Swedish melodic power metal quintet Metalite is one of the most interesting new genre bands to be around. On its third studio album A Virtual World, the three men and two women combine catchy, danceable and melodic passages with atmospheric, dynamic and playful sections that bring an interesting science-fiction conceptual story to life.

This record convinces on several levels. The immersive narrative passages, atmospheric synthesizers and cinematic sound effects are perfectly interwoven into the dynamic power metal style to give the band and the record their own identity. The melodic guitar work is simple but efficient which is a refreshing approach in times when many power metal bands try to aim for more ambitious, complex and genre-breaking results. The rhythm section with bass guitar, drums and percussion is an essential element that distinguishes this band from pop and rock groups as it provides the necessary energy and speed to make the group stand out. The energetic, melodic and memorable vocals by Erica Ohlsson sound technically appealing, refreshingly timeless and melodically youthful.

The record starts promisingly with the energetic, harmonious and memorable title track that gets to the point in four entertaining minutes without any lengths. The uplifting up-tempo anthem ''Cloud Connected'' would make for an excellent single with the potential for extended radio play that easily outclasses the In Flames song of the same title. The band successfully meanders between epic tracks like the playful ''Beyond the Horizon'' that has much replay value, catchy tunes with unapologetic synthesizer pop influences like the joyful ''We're Like the Fire'' and more conceptual tunes such as concise closer ''Synchronized'' that fluidly connects back to the strong opener. The production blends in perfectly as the record sounds melodic without ever being too artificial, polished or smooth. This release is crowned by a colourful artwork and interesting booklet that represent the lyrical concept in particular and the refreshing band spirit in general very well.

Sweden has always had numerous excellent pop bands as well as influential metal groups. Metalite can be seen as a successful hybrid these two genres. Kawaii metal enthusiasts should also appreciate this release in particular. Purists might claim that the album sounds too catchy, fluffy and melodic and should simply ignore this release and stick to the genre classics of old date and their uninspiring formulaic copycats. Those who appreciate both pop and metal music and people who prefer melodic metal music or energetic pop music should however give these overlooked promising youngster a chance as A Virtual World walks off the beaten path and represents a perfect starting point to discovering this quirky quintet.

Final rating: 80%

Few bands represent the spirit of autumn as well as Portland's gothic metal quartet Unto Others. The idea to release an extended play for Halloween had been discussed for two years and the quartet has finally published such an output only a month after releasing second studio album Strength to very positive reviews. It's a wonderful unexpected gift to the band's growing fanbase as the group keeps releasing high-quality material on a regular basis.

The first song on I Believe in Halloween is entitled ''Out in the Graveyard'' and immediately transmits a gloomy atmosphere that supports the bleak lyrics. The melodic song has steady pace that represents the stress experienced by the narrator of the lyrics. The song surprises with a few vocal effects and repetition of lyrics providing a gloomy atmosphere. The chorus is catchy which explains why this song opens the extended play. The songwriting is as concise as usual in three and a half entertaining minutes. The song's style recalls a mixture of the atmospheric side of electronic rock band Depeche Mode with the energetic side of horror punk band Misfits. The only negative element to be mentioned is that the vocals sound a little bit rushed. A slower pace and longer running time should have given the vocals the time to unfold properly and would have added some additional cinematic atmosphere.

Second and final song ''Dalmatian'' works much better in that regard with slower pace and stronger atmosphere. The track opens with a wonderful bass line and finds the perfect balance between atmosphere and melody. The highlights are the synthesizers employed in the bridge that strongly recall horror movie soundtracks of the seventies from Suspiria to Halloween. The only negative elements are the slightly lackluster chorus and the lyrics that are not as intriguing as the other song's fascinating story.

At the end of the day, Unto Others' I Believe in Halloween is a very appropriate release for this time of year as the two new gothic metal tracks ooze with atmosphere and should be spun at any authentic Halloween party. Right now, these two great tunes are only available digitally on Bandcamp. You can name your price until Halloween which means that you should get these songs as soon as you are reading this review. If you're interested in purchasing a physical copy, you have to wait for the releases on cassette and vinyl one month and a half from here. Fans of gothic rock and metal should certainly purchase one of the three versions of I Believe in Halloween as the creative material presented here has much replay value and confirms the band's status as the most interesting new gothic metal band to be around.

Final rating: 80%

Throughout the pandemic, progressive metal veterans Dream Theater have been more active than ever before as they have released a massive official live record with Distant Memories - Live in London, a Christmas single named ''The Holiday Spirit Carries On'' in support of their tour crew and the first four records of their Lost Not Forgotten Archives, including three bootleg live records and one demo. The band's fifteenth studio album was prepared with the help of video conferences as James Labrie was stuck in Canada while the other four members could meet in the United States of America. Once the band members could finally reunite, they recorded A View from the Top of the World at their brand-new own studio which shows that the band is alive and kicking and still has many projects for the near future. Even though the group had to push back its tour in support of the album from fall to spring due to the pandemic, the band still decided to release the new record now. Few bands have been as consistent in their development and release strategy as the dynamic quintet and this deserves to be pointed out as an inspiring example that should be followed by their colleagues in difficult times.

As for the record itself, it qualifies as a good average Dream Theater album in the key of the even stronger predecessor Distance over Time. Make no mistake however, since a good average Dream Theater album still easily outclasses the vast majority of the material released by less experienced, gifted and inspired genre colleagues.

Several similarities can be found between the predecessor and this new output. The band continues to find the right balance between energetic, fast and technical progressive metal soundscapes and catchy, melodic and soothing progressive rock harmonies. The songwriting remains diverse as every band member was involved in the musicianship while three band members provided lyrics to the seven songs. There is even a direct connection between the two records as the predecessor ended with ''Pale Blue Dot'' asking philosophical questions about life on our planet while the opening ''The Alien'' on this output explores mankind leaving said planet behind and establishing a society on another planet.

A few differences can also be pointed out between the two records. The production might be the best Dream Theater has ever had as every instrument sounds crystal clear and the different soundscapes harmonize and complement one another perfectly. This record is overall heavier which becomes obvious in the aggressive, fast and powerful opener ''The Alien'' or the modern, sinister and technical ''Awaken the Master''. The drum play is particularly adventurous as can be witnessed in the dynamic, energetic and variable ''Sleeping Giant'' and creative, diversified and emotional album closer and title track ''A View from the Top of the World''. Another noteworthy element are the experimental soundscapes provided by keyboardist Jordan Rudess who manages to incorporate organic-sounding orchestral samples that add an elegant classical atmosphere to songs such as ''A View from the Top of the World''.

If compared to the predecessor, the material on A View from the Top of the World might need a few more spins to grow but offers much replay value for patient listeners. The melodic, smooth and thoughtful ''Invisible Monster'' with its inspiring lyrics or the harmonious, timeless and uplifting power ballad ''Transcending Time'' are perfect examples for songs that unfold their magic after multiple spins. Overall however, the songwriting is less fluid, the melodies less infectious and the choruses less catchy here than on the excellent predecessor.

At the end of the day, occasional and faithful Dream Theater fans can't go wrong with purchasing the band's fifteenth studio album A View from the Top of the World that shows a band living the dream despite difficult circumstances. If you have never or only rarely come across Dream Theater, you would however rather want to start your discovery with the band's classic progressive metal masterpieces that have stood the test of time such as Images and Words, a more recent output showcasing the full potential of the current line-up such as the fresh A Dramatic Turn of Events or one of the band's massive live record such as the entertaining Distant Memories - Live in London.

Final rating: 80%

Listen to the music right here: https://untootherspdx.bandcamp.com/album/i-believe-in-halloween

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