Earlier this year I had my first exposure to Dreamland via their sophomore release Eye for an Eye. When this album arrived on my doorstep I popped it in thinking it was a new album. It isn't.

It is kind of hard to keep some of these band's releases straight as many European metal acts are just now finding their distribution for the US, and that doesn't automatically translate to albums being released in the proper order. This is a good example of that. Eye for an Eye saw its debut in June of this year, just a few months removed from its original European release in March. Meanwhile, their 2005 debut album, Future's Calling, arrived in the States at the end of July.

What tipped me off was the music. As I began to listen to the album I noticed that it sounded a bit lighter than their other release. It is not a bad album, but it is definitely a mediocre release.

Dreamland began their career as Infinity back in 2003. Shortly thereafter the name was changed to Dreamland and they caught the eye of Hammerfall vocalist Joacim Cans. Cans' interest led to Dreamland landing a record deal and getting Andy Larocque to produce. The result of that is the truly mediocre metal of Future's Calling.

What else need be said? This is a completely mediocre effort that will not likely be remembered among the greats. Although, I am not terribly sure that was their goal. The problem that Dreamland has, on both of their albums, is that while they seem to be very technically proficient, well produced, and seem to have the innate desire to deliver, the music plays it safe. This is not a band that is going to stretch the boundaries of the power metal or heavy metal. That said, Future's Calling is still a satisfying album.

Funny isn't it? The music is solid, tight, performed well, and has potential. While I can respect the good aspects, I do not find it to grab me and truly hold my attention. As background music, it works. If you are looking for something to put in between your Maiden and your Iced Earth, Dreamland could work as the stop gap to get you between the two. You won't lose any metal steam, but you won't wear yourself out with too much good stuff in a row. You know, break it up a little bit.