This is actually Dreams In Fragments’ second release – their debut appearing back in 2019…which I was completely unaware of, sorry. However, that does mean that I can enjoy this latest Dark Symphonic Metal release by a relatively new Swiss band on its own merits rather than comparing it to its predecessor. Predominantly fronted by the very capable vocals of Seraina Schopfer with occasional harsh/spoken/sung vocals from guitarist Chris Geissmann, this actually isn’t your usual Symphonic Metal fare.
The band’s sound is much more rooted in the Gothic-tinged Dark Metal that emerged around 20 years ago – bands like Asrai, Flowing Tears, Dreams Of Sanity and elements of Theatre Of Tragedy really shine through at times. It was a style that gave relief from the polished Nightwish-esque movement of the day that launched many an affable clone. Instead, these type of bands had a more underground, unique, sometimes melancholic style which Dreams In Fragments continue the spirit of whole-heartedly today.
The guitars are chunky and nicely heavy, the vocals varied and the rhythms chop around giving each track a different feel and outlook which keeps the whole album interesting and unpredictable. There’s quicker tracks alongside slower punchier numbers all presided over by the confident, varied vocals of Schopfer. There’s a mix of Symphonic keyboards vying with Electronic synths depending on what the song demands – occasionally these can be a little overbearing and ‘up front’ for me personally, but maybe that’s just me, I like to hear a driving guitar and bass with pounding drums taking centre stage, and besides that’s just a production thing and no reflection on the quality of the songs.
Although some of the bands I named earlier might be judged a little niche (there are echoes of Autumn, Octavia Sperati and even Madder Mortem in there as well, but I figured that was a little overkill in one go…and there’s no Overkill in there…), all those bands were proud to push their own identity, and that’s what I hear in Dreams In Fragments. They maybe aren’t instantly accessible, they don’t toe the line and they don’t conform. If you enjoy any of those bands I mentioned, you might just find this band a very engaging breath of fresh air.
(7.5/10 Andy Barker)
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