BY STEVE THIRIOT
From the wild heartland of Kansas City comes the thunderous sound of Dreams In Peril, a five-piece death metal/hardcore ensemble that has rapidly become an uncontainable force. Their latest release, "Ascending," is nothing short of a metal symphony, a chaotic yet harmonious amalgamation of groove, force, and finesse.
Since their inception in 2018, Dreams In Peril have defied expectations, forging their unique style. This is a band that doesn't just play music; they assault your senses with a sound that's as brutal as it is beautiful. Combining crushing grooves with cinematic soundscape melodies, "Ascending" is an album that pulls no punches and takes no prisoners.
The opener, "Into The Void", immediately pulls you into the album's gravitational field. The energy is substantial, serving as an apt prelude to the audial journey ahead. It’s a grand entrance, and by the time you’re fully immersed, you’re propelled directly into the title track, "Ascending". True to its name, the track is a sonic ascension with its vast dynamic range and interplay between pulverizing guitars and syncopated rhythms.
"Fade To Grey" showcases the band's ability to intertwine moments of haunting tranquility with bursts of raw power, while "Mad Mind" is a frenzy; The instrumentation on these tracks, as throughout the album, demonstrates the band’s technical proficiency without ever feeling overindulgent.
"Anxious Antics" is aptly named, with rhythms and riffs that mirror the anxiety and chaos of a racing mind. Meanwhile, "Temporary Temperament" might catch some off-guard with its melodic turns and shifts, adding layers of depth and maturity to their sound.
The unsettlingly named "Parasites Crawl" is a ferocious ride, blending blistering riffs with moments of eerie calm, reminiscent of the creepy crawlies the title evokes. And to cap off the album, "Misery Vision" is an encapsulation of everything that makes Dreams In Peril such a standout act, combining the relentless energy and dynamic shifts that have become their hallmark.
In “Ascending”, Dreams In Peril doesn’t merely present a collection of songs but rather a cohesive narrative that pushes boundaries and explores new sonic territories. It's not just another album; it's a statement, an audial journey crafted with passion and precision.
Whether you're a hardcore metal aficionado or just curious about the genre, this album deserves your attention. "Ascending" is not just a title but a statement. Dreams In Peril are rising, and this album is proof. Dive in, and let Dreams In Peril take you to new heights.
Listen to the Album on SPOTIFY