The First Tragedy of Klahera
Dreamwalkers Inc
From their EPK, “DREAMWALKERS INC creates a melodic blend of Prog Metal & Prog Rock with influences from all over the musical spectrum. The band returns now with this 85+ minute concept album. The years between 2020 and 2023, obviously riddled with a pandemic and other factors that delayed matters significantly, was not just spent making this album and surviving however. It was used (and perhaps needed) as a way to grow closer as a band. Letting old members out and new members in to discover the real identity of what DWi really is. The story details a girl found in a forest on a dark fated night that is adopted into a small village by a loving couple. The girl is clearly different from everyone in the village and seems to be at odds with everything. It feels like everything she thinks and stands for is ‘not normal’ according to the world around her. This leads to a dark conclusion at the end of this record that will be revealed as the songs pass.” The album has thirteen songs.
“Justice, My Tragedy” is first. There is a long lead-in to the main sound, which is pretty melodic and smooth, with mostly clean vocals, but also the snarl of harsh vocals. The lead guitar harmonies are nice as well. “Child of the Bloodmoon” has a very tender sound, but the spoken words speak of something dark. “Oldstead” is the official video from the album, and it has some excellent bass work along with some funky leads. Among the positive tones are some darker one as well, keeping the listener on their toes, and the spoken word snippets at the end tie in more of the story of the little girl who feels out of place. “Broken Puzzle Piece” has a solemn and strong structure mostly from bass guitar. Some anger comes from the vocals, and perhaps some frustration as well.
“It Lives” has some tense opening tones, and a heavy, aggressive riff. The dark tones build into a bubbling stew, and the tension is so thick, you could cut it with a knife. “Despicable” is a slow and gentle sound for the most part, accented by a shaded sound at times. The vocal harmonies in the chorus are very well done, as are the tasty leads. “Knowledge from Afar” is one of the best songs on the album, and it has a balance between Progressive elements, melody, and anger at times. “Celebrations” proves that the band has a bright side as well. The jovial elements dance fancifully in your head, and the vocals are very expressive.
“Mother Dearest” recounts the connection between mother and child, and her innocent musings over feeling different. Mom shrugs it off however. The vocals are tender and I get a PINK FLOYD vibe here, and not just because of the title. Although it’s beastly in length, it is easy to follow. “Pushed” might be the point where the tale turns, as cloudy and pensive tones abound. The subject struggles with her life at this point, questioning everything, and you can feel something on the horizon. “Heroes and Charlatans” has tenser tones, and the subject pleases “save us, help us” under a bed of heavy electronica. The screams at the end are frightening, and where things will go from here is unknown.
“Discovery” has a heavy and rousing sound from some great bass guitar work and a punishing riff. According to the spoken words, she is being accused, and they are looking for consequences. “Chain of Consequences” wraps up the story. The fate of the “outsider” is on trial. Angry voices accuse her of unimaginable things. The music is energetic and it has a nice combination of female and male vocals with angry harsh ones. In the end, they banish her from the village. Overall, this was a great way to tell a disheartening story through music. The album ran the gamut from angry and frustrated to happy and celebratory at times. We have all felt like that little girl at some point in life, and tying in this element to the music made it feel personal. The musicians were excellent, and the various shades of the story kept things interesting.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"The First Tragedy of Klahera" Track-listing:
1. Justice, My Tragedy
2. Child of the Bloodmoon
3. Oldstead
4. Broken Puzzle Piece
5. It Lives
6. Despicable
7. Knowledge From Afar
8. Celebrations
9. Mother Dearest
10. Pushed
11. Heroes and Charlatans
12. Discovery
13. Chain of Consequences
Dreamwalkers Inc Lineup:
Tom de Wit – Lead & Backing Vocals, Synths
Radina Dimcheva – Lead & Backing Vocals
Lennert Kemper – Guitar
Norbert Veenbrink – Guitar
Bjorn van der Ploeg – Bass
Sander van Elferen – Drums
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