Metal Underground.com

Sure, Dream Master's "Spread Your Wings" is full of the soaring, operatic vocals and "how the hell did he do that" guitar work that power metal's known for. On top of that, though, this Argentinian band has added an appealing layer of thrash crunch, and a heavier vibe.

After an ominous intro that sounds like something out of a Hitchcock film, "Last Chance" comes bursting out of the gate with a thrashy guitar and drum intro. The song offers singer/guitarist Ezequiel Wiurnos a chance to show what he's capable of vocally, while Wiurnos and fellow ax-slinger Gabriel Chiavetto provide some crunchier material and solos that add some blues grit to the blazing fretwork. Fans of superb solos are going to find plenty to love here, with the arpeggio-laden burst on "Plastic Society" and a couple of speedy parts on "Silence" especially standing out.

Nicolas Polo more than earns his paycheck here, with drumming that adds power and groove to tracks like "Things Unsaid" and "Addiction." Rodolfo Sanmarti's bass work on the title track is also worth singling out.

Like a lot of power metal bands, Dream Master drags a little when it comes to the quieter stuff. The opening of "Waiting For You" is pretty, but generic, as are the first few bars of "Just A Lifetime." "Your Sol's Fate" works a bit better, transitioning from light to heavy quickly and well.

The production is excellent, with a solid low end that gives Sanmarti's bass plenty of room, without ever squeezing out the lead guitars.

Combining a touch of thrash heaviness with the melody and technicality of power metal, Dream Master's "Spread Your Wings" is an album that will likely appeal to fans of both genres.