DREAM PATROL – Phantoms of the Past (Album Review)

Dream Patrol - Phantoms of the PastAs a kid, I remember being excited to head over to my buddy’s house and watch restricted movies. Usually, action and/or horror films were the genres of choice and the A Nightmare On Elm Street series was a popular one. Receiving the album promo for DREAM PATROLPhantoms Of The Past and reading that those films inspired their choice of moniker intrigued.

DREAM PATROL – Info

With band members from USA, Slovakia, Austria and Czech Republic, Ronnie König began the project in 2016. Bassist Ronnie König, drummer Radim Večeřa, and guitarist Filip Koluš began recording that same year. The first three songs recorded were without a vocalist and used for the auditions, netting Eli Prinsen. Steadily completing the songs, Dream Patrol signed to Mighty Music Denmark with Phantoms of the Past dropping on September 28, 2018.

DREAM PATROL – Phantoms Of The Past (Album Review)

Creepy sounds and a ringing phone greet the listener at the outset of “Dream Patrol”. Might even be a sound clip from the A Nightmare On Elm Street movies. Before long the rhythm section thumps in, the first guitar sounds overlaid shortly after. Then “Dream Patrol” opens up fully as Prinsen joins the fray. The song is a bit of a band mission statement lyrically. The press release says: “The inspiration for the band name comes from the 80s horror movie A Nightmare on Elm Street, in which a demon-like creature would attack you while you were sleeping. With Dream Patrol, you shall fear no more. It is a special office of combat against mind-invaders, working for you overtime, whenever you put on your headphones and start daydreaming”. Take a look at the official video below.

“Get Back Home” thunders through keeping the pace and energy level high. But, things get very interesting on track 3, “Tattooed Millionaire From Panama”. Listed as “A cover mash-up of Bruce Dickinson‘s “Tattooed Millionaire” and Van Halen‘s “Panama”. It is exactly that! Beginning with the iconic lead in of “Panama” we quickly switch gears for the first vocal verse to “Tattooed Millionaire”. Throughout, “Panama” returns at several points. Pretty cool idea and it comes off well here I think.

“The Shortest Straw” possesses a wicked vocal hook. It’s the kind of song that sticks in your head, re-surfacing here and there throughout the day. Probably my top choice on of the collection. Other notables among the twelve song package are “Piece of Paradise”, and “Playing with Fire”. I can do without the slower, ballady, country-ish affairs “Lost Child”, “Time is a Healer” and “Is That the Thanks I Get”, however.

DREAM PATROL – Final Thoughts

Overall, I really enjoyed this album. It’s got several fantastic things about it. Aside from the top-notch music on each thundering track. I love the vocals and the lyrics, although not normally much of a lyric guy. The A Nightmare On Elm Street inspirations. Watch the “Dream Patrol” lyric video below and if you like that be sure to buy Phantoms Of The Past. You won’t regret it. Out September 28, 2018, from Mighty Music Records.

BUY: Phantoms Of The Past

OFFICIAL WEBSITE / FACEBOOK

icon_001Cheers,

The Meister

Find more of my album reviews here: Meister Music

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[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_szezpvxKM[/embedyt]

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