In case you are wondering what the worst thing that could happen to you while trying to do a review is, here's my scenario: not only trying to listen to a typical, average album but also the CD-R being a jumper. Ok, the second part has nothing to do with the band but it didn't help at all with this review anyway. Soulshine is a weird case of an unreleased album. Maybe there's a chance one can find it in a store or through mail order? It's possible but your copy will be one of the 200 pieces printed by the band's label, Succubus Records.
The band was formed in 1989 by Jani Koskela (guitar & vocals) and Janne Peltoranta (drums). In 1991 Teemu Peltoranta joined the band. At first he was a vocalist but later on switched to keyboards. In 1992 the band recorded their first two Demos. In 1993 Marko Tuominen joined the band to play bass guitar and perform second vocals. The third Demo, Bed Of The Ancient River, was recorded. In 1994 keyboard player Teemu Peltoranta left the band and Jari Koskela joined in. The band recorded the fourth Demo, got a record deal and changed their name to Let Me Dream. In 1995 they released their debut album, My Dear Succubus, through Adipocere Records. In 1996 the band recorded the Medley Rain promo tape and toured Finland along with Two Witches. In 1997 The band formed their own record company, Succubus Records. Succubus Records released Medley Rain as a MCD. Juhana Stolt (guitar) joined the band. 1999 started with a tour in Finland together with Midnight Configuration and Two Witches. Tuukka Koskinen (vocals) joined in and the band played their first foreign show at Hell Gates Festival, Tallinn, Estonia. The band signed a record deal with Nocturnal Music, Italy. The Maze CD-single was released. In 2000 the 2nd album, Greyscales, was released by Nocturnal Music. The band toured Finland with Finntroll and Ensiferum. The band toured Finland again with Ancient Rites (Bel). Janne Peltoranta (drums) left the band. In 2001 Marko Jokinen (drums) joined in and the band played shows in Russia and Estonia. They then started recording their 3rd album. In 2002 they played in Belgium and Germany. The band keeps on producing the third album until late 2002. 2003 starts with more touring in Germany, Belgium and Holland. In late 2003 they played for a full house at St. Petersburg's (Russia) Club Orlandina. In 2004 and on the eve of their 3rd European tour, the band released a limited edition of the Soulshine album on Succubus Records.
Now that you know everything there is to know about this band let's check the music as well. Doing a loop and going back to the beginning, this album had the following effect: I listened to it several times and though it never caused me any symptoms like falling asleep or something, I didn't manage to keep in mind a single track. So the word average will dominate this review. Typical Death / Gothic / atmospheric Metal just like some 1,258,468 other bands out there. And if you ask me why we should prefer Let Me Dream over the rest 1,258,468 bands out there, my answer will be you shouldn't. Not even the good production can salvage these compositions from poverty.
Like the fat lady said, a man must work overtime to set my booty on fire. And Let Me Dream need to work on a triple shift to make that lady happy.