Dragonslayer

Dragonslayer is the debut on which Dream Evil gathered classic heavy metal's fun into a modern, clear sonic picture. Fredrik Nordström — the celebrated producer behind Studio Fredman — met the young Gus G (Firewind) in Greece in 1999 and formed the band in Gothenburg. Niklas Isfeldt, who had sung backing vocals on HammerFall recordings Nordström produced, took the mic, and Snowy Shaw of the King Diamond camp played drums. They had intended to call the band Dragonslayer, but the label rejected it and they settled on the current name, taken from a Dio album — the discarded name survives as the album title. Thick riffs, powerful high notes and clear choruses line up, and every song heads for metal's pleasure without hesitation. With its fantasy subject matter, the record has a generous exhilaration. “Chasing the Dragon,” “The Chosen Ones” and “Hail to the King” are perfect for anyone wanting the moment of raising a fist and singing. It topped the Japanese import chart and they supported Blind Guardian. A record that resonates with anyone wanting pure enjoyment over difficulty.