75/10