DREAM PATROL is a hard rock / classic rock band consisting of four members from across Europe and America. "PHANTOMS OF THE PAST" will be their debut full-length record set to hit the market 21^st of September this year. If you are already curious with their name, let me quote the band's own explanation: "The inspiration for the band name comes from the 80s horror movie A Nightmare on Elm Street, in which a demon-like creature would attack you while you were sleeping. With Dream Patrol you shall fear no more. It is a special office of combat against mind-invaders, working for you overtime, whenever you put on your headphones and start daydreaming."

This description, along with how they classify their genre is immediately given justice by opener self-titled track "Dream Patrol" featuring every element of 80's hard rock and some New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The bass lines are very dominant and assertive, the guitar parts are plotted to give you a nostalgia of 80's rock n' roll, and the singing is exceptional. It's a very high energy track that can somehow be associated to power metal. "Tattooed Millionaire from Panama" wastes no time energizing the listener with brief guitar intro straight into very positive and uplifting vibe brought by the singing and he overall sound. The chorus is so catchy it could make an entire stadium sing along. The masterful, melodic, shreddy solo makes it a more interesting track.

The title track "Phantoms of the Past" is so nostalgic, so anthemic it would make a good soundtrack for Space Sheriff Shaider. (anyone remember that?). The only way you can understand this is to listen to the song yourself and wait for the one minute mark. Insertion of acoustic guitar and dominance of bass in the gentle, calmer track "Lost Child" will remind you how The Eagles attacked with their "rock n' chill". The guitar solos are simply so excellent and fit to their sound that it takes away every superlative I can think of. Next track is "Stand up and Fight". This track has very clear traces of NWOBHM in every single aspect. The song is a standout in terms of intensity and energy. "Piece of Paradise" is another Shaider soundtrack (but seriously, I think Dream Patrol and the space sheriff can work together). "Is That the Thanks I Get" and "Time is a Healer" are power ballads that will surely have a special place in every listener's playlist because really, who doesn't love power ballads?

Closing track "Haunted Tower" puts a strong finish to the album. That's how you close an album that was opened by a high-octane track and was defended by every song in between. Amazing! If I would make references to describe their overall sound, I'd say their roots are predominantly the NWOBHM and AC/DC. They also have some similarities to the band Europe.
Not to be crazy about it but, this is how Lordi might sound if they were not angry.

Overall, this album is perfect, and a sure masterpiece. Come on, buy the record!