DREAM EVIL

DREAM EVIL
Biography & Discography

1. The Position of Dream Evil in Modern Heavy Metal

Gothenburg, Sweden, established its global reputation as the holy land of Melodic Death Metal during the 1990s. The individual who played a central role as a producer in shaping this "Gothenburg Sound" was none other than Fredrik Nordström. However, the project Dream Evil (DREAM EVIL) that he launched in 1999 was aimed at celebrating and returning to the traditional 1980s heavy metal (Traditional Heavy Metal), which stood at the complete antithesis of the extreme sound he had built as a producer.

2. Band Biography

2.1 Origins and Formation: A Producer's Ambition and a Fateful Encounter (1999–2001)

The concept of Dream Evil originated from a long-held ambition of Fredrik Nordström to "have his own heavy metal band." While he was churning out masterpiece after masterpiece for bands like At The Gates, In Flames, and Arch Enemy at Studio Fredman, his own musical roots lay in 1980s classic metal bands such as Judas Priest and Accept.

In 1999, while on vacation in the Greek islands, Nordström met a young, then relatively unknown prodigy guitarist named Kostas Karamitroudis, later to be known as Gus G. Despite an age difference of over ten years, the two immediately resonated with each other regarding their musical ideals. Gus G already had plans to relocate his base of operations to Gothenburg, and upon his arrival, songwriting and production commenced immediately at Studio Fredman.

To solidify the band's lineup, they recruited veteran Swedish musicians.

• Drums: The first to be approached was Snowy Shaw, renowned for his work with King Diamond and Mercyful Fate. Initially, he declined to join officially, remaining only as a session drummer; however, during the production of the debut album, he became convinced of the band's potential and later became a core member.
• Vocals: Niklas Isfeldt, who had been performing backing vocals for HammerFall (which Nordström was producing), was selected. His high-pitched, powerful singing style perfectly matched the power metal direction the band was striving for.
• Bass: On Isfeldt's recommendation, his long-time friend and Pure-X bandmate Peter Stålfors joined the ranks.

The band name was derived from the 1987 album "DREAM EVIL" by Dio, led by Ronnie James Dio, which clearly signaled their musical direction.

2.2 Debut and Early Success: "Dragonslayer" (2002)

In 2002, the debut album "Dragonslayer" was released via Century Media. Combining the polished production of Nordström's expertise, the technical guitar prowess of Gus G, and a lyrical universe that fearlessly embraced fantasy elements like "dragons," "kings," and "prophecies," the album was instantly embraced by the European and Japanese power metal scenes.

In particular, the song "The Chosen Ones" established its status as the band's signature anthem due to its catchy chorus and anthemic structure. In Japan, it was released by King Records, recording excellent sales not only in the import market but also in the domestic market.

2.3 "Evilized" and the First Japan Tour (2003)

Following the success of their debut, the band lost no time in working on their next release. Published in 2003, "Evilized" was recorded in a remarkably short period of just three weeks. While maintaining the fantasy themes of the previous record, it leaned into a more straightforward heavy metal color, featuring many live-friendly tracks such as "Children of the Night."

First Japan Tour (Japan Tour 2003): In June 2003, Dream Evil embarked on their first tour of Japan. For the band, this was a vital opportunity to directly experience their immense popularity in the Asian market.

• June 10, 2003: Banana Hall, Osaka
• June 11–13, 2003: Liquidroom, Tokyo

The setlist featured core anthems like "Chasing the Dragon" and "The Chosen Ones," along with solo showcases for each member. The ecstatic response from the Japanese audience left a profound impression on the band members.

2.4 Turning Point: "The Book of Heavy Metal" and the Departure of Gus G (2004–2005)

In 2004, the band released their third album, "The Book of Heavy Metal." The title track, "The Book of Heavy Metal (March of the Metallians)," was written and composed by Snowy Shaw, becoming a self-referential hymn to the genre itself, as symbolized by the lyrics: "No sleek and clean, no ocean breeze... I just need my Flying V and a Marshall stack."

However, this period also marked a significant turning point for the band. Their young star, Gus G, decided to leave Dream Evil to focus entirely on his own band, Firewind, as part of a career stepping stone that would later lead to his selection as the guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne.

In February 2005, the band conducted their second Japanese tour with Metalium serving as the support act.

• February 10, 2005: Club Quattro, Osaka
• February 12–13, 2005: Shibuya Club Quattro, Tokyo

2.5 New Lineup and "United" (2006)

Following Gus G's departure, the band welcomed a new guitarist, Markus Fristedt, under the stage name Mark Black. Additionally, Snowy Shaw, one of the central figures, also departed, and Patrik Jerksten took over drumming duties under the stage name Pat Power.

