Dream Evil

Dream Evil, a power metal ensemble from Scandinavia whose name derives from Dio’s 1987 release, sprang from the creative vision of acclaimed Swedish producer Fredrik Nordström, widely regarded as one of the nation’s most active melodic death metal engineers. The project took shape in 1999 when Nordström joined forces with Gus G of Firewind; the roster later stabilized with vocalist Niklas Isfeldt, bassist Peter Stålfors, and drummer Snowy Shaw. The band issued its first album, Dragonslayer, through Century Media in 2002 and subsequently toured alongside Hammerfall and Blind Guardian. Its second studio effort, Evilized, appeared in 2003, while The Book of Heavy Metal followed in 2004. Gus G departed soon after that release, making way for guitarist Mark Black.

Further shifts occurred in 2006 when Shaw exited and Pat Power joined on drums, debuting on the album United. Black stepped away in 2007; Daniel Varghamne took his place and featured on the group’s fifth full-length, In the Night, released in 2010. Black rejoined in time for the aptly named Six in 2017. After supporting European and American tours and festival appearances, the members convened sporadically for live dates because each had young children at home. Recording for a new album began in 2019, yet the pandemic halted progress and family responsibilities took precedence over studio work. In July 2024, after issuing several video singles, Dream Evil delivered Metal Gods. Nordström handled recording and mixing duties, and the album featured three guest lead guitarists: Jonathan Thorpenberg of the Unguided, Tommy Johansson of Majestica, and Christopher Amott of Black Earth.