The Czech Republic is not often known for putting out power metal bands.  In fact, one would be hard pressed to name one band from the country better known for eccentric hockey players.  Eagleheart is looking to change that perception, with their Stratovarius-influenced power metal (they take their name from a Stratovarius song of the same name).   With their sophomore album Dreamtherapy out in recent weeks, this is their opportunity to let most of the world know their sound.

Judging by their name and influences, one would expect Eagleheart to be a Stratovarius ripoff.  However, this is not the case, as the power metal is a little more straightforward, and the vocals of Vojta "Kai" Šimoník have their own sense of power, as first evidenced on “Shades of Nothing.”  Being able to reach the high notes is something of a pre-requisite for any power metal band, and Šimoník has a ways to go, but shows considerable talent in that regard.  The music itself has the ability to be special, but where Eagleheart needs to improve is their songwriting, as it doesn’t grab the listener’s attention right away.  In Eagleheart’s case, style seems to take a back seat to substance, as evidenced by “Lost in the Dead End,” which is normally a good thing, but power metal does require some level of style, even with some substance.  Guitar solos are often lost in the mix, something that the band should get better at as they progress in their career.    Ballads on the album such as “Nothing Remains” are clearly the band’s greatest strength, as they seem to have that idea down to a science.

Eagleheart is a band that has talent and Dreamtherapy is proof of that.  However, their effort as a whole is rather uneven, as they excel in ballads, yet need improvement on guitar solos.  The musical talent is there, but Eagleheart has a ways to go before they can even be mentioned with power metal’s greats.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Insomnia
2.  Shades of Nothing
3.  Taste My Pain
4.  Lost in the Dead End
5.  Creator of Time
6.  Nothing Remains
7.  Dreamtherapy
8.  Burned by the Sun
9.  Glass Mountain
10.  Wheel of Sorrow

Total playing time:  51:16

Release Date: November 24, 2011
Label: Scarlet Records

Eagleheart - Dreamtherapy

Reviewer: Peter

January 2, 2012