DreamsFear – Prelude to Destiny (2000 CD EP) Review | Irish Heavy/Power Metal Cult Gem

⛤ Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal | 8.00 € (Very Good Plus)
⛤ Pulse Rating: 8 / 10

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"Prelude to Destiny" is a hidden treasure from the Irish underground scene. This four-track EP really highlights the potential Dreamsfear had before they faded away. It mixes thrashy riffs with some heavy metal feels, kind of like a blend of early Metallica and Iced Earth with a Celtic twist. Even though it's short, this release really shines when it comes to songwriting, atmosphere, and sheer musical ambition. 

The opening track, “Ruins,” is a nearly eight-minute ride filled with crunchy riffs, tempo changes, and powerful vocals from Rob Buggle, who later went on to front Mael Mórdha. “As Darkness Falls” is a standout track that picked up a cult following, especially after showing up in an early Stickdeath animation — totally gets why, with its harmonized riffs and smooth transitions. The slower songs, “Bleak Horizons” and “Burning Bridges,” highlight the band’s skill in creating tension and mood through clean guitar sections and layered melodies. 

Even though it didn’t get much press and has a rough production quality, this CD gained a cult following. Dreamsfear had a bright future ahead, and their breakup was definitely a loss for the Irish metal scene, but "Prelude to Destiny" still stands as a remarkable reminder of what they could have accomplished.

Tracklist:
01. Ruins - 7:28
02. Bleak Horizons - 7:08
03. As Darkness Falls - 5:54
04. Burning Bridges - 8:02

Credits
Cathal Rodgers - Bass
Kieran Hynes - Guitars
Colin Purcell - Drums
Roibéard Ó Bogail - Vocals, Keyboards

Produced by Dreamsfear.
Recorded at the Mill Studios, Swords, Dublin.
Engineered and mixed by Peter Eades.
Mastered at Trend Studios, Dublin.


Links
Bandcamp

🔥 For fans of: Iced Earth * Metallica * Mael Mórdha * Angel Dust * Control Denied.
💀 Label: Monument Music / Ill Omen


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