Produced with this fresh lineup, the 2006 album "United" championed the theme of solidarity as if to strike back against the adversity of member changes. Tracks like "Fire! Battle! In Metal!" proved that Nordström's songwriting capabilities remained fully intact.

2.6 Establishment of Stage Names and "In the Night" (2010)

With the release of the 2010 album "In the Night," the band officially adopted comic-hero-like stage names for all members to enhance their entertainment value.

• Fredrik Nordström → Ritchie Rainbow
• Niklas Isfeldt → Nick Night
• Peter Stålfors → Pete Pain
• Daniel Varghamne → Dannee Demon (Newly joined guitarist)

By this stage, the band had evolved from a mere "fun project" by heavyweights of the "Gothenburg Sound" into an entertainment collective with well-defined characters.

2.7 Prolonged Silence and Resurrection: From "Six" (2017) to "Metal Gods" (2024)

Following "In the Night," the band entered a lengthy period of inactivity. This was due to Nordström's demanding schedule with studio work and changes in the members' personal lives, though the band never disbanded. In 2017, breaking a seven-year silence, they released the album "Six," which featured the return of Mark Black as lead guitarist.

After another seven years, they released their seventh studio album, "Metal Gods," in July 2024. On this album, Sören Fardvik joined under the stage name Sir N, replacing long-time drummer Pat Power. The title track pays homage to Judas Priest, proving that even after 25 years since their inception, DREAM EVIL's "pure love for heavy metal" remains absolutely unchanged.

3. Detailed Member Profiles

The members of Dream Evil utilize both their real names and stage names, and the Katakana representations are highly essential, particularly for Japanese liner notes. The details of past and present members are summarized below.

3.1 Current Members

Stage Name	Real Name	Role	Period Active	Notes
Ritchie Rainbow	Fredrik Nordström	Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards	1999–present	Band founder. Owner of Studio Fredman and legendary producer.
Nick Night	Niklas Isfeldt	Vocals	1999–present	Vocalist since formation. Has experience providing backing vocals for HammerFall.
Pete Pain	Peter Stålfors	Bass	1999–present	Long-time friend of Isfeldt.
Mark Black	Markus Fristedt	Lead Guitar	2004–2007, 2013–present	Joined as the successor to Gus G; returned after a temporary departure.
Sir N	Sören Fardvik	Drums	2019–present	Joined starting with "Metal Gods."

3.2 Former Members

Stage Name / Alias	Real Name	Role	Period Active	Notes
Gus G	Kostas Karamitroudis	Lead Guitar	1999–2004	From Greece. Later active in Ozzy Osbourne and Firewind. The core of their early sound.
Snowy Shaw	Tommie Helgesson	Drums	2002–2006	Famous for King Diamond, etc. Contributed immensely to visuals, lyrics, and composition.
Pat Power	Patrik Jerksten	Drums	2006–2019	Anchored the rhythm section over a long period.
Dannee Demon	Daniel Varghamne	Lead Guitar	2007–2013	Participated in "In the Night."
Tommy Larsson	Tommy Larsson	Bass (Live)	2005	Temporary live support.

4. Discography

In Dream Evil's discography, the Japanese editions hold a special significance. Almost every album features valuable bonus tracks not included in overseas releases, making them highly prized collector's items. The details of each album are presented below.

4.1 Studio Albums

1. Dragonslayer

Track No.	Song Title (English)	Notes
1	Chasing the Dragon
2	Save Us
3	Dragonheart
4	Losing You
5	Hail to the King
6	Heavy Metal in the Night
7	The Prophecy
8	H.M.J. (Heavy Metal Jesus)
9	In Flames You Burn
10	Kingdom of the Damned
11	The 7th Day
12	The Chosen Ones	One of the band's biggest hits
13	Losing You (Instrumental Version)	Japan Edition Bonus Track
14	Outro	Japan Edition Bonus Track

2. Evilized

Track No.	Song Title (English)	Notes
1	Break the Chains
2	By My Side
3	Fight You 'Till the End
4	Evilized
5	Invisible
6	Bad Dreams
7	Forevermore
8	Children of the Night	A staple of live performances
9	Live a Lie
10	Fear the Night
11	Made of Metal
12	The End
13	Let's Make Rock	Japan Edition Bonus Track
14	Betrayed	Japan Edition Bonus Track

3. The Book of Heavy Metal

Track No.	Song Title (English)	Notes
1 (JP)	The Enemy	Japan Edition Bonus Track
2	The Book of Heavy Metal (March of the Metallians)	The ultimate scripture of metal
3	Into the Moonlight
4 (JP)	Chapter 6	Japan Edition Bonus Track
5	The Sledge
6	No Way
7	Crusaders' Anthem
8	Let's Make Rock	(Standard track on some international editions)
9	Tired
10	Chosen Twice
11	M.O.M. (Man or Mouse)
12	The Mirror
13	Only for the Night
14	Unbreakable Chain

