Founded back in 1982 (and split up in 1985) Swedish metallers DARK ILLUSION was dug out again by early members Tomas Hultqvist (git.) and Niklas Tengblad (acoustic git.). Releasing an EP in 2003 its success seemed to be convincing enough to venture on the first (FIRST!) full-length and debut album!
With Beyond The Shadow the band remains true to themselves and its roots, delivering an album in the veins of classic 80’s US Power Metal with a proper touch of Hard Rock, many solos, sing along refrains and some keyboard parts. Production wise DARK ILLUSION cleverly wrapped everything into a modern sound, powerfully and freshly kicking some butts. Track-listing also contains some songs picked up from the band’s relict. How they have reworked them, I don’t know, since there is no old material available to compare to.
Kicking off with the double-package Night Knight and Child Of The Night, Power Of The Evil, Weeper Deeper or the beautiful ballad Warrior, the album’s highlights are set at the beginning. The rest cannot keep this level and ears turn off. Wallowing in nostalgia for a moment songs pass me by without leaving any deeper impression. Lyrically the band narrates stories about lonely warriors, fighting the Evil and saving the world, friendship, and the darker aspects in life.
To come to an end: Speaking about production and the musicians skills Beyond The Shadow is without a doubt a well-done debut album. As regards content musically it is probably better made for die-hard fans of this genre.