When most people hear references to heavy metal music and Sweden, most would envision face pant wearing black metal bands. Not the case with LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM, which is like a Swedish BON JOVI. Formed in 2002 by Mikael Erlandsson and Andy Malecek from German hard rock band FAIR WARNING, LAST AUTUMNS DREAM are pioneers of Swedish progressive metal. LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM manages to maintain the integrity of what power metal is supposed to be while also catering to a demographic that may enjoy a more melodious offering than most other modern Power Metal bands can offer.

LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM'S 13^th studio album, "Paintings", stays true to the formula that the group has used throughout their almost 15 year career. Technical prowess combined with a raw talent possessed by each and every member of the group comes together to produce a product that even the most casual Rock fan can easily listen to and appreciate.

The albums first song, "My Mistake to Make" starts out with a melodic guitar fill before evolving into an almost BON JOVI-esque vibe, with a chorus that fans will be chanting out as they listen. "Bring Out The Heroes" is a more hard hitting track, incorporating a heavier guitar presence than other songs on the album. "Out Of Love" starts out with a ballad-like tone before changing into what can be called "Pop Metal". "Too Late" sounds like it could have been ripped right out of DEF LEPPARDS catalog. "Take It On The Run" is a cover of the REO SPEEDWAGON classic. LAST AUTUMNS DREAM does this cover justice by not just copying it note for note, but for making it its own thing. "Wont'cha Stay The Night" is a solid tune that does the album justice. "An Eye for an Eye" has the catchiest chorus on the album. "Bitter Blue" starts out with a bit of an odd vocal progression, but eventually evolves into a catchy and memorable tune. "In Case Of Landing On Water" seems as though it was an afterthought, a filler song, something made to pad out the album's length. It's not a bad song, but it lacks the substance of the other tracks. The albums last song, "Rock Star Crazy" is a conglomeration of different styles that come together in a surprising way.
If you are feeling nostalgic for the 80's, or just plain like good old school Power Metal or Pop Rock, you will not be disappointed by LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM's "Paintings" A solid piece of work that you can listen to time and time again without tiring.