4. United

Track No.	Song Title (English)	Notes
1	Introduction	Japan Edition Bonus Track
2	Fire! Battle! In Metal!
3	United
4	Blind Evil
5	Evilution
6	Let Me Out
7	Higher on Fire
8	Kingdom at War
9	Love Is Blind
10	Falling
11	Back from the Dead
12	Pain Patrol	Japan Edition Bonus Track
13	Lady of Pleasure	Japan Edition Bonus Track
14	Doomlord
15	My Number One	Elena Paparizou cover

5. In the Night

Track No.	Song Title (English)	Notes
1	Immortal
2	In the Night
3	Bang Your Head
4	See the Light
5	Electric
6	Frostbite
7	On the Wind
8	The Ballad
9	In the Fires of the Sun
10	Mean Machine
11	Kill, Burn, Be Evil
12	The Unchosen One
13	Good Nightmare	Japan Edition Bonus Track
14	The Return	Japan Edition Bonus Track
15	Save Yourself	Japan Edition Bonus Track
16	Black Hole	Japan Edition Bonus Track

6. Six

Track No.	Song Title (English)	Notes
1	DREAM EVIL
2	Antidote
3	Sin City
4	Creature of the Night
5	Hellride
6	Six Hundred and 66
7	How to Start a War
8	The Murdered Mind
9	Too Loud
10	44 Riders
11	Broken Wings
12	We Are Forever
13	Under Attack	Japan Edition Bonus Track
14	Nowhere to Run	Japan Edition Bonus Track
15	Conquer the Power	Japan Edition Bonus Track
16	Crush It	Japan Edition Bonus Track

7. Metal Gods

Track No.	Song Title (English)	Notes
1	Metal Gods
2	Chosen Force
3	The Tyrant Dies at Dawn
4	Lightning Strikes
5	Fight in the Night
6	Masters of Arms
7	Born in Hell
8	Insane
9	Night Stalker
10	Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone)
11	Fight for Glory	Japan Edition Bonus Track

4.2 Other Major Releases (EP / Live / Compilation)

• Children of the Night (EP) (2003): Features the title track along with acoustic versions and other content.
• The First Chapter (Single) (2004): A single that served as a stepping stone toward the album "The Book of Heavy Metal."
• Gold Medal in Metal (Alive & Archive) (2008): A DVD and CD set. A crucial release showcasing live footage and numerous unreleased tracks, visually confirming the band's entertainment nature.

5. The Legacy and Influence of Dream Evil

5.1 Traditional Style as the Reverse Side of the "Gothenburg Sound"

Dream Evil functioned as an intentional counterweight to the "aggressive, modern death metal sound" that Fredrik Nordström had helped build. While bands he produced like In Flames and Dimmu Borgir symbolized the evolution and complexity of metal, Dream Evil served to preserve and inherit the foundational charms that metal once possessed: "simplicity," "catchiness," and "stylistic beauty." This duality is precisely what makes Nordström unique as a musician, ensuring that Dream Evil did not end up as a mere nostalgia act.

5.2 The Boundary Line Between "Inside Jokes" and "Dead Seriousness"

As song titles like "Heavy Metal Jesus" and "The Book of Heavy Metal" suggest, Dream Evil's approach has consistently incorporated humor and a spirit of self-parody. However, their execution, playing skills, and production quality are extraordinarily high; their stance is never to "make a mockery of metal," but rather to "love the excesses of metal and revel in them." This attitude is highly regarded, particularly among Japanese fans, as "lovable ridiculousness (in the most complimentary sense)," serving as the bedrock of their enduring support.

5.3 A Peculiar Relationship with the Japanese Market

Dream Evil has consistently demonstrated special consideration for the Japanese market through extensive bonus tracks, advanced release dates, and tours. This suggests that Dream Evil occupied a crucial position during the "melodic power metal boom" in Japan during the early 2000s. While for many foreign metal acts, Japanese bonus tracks are a purely commercial measure to counter imports, Dream Evil's spirit of service is exceptional, occasionally delivering up to four bonus tracks that possess a quality equivalent to the main album.

Conclusion

While Dream Evil may have started as a "passion project" or hobby for a famous producer, it ultimately introduced the immense talent of Gus G to the world and left an indelible footprint on the history of Scandinavian power metal. Their discography continues to embody the universal charms of the heavy metal genre: power, lyricism, and fantasy. Even after undergoing repeated hiatuses and lineup shifts, DREAM EVIL's ongoing attitude—manifested in unleashing new records like "Metal Gods"—is proof that they continue to hold a "dream-like evil" and a "soul of steel," exactly as their band name implies.