Symphonic metal is linked by and large to such European acts as
Emperor and
Dimmu Borgir, but the style has since stretched far and wide, as evidenced by the emergence of
Dreamscapes of the Perverse. Hailing from Raleigh, NC, the quintet has all the elements intact for a "Symphonic Metal 101" course -- growled vocals, rapid-fire drum beats, nimble fingered riffs, goth keyboards, and the presence of strings. But on 2006's
Gignesthai,
Dreamscapes of the Perverse are one of the few bands of the metal genre that put a string section to good use. Case in point, the strings on "World of Malice" truly manage to shift the mood of an otherwise hard hitting track. Also,
Dreamscapes of the Perverse makes considerable use of dynamics, especially on "In Anguished Verse" and an interlude entitled "Revelations." That said, there are a few moments were there's not a heck of a whole lot that separates
Gignesthai from the rest of the pack, especially such tracks as "Whilst Eternity Burns." Regardless, if you dress in ghoul makeup and studs,
Gignesthai is recommended. ~ Greg Prato