Dreamwalkers Inc - 2023 - The First Tragedy of Klahera [mini-review]

(86:50; Layered Reality Productions)

Dutch band Dreamwalkers Inc are out with the album "The First Tragedy of Klahera", and progressive metal is the style explored on this production. It is a diverse and inclusive variety of the form we get in this case, but also a production with a firm foundation in classic era progressive metal. The songs tend to be guitar driven and guitar dominated in this case, but the landscapes explored will frequently venture outside of the metal realm as such. Gentler atmospheric laden sequences are numerous throughout, and sections with more of a folk or singer/songwriter influx are very much present here alongside ventures into more of a progressive rock style and orientation as well as a little bit of a flirt with jazz on a couple of occasions. The use of electronic effects is effective and efficient when present too, in this case used sparingly and to emphasize a more futuristic sounding mood and atmosphere. Otherwise majestic arrangements are recurring elements, and the lead and backing vocals both have an important presence throughout in the more grandiose as well as the more tender moments. Gnarly and aggressive displays and a very occasional nod in the direction of extreme metal is a part of the totality here too. This is a concept album, and my understanding is that the band makes use of the diversity of these landscapes to highlight the various aspects of the concept explored and the story being told. Hence the lyrics and the story impacts the music they are a part of, and possibly the other way around too in some cases. A production to seek out by those who enjoy an inclusive and diverse variety of classic era progressive metal and a concept album that makes use of the inclusive and diverse nature of the music to highlight and emphasize the different aspects of the story being told.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, November 2023

Links:
https://www.dreamwalkersinc.com/
https://www.layered-reality.com/