Ok metalheads, horns up. STATEMENT has released their forth full-length studio album "Dreams from the Darkest Side" in July 2022. Formed in 2011 from the dirty and dusty suburbs of Copenhagen, Denmark, this raw and power heavy metal quintet introduced themselves to the metal community with the debut release of "Monsters" in 2014. They deliver personal songs of tales from the band members depression, demonic thoughts, struggles to achieve dreams and the eternal search for love and happiness. If they added a "a single divorced mom with two children" it could be a Hallmark channel movie script. But I must confess, I love dark and edgy metal songs, there's a certain awe and mystic when writing about living on the edge with dark undertones of a tormented soul..

WOW, in your face rocking riffs open on "Don't You Hide It", powerful guitar licks show these guys mean business, metal business, steaming vocals complete this raw, hard song. Ok, you've got my attention boys, I'm strapped in, please continue. "The Reaper" is solid, rocking riffs with deep, evil vocals wrapped around thundering double bass drumming and a devilish chorus. Can they keep this major woody up on the title track "Dreams from the Darkest Side", pulling no punches with raucous, raw dual guitar jams, infectious riffs touched with stable drums beats, incredible vocal maneuvering between gutty, power, clean and even a dash of trash. A taste of the versatility of this band with "Lifeline", a hardened ballad with passionate vocals and a smooth, melodic tempo. A classic AOR tune without being a sell out that ends with a nice crunchy guitar solo. A really good song , but please don't introduce anybody to this band with this song, it's not their calling card. "Here I am" is more "punch you in the gut" with assertive, frenetic riffs and tempo, all tightly wound together in a metal straight jacket. The album ends with a somber, soft, rock ballad, transporting us back to the 80's hair metal explosion with cathartic vocals and an embracing guitar solo. This song is a definite "hands up, swaying back and forth" song.

As the old saying goes "Where have you been all my life", and that's what I feel about this band
I shamefully admit, I did not know of STATEMENT, but not anymore. I'm sweating from all the head banging. A flawless album with flashy melodies, memorable hooks, straight forward guitar solos, and of course, all beautifully tied together with powerful stellar vocals.