Italian NeverDream formed back in 2000 and have been searching their own style since then. Admittely I can't compare them directly to any other band I know, but familiar prog metal elements are abound on 'Rain of Sorrow'.

I hear NeverDream as a mixture of Dream Theater and Evergrey and some AOR elements, only not as heavy as Evergrey nor as tortuous as Dream Theater. NeverDream do not sling much hooks for a listener. Okay, 'New Millennium's chorus is very catchy, but generally the band do not utilize familiar and easy means of metal music. Metallic opener is easily my favourite song of the three, because of good composition work. 'No more Tears' is no Ozzy cover, but a song poorly piled of multiple and very different parts. Same piano melody is used on ballad-esque 'Rain of Sorrow', which happens to be way too conventional and actually partly familiar from somewhere else (no, not from previous song, mind you).

Players are skilled with their instruments, as is vocalist. Vocals are quite different from usual metal voices, which is one of the band's strengths, only that vibration is a tad too much for my liking. However, they're quite powerful when needed and also very calm. Soundwise this is very good for a demo, almost album quality. Clear, both trebly and bassy, which is suitable for this kind of music.

If you're short of prog metal/adult orientated rock hybrid, then you should check out NeverDream. Searching for own style is always a good thing, but hopefully we get better songs next time around.

Reviewed by Lane
12/23/2005 21:03