Dionysus - Sign Of Truth

Year of Release: 2002
Label: AFM Records
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 54:47:00

Dionysus is a Swedish/German constellation formed in autumn 1999. This album is highly anticipated especially among Nation fans as Dionysus features ex-Nation guitar wizard Johnny ?hlin. The full line-up features Ronny Milianowicz (drums, ex-Sinergy), Olaf Hayer (vocals, Luca Turilli), Kaspar Dahlquist (keyboards, Treasure Land, Stormwind), Johnny ?hlin (guitars, ex-Nation), Nobby Noberg (bass, ex-Nation).

Musically Dionysus is very much like a harder version of Nation. Neoclassical melodic metal that borders on power metal. ?hlin once again proves to be an eminent guitarist, putting on a total riff-frenzy. Vocalist Hayer did a great job on the Luca Turilli album and his performance here is no exception. He has a stellar mid-to-high ranged voice and uses the whole spectrum. Although these two are very prominent, they are backed up by a rock-solid rhythm section.

The songs are for the most part up-tempo with sing-along choruses. At times it tends to be bit repetitive and too predictable, but for the most part this is very entertaining and catchy. There are many highlights, but songs like "Anthem For The Children," which differs a bit from the straight-ahead formula, is excellent. They also shoot in a good acoustic ballad, which is pure Nation to me.

The album was recorded in the legendary Studio Fulda which is best known for its productions with Edguy and Avantasia and the album was produced by Tobias Sammet (Edguy) and mixed by Tommy Newton. The result? Powerful and crystal clear.

So to sum it up, if you are into bands like Nation, Stormwind, At Vance, Accept, etc you can't go wrong with this one. Although done a million times before, there is something special about ?hlin's guitar-work and songwriting. And when he teams up with a killer vocalist and musicians of this calibre, Dionysus will certainly appeal to most metal fans.

Similar bands: Nation, At Vance, Stormwind

[This review originally appeared November 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
Time Will Tell / Sign Of Truth / Bringer Of Salvation / Pouring Rain / Anthem (For The Children) / Holy War / Don't Forget / Walk On Fire / Never Wait / Loaded Gun

Musicians:
Olaf Hayer - vocals
Johnny ?hlin - guitars
Magnus Noberg - bass
Kaspar Dahlqvist - keyboards
Ronny Milianowicz ? drums

Discography:
Sign Of Truth (2002)
Anima Mundi (2004)
Fairytales And Reality (2006)

Genre: Melodic Metal

Origin SE

Added: November 26th 2004
Reviewer: Bjørnar Bevolden
Score:
Artist website: www.dionysus.se
Hits: 3639
Language: english