In the Night marks Dream Evil’s first full length album in nearly four years. Born of the mind of famed Swedish producer Fredrik Nordström, Dream Evil was bound to succeed, originally with the talent of Nordström’s superb production and then young guitar whiz kid Gus G. While the group has had a series of lineup changes over the years, including the eventual replacement of Gus G, Nordström has managed to keep the band alive and thriving. Their most recent release is no exception.

Riding the winds of their well established sound, In the Night will do nothing to convince detractors that Dream Evil are worth another listen. Fans of the band will be pleased with what they hear, as songs like “Bang Your Head” and “Electric” retain the heavy, forceful tendencies of previous releases, and songs like “See the Light” and “In the Fires” of the Sun showcase the band’s trademark melodic heavy metal songs, chest thumping choruses and all. It must be noted that this album contains one of the best heavy metal ballads ever written, amusingly titled “The Ballad.” Long time vocalist and founding member Niklas Isfeldt delivers yet another superb performance, his soaring, powerful voice being the real draw of this record alongside Nordström’s bedrock of solid songwriting. Dream Evil know exactly how to please their fans, yet it certainly has become apparent that they are comfortable in their current time and place, and their sound could use some updating if they want to avoid becoming stagnant.

Given Nordström’s extensive and impressive resume of producing records from a huge array of the most recognized and successful modern metal bands, it goes without saying that this album sounds good. Really good. Every instrument rings crystal clear, from the sharp crack of the snare to the melodious rumbling of the bass, each member gets their chance to shine. Unlike most bands of the genre, Dream Evil have never been too overbearing with the shredding guitar solos, and the tasty leads of Nordström and fellow guitarist Daniel Varghamne keep the listener constantly engaged without being too overbearing. Songwriting always comes first with Dream Evil, and In the Night, while not as memorable as the band’s debut Dragonslayer, is another fine album by a consistently enjoyable band.