Metal Caravans

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=38EHF9K7
PASS: asesinodilusion

TRACKLIST:

1.      STRATOVARIOUS - Neon Light Child       
2.     ICED EARTH - I Died For You    
3.     SINNER - Destiny    
4.     HELLOWEEN - Forever And One (Neverland)    
5.     SKID ROW - 18 life    
6.     NIGHTWISH - Sleeping sun    
7.     BLIND GUARDIAN - Nightfall    
8.     STEEL PROPHET - Earth & sky    
9.     LACRIMOSA - The Turning Point    
10.     MR.BIG - To be With You    
11.     SONATA ARCTICA - Replica    
12.     TO/DIE/FOR - Lacrimanum    
13.     LOVE LIKE BLOOD - Remember    
14.     GOTTHARD - Let It Rain    
15.     BONFIRE - Goodnight Amanda    
16.     MACBETH - Moonlight Caress

Well, it very well could be. Nuclear Blast really have something special with their Metal Dreams compilation series, which should come as no surprise, as the NB label practically specializes in good compilations (see Beauty in Darkness and Death Is Just the Beginning). This album, however, focuses on the lighter side of metal, offering 16 ballads spanning the genres of power metal, gothic metal and melodic rock. I will offer a brief review of each song:
1. STRATOVARIUS - "Neon Light Child". This song appeared on the Hunting HIgh & Low CD-single as a b-side, I believe from the Infinite album. It's still a decent song, not a great opener though.
2. ICED EARTH - "I Died For You". This track is absolutely killer. One of their best ballads, from the classic album Dark Saga, the vocals in this track are beautiful, and are accompanied by some nice metal riffs.
3. SINNER - "Destiny". Starts off with a nice synthesizer intro, and then the song stays heavy until the vocals come in. The song is a tad long, but it's still pretty good overall.
4. HELLOWEEN - "Forever and One (Neverland)". Probably my favorite song off the album, from one of power metal's greatest bands. This is such a beautiful ballad, the chorus is just superb. The singing during the chorus is amazing.
5. SKID ROW - "18 and Life". OK, what are they doing on here??? Oh well, it's still a good song, i wouldn't necessarily call it dreamy, and it seems out of place, but I like it.
6. NIGHTWISH - "Sleeping Sun". This song is absolutely incredible. One of their greatest ballads, originally a bonus track off of the Oceanborn album. Tarja's voice is that of a goddess, and there's a beautiful solo near the end.
7. BLIND GUARDIAN - "Nightfall". The goodness continues with this excellent song off of the Tolkien-inspired Nightfall in Middle-Earth. The chorus is simply reason enough to hit the replay button.
8. STEEL PROPHET - "Earth & Sky". Probably the worst track off the CD, which is a shame, because it would have been great if not for the terrible off-key vocals. I won't dwell on it, listen for yourself.
9. LACRIMOSA - "The Turning Point". I believe this was the only song off of Elodia that was sung in English. It's a very good song, the female vocals sound a bit rough at places, but the orchestra in the background more than makes up for it.
10. MR. BIG - "To Be With You". Hmm... I really wonder who's idea it was to include them on here, seeing as they are obviously NOT metal, but oh well... It's still a damn good song, simple, but good.
11. SONATA ARCTICA - "Replica". Very good ballad, taken from their debut Ecliptica. Has a brilliant, energetic chorus and a killer solo later in the song.
12. TO/DIE/FOR - "Lacrimarum". Awesome goth-metal! The female vocals in this song are brilliant, and it almost has an 80's vibe to it. What a wonderful song, it fits the album cover well.
13. LOVE LIKE BLOOD - "Remember". Eh, it's OK. Would have been good if the male vocals weren't so annoying at times. I don't think the production was very good either.
14. GOTTHARD - "Let It Rain". A melodic rock outfit from...somewhere in Europe. If you're more into metal, this probably won't be your cup of tea, but if you like laid-back bluesy rock ballads, you'll probably love this song.
15. BONFIRE - "Goodnight Amanda". I liked this song a lot more than I thought I would. Though you probably haven't heard of this band, they've been around for quite awhile. But anyways, this is a beautiful ballad, probably my 2nd favorite song off the CD.
16. MACBETH - "Moonlight Caress". This is that OTHER goth-metal band from Italy. They're nothing like Lacuna Coil though. They mix Dimmu Borgir-ish vocals with melodic female singing. This ballad, taken off their Romantic Tragedy's Crescendo debut, only features the female vocals and keyboards. It's a very nice, chilling closer to the album. The lyrics are pretty good too.
Well, that wraps that up. I would highly recommend this compilation to those who are interested in discovering new bands, as well as those who like good rock ballads. In addition to this, I would recommend the other four installments in the Metal Dreams series.