EAGLEHEART – Dreamtherapy

Eagleheart is a dynamic Power Metal band hailing from the Czech Republic. They were founded back in 2003 by guitarist Michal Kus and recorded an EP called Black Sun in 2005. Soon afterward, the band won a contest and the first prize was to record a full-length album in a professional studio. This fortunate turn of events spawned the release of their successful debut album Moment Of Life in 2008. For the latest album Dreamtherapy, Eagleheart recruited a renowned producer, guitar player, and singer: Roland Grapow (Masterplan, ex-Helloween). It appears they now have all the elements in place to catapult them over the top, and become a very formidable Power Metal force.

Eagleheart is led by the prolific vocalist Vojta Simonik. Simonik is a rough and rugged high tenor, and is able to expand his vast range with great proficiency. He initiates a great deal of theatrical emotion into each of his songs, and like any great vocalist he is able to invoke his emotion onto the listener. One of the tracks in which this is displayed to perfection is “Nothing Remains”. A powerfully downhearted song about losing a love, Simonik begins by singing in a smooth lower register, which effectively enables the listener to believe the pain he is singing about. During the middle, he crescendos further up the scale until his vocals climax to an intense, fully dramatized, writhing effect. Not many vocalists can pull this off to perfection; it is very reminiscent of the heavily dramatic style sung by Scott Stapp of Creed.

Musically, the album is filled with superb hooks and melodies. It is clear that Eagleheart is heavily influenced by Stratovarius and Helloween. There are many elements of both bands’ style popping up throughout the album. Although there is a fairly balanced dose of guitar and keyboard riffs, the music does end up being more guitar driven. Some of the tracks contain a very heavy blend of the dual guitar chemistry, like the very extreme “Lost In The Dead End”, which has an almost classic Iron Maiden feel to it. Many of the tracks start out with a catchy melodic sensation, then take a heavier evolution toward the middle, which carries through to the end. It is this type of songwriting which makes Eagleheart such a fascinating band.

The culmination of Dreamtherapy comes during the final track, which is a thirteen-minute epic journey called “Wheel Of Sorrow”. This amazing track takes many twists and turns, yet still maintains perfect integrity. There are multiple guitar solos, potent vocals, and compelling all around musicianship.

Dreamtherapy is an extremely strong and influential album. Eagleheart has produced a gem with this one, and it is the complete package of excellent musicianship and songwriting. There isn’t a weak track on this album, and it should stand out for quite some time.