From the bands EPK: In contrast to the two previous albums that were more on the heavy side, "Daydream Illusion" (released March 22, 2024) is a bit more melancholic and magical, which is also reflected in the vocals that are less aggressive and cleaner on this album. Special attention was paid to catchy melodies and lyrics, and for the first time a ballad made it onto a THORNBRIDGE album. The concept album tells the story of a boy who does everything to try and save his dream world and its characters from the destruction and violence he is confronted with in his real life in the form of questionable and inhumane 'healing methods' and surgeries in a mental asylum set in the early Victorian era.

Straying from the “heaviness” that defined THORNBRIDGE’s first two albums “What Will Prevail” (2016) and “Theatrical Masterpiece” (2019) to stepping outside the box with a more melodic approach and diving into a concept album to boot is daring and ballsy. Some of my favorite albums over the years have been “concept” albums which takes the listener to greater heights both musically and visually delivering a storyline that plays out in your imagination and senses. Unfortunately, “Daydream Illusion” falls short on both counts and translates as a mid-paced theatrical stage play. Overall, most of the songs had playful and compelling riffs aided by beautifully orchestrated harmonizing but lacked any bite or defiance. Some of the heavier songs “Island of My Memories”, “My Last Desire” and “Lost on the Dark Side” that tinkered with being close to true power metal tracks as the driving riffs and majestic backbeats aided by steady double bass drives made for explosive high points uncharacteristic of the remaining modest songs. THORNBRIDGE also abandoned the aggressiveness and raw energy of the vocals of their first two albums to a more reserved and unassuming sound.

The overall outcome of the THORNBRIDGE album “Daydream Illusion” is a likeable and ornamental semi-power metal effort that is an enjoyable overall listen but like a “super model” has no meat on the bones and could have easily hit the next level by tossing a little more gas on the fire.