Another Sky Guitar Master
Richard Szymanski | Lake Elsinore, Ca United States | 04/28/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those that are familiar with Helge Engelke, guitar player of two years defunked "Fair Warning" (no, not the wanker Van Halen tribute band, but the German masters), you would expect a great effort with his new project "Dreamtide". What you get is a phenominal effort in "Here Comes the Flood". Every note, lyric, and melody is penned by Engelke and save for the second song on the album (what was he thinking), all are immensely pleasurable to the ear. A few are clearly gems.The opening track is a very well written piece, worth the price of the import CD in itself. Skip song two and from there on you will be immersed in melody with Engelke delivering quality lead guitar work not often heard in todays failed music scene (especially in America). Track four "Dreamers" is as well written a song as Zeno Roths "Far Away" and "Listen to the Light". Helge reaches virtuoso status on this number as the feel, build, and phrasing of the lead might be second to none.While in "Fair Warning" Engelkes lead work was always some of the best in the biz. In the approximate 2 years from the demise of "Fair Warning" to the release of "Flood", he has seemed to raise his abilities by astronomic proportions. Maybe this is only because he did not have creative control while in "Fair Warning" as Ule Ritgen wrote most of the material.In my humble opinion, Helge Engelke is now on the Rothian plateau of Sky Guitar players. Uli Jon Roth is and will always be the true Master of the Sky Guitar. This is non-negotiable!!! Uli, however, has gone the classical route which may shy away listeners who want more of an edge (don't let it though). Zeno Roth has shown that he has that edge, but one grows weary waiting for him to put a real band together and produce new material for the masses. With "Dreamtide", Helge Engelke has a forum for his Hard Rock music featuring tasteful writing, inspirational lyrics, and his splendid Sky Guitar work.Lest me not forget the other members of this band. CC Behrens, a carryover from "Fair Warning" is an exceptional drummer. The vocalist is a young man named Olaf whose range often sounds to me to be taxed to the limit of Helges' writing. By normal accounts he is a very gifted singer, but where is Michael Flexig (Zeno/Uli Jon) when you need him. The bassist and keyboardist are more than adequate players but never stand-out as they do not need to.I highly recommend this CD and with wishful thinking, am already looking forward to a Dreamtide followup. Lets hope that Mr Engelke can keep this band together and be a little more prolific than the Roth brothers."
THIS RECORD IS SO GOOD
Gert | Sweden | 04/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This record is a must buy if you like melodic rock. Every song is good, no fillers. The singer is amazing and everything on this record is good, the guitar solos ,the changing in tempo, the keyboards are great. EVERYTHING IS PERFECT
Cant cay anymoore just one of the best i have in melodic "heavy" rock."
Dreamtide rules!
Gert | 02/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ok everyone, if you are a fan of Yes, Journey, Stratovarious, and Joe Satriani, you'll love this Italian band. This band is a really interesting mix of all of the bands I mentioned. This album is flawless. Honestly. I am a huge critic of music, but I cant criticise this album. Its pure listening enjoyment to the highest level. I can't say enough good things about this band."
