What’s in a name. I just can’t envision what DIVNI SAN should mean. If you look it up on your AI, it will tell you that it comes from the Slavic languages and means something like Marvelous Dream. What I can tell you is that it is a Heavy Metal band from Brussels, Belgium and was founded in 2021 by ex-members of MIDRANGE. Under this new name they released an EP called “Divni San” in 2023, and now, another two years later they have signed with WormHoleDeath Productions and through them we are being treated to their debut full length album “Dreamlike Tales”. And yes, what I get to hear on this album is Heavy Metal. Nothing more, nothing less.

The kind of Heavy Metal that DIVNI SAN plays is in places rather intense, but not overbearing, but also not very quiet. Theat is due to the very rudimentary production, which I feel is a tad below what I would expect from a professional release. At other times, the way that DIVNI SAN plays will make you think of other bands, like on “In Utero (Reborn)”, where they sometimes sound like QUEENSRŸCHE (“The Bridge”). No, DIVNI SAN doesn’t copy them, just use some soundscapes and rhythms that will remind you of their peers. But overall, I have to admit that the musical abilities of the instrumentalists is good enough to have them play their songs on “Dreamlike Tales” at a very respectable level.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the vocals. There are so many times that you feel and (in my case) experience that not only the timing is off, but that he also has trouble staying in tune. His shouting doesn’t help either, as it doesn’t give up too many positive vibes. That Dragan can sing is clear when you listen to the songs “In Utero (Reborn)” and “The Power of Your Soul”. These are the ones where he sounds like you would hope he should do. That makes these them stick out way above the rest. I feel that if Dragan as a singer would work on his voice being a lot more in tune with the music, the band would gain a lot more in the way of respect. But hey, that is my opinion. Maybe you find what DIVNI SAN plays on “Dreamlike Tales” in combination with his distorted voice just what the doctor ordered. If so, don’t let my review deter you from worshipping DIVNI SAN.