DEAD OR DREAMING

Sometimes called the 'Dream Theater of Canada' by fans, Into Eternity are a clearly skilled metal group originating from the middle of the prairies. While not a typical place for a metal band to start up, they have since gained a fanbase that has flowed a bit into the mainstream of metal listeners. Despite certainly being a talented bunch however, Into Eternity seems to have a bit of a problem with making a good album from start to finish. While each song they write has some sort of interesting moment of technicality or dynamic to it, the music starts to lose it's effect when the same tricks are pulled out for every song, every time. Such is the case with the band's second album 'Dead Or Dreaming.' While being an exciting and energetic listen at first, it doesn't take long to realize that each song follows very similar patterns, melodies and riffs. Especially for a progressive act, that should send up red flags almost immediately.

Each track generally opens up with a heavy, downtuned riff before erupting into a chorus or some sort of songwriting archetype. While having song structure to progressive metal can often be a refreshing change from often overzealous epics and pretentiousness, things get pretty boring. After the fifth track 'Elysium Dream,' (the first half of the album has some pretty great moments) there is almost nothing new offered, except the same sort of song that's already been heard, with different sets of forgettable, cookie cutter 'despair' lyrics.

To the band's credit, they are very tight in terms of their performance, and had these songs been performed by a less capable ensemble, there would be nothing to look into 'Dead Or Dreaming' for. However, while it's evident that these metallers can play alot of other musicians into oblivion, the songwriting and overall feel of the album leaves far too much to be desired. While the first two listens or so can be very enjoyable, once the familiarity sinks in, there is very little to enjoy here.

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