Dream Troll
Realm Of The Tormentor
Self-Released
Released: July 2, 2021
England’s Dream Troll are at the helm of the Next Wave Of British Heavy Metal, with their new record Realm Of The Tormentor.
By now, the resurgence of NWOBHM or Traditional metal is nothing new. Having survived long enough to re-establish itself as a dominant sub-genre in metal culture, this new wave of bands are proving themselves more than worthy successors to the throne. Add to that growing list the name Dream Troll.
With their new six-track album, Realm Of The Tormentor, Dream Troll have thrown their hat into the mix and are ready to mingle. Falling somewhere between Bashful Alley and newer acts such as Haunt or Night Demon. Rollicking hard rock that walks that fine line boarding on metal. An infusion of the two, if you like. At times, their pulse is racing with a bass line driving the ship, and others they rely on the use of keys to set the tone. Whichever path they’re walking here though, seems to work pretty well.
See Also: At The Gates “The Nightmare Of Being” Review
Those fist-pumping choruses and interludes are all here, alongside some inspiring and up-tempo segments and at times galloping riffing. Dream Troll might not be bringing anything new to the fold, but they are well versed at rehashing lost gems, and that alone earns them their keep.
On Winner Takes Nothing, Dream Troll seem to get their sound perfected, settling for a heavy dose of 80s hijinks. A great riff that flows effortlessly into a great chorus with a high pitch “burning hell for leather” lyric that surely will be a hit on the festival circuit. An Iron Maiden like twin guitar bit sets the song apart from the others, great keyboard work too.
This, and the following track, Here Comes Chaos, represent the two better tracks of the six. This time, it is the fantastic use of keyboards that makes the song. Adding a spacey, fantasy atmosphere to a rocking tune, replete with solid riffs and more great vocals. Here, we get a taste of a more power metal influence, adding a little variety to the works.
More of what makes these tracks so good is present on Watch It Burn as well, interesting keyboards that would perhaps normally be better suited in a dance or techno number – yet it works well here. Catching choruses and big hooking riffs. I have to admit, I like what Dream Troll are doing here and am interested to see where they go from here.
Copies of Realm Of The Tormentor can be had from Dream Troll’s bandcamp page, on Compact Disc or digitally. They also have several older recordings for the buying.
For Fans Of: Bashful Alley, Haunt, Night Demon
Track Listing:
01. The Tormentor
02. She Got The Devil Inside
03. Winner Takes Nothing
04. Here Comes Chaos
05. Watch It Burn
06. As Death Rains From The Sky
