LAST AUTUMN's DREAM is a Swedish AOR/Melodic Hard Rock band, made up of some of the genre's veterans.  The band is energetic and the production is extremely clean, adding up to an easy listening experience. However, keep in mind this is VERY melodic.  Despite the fact they are a rock band, there isn't anything here that is going to make you head bang or stand up and air guitar. I'm not not saying that is a bad thing but their sound is very safe and doesn't challenge the listener in anyway; its great background music or maybe something to play on a sunny day while driving some back roads with the windows down but if you are a Metalhead who wants something to thrash about to, you need to look elsewhere.

The opening track, "Go!" is aptly titled and really kicks things off.  Mikael's enthusiasm is inspiring and he is clearly feeling it. Although he is a good vocalist, his voice is a bit to nasally for my tastes.  SODERSTROM's guitar riffs are very simple but they allow just enough bite to tap your foot too. His leads are a lot better, very melodic and catchy, finding a place to wrap around the songs and put it all together. "Shadow of the Night," is a song that would actually sound pretty good played at night; it just has that certain feel to it. The mid-section of the song is a real treat with its emotional guitar solo and the bridge of the song allowing Mikael's vocals to shine.

As the title would suggest "Turn It Up," brings the beat a little harder, especially with the drums that become the song's highlight.  The guitar has a little groove to it and is backed very well by the bass.  The vocals are a bit more theatrical here as well and the solo is on the verge of shredding.  This whole song is the band's sound but on steroids and it makes me wonder what they could accomplish if they cut loose one day or got really pissed off. The album isn't overly long but with eleven tracks it's hard to listen all the way thru because so many of the songs sound the same.  Still, it's a solid album filled to the brim with catchy choruses, soaring melodic solos, and some decent riffs here and there. If AOR is your style, you can't go wrong with this one.