TORIAN are hailing from Paderborn, Germany, and make exactly this kind of music their cover artwork implies: Teuton influenced power metal with lots of harmony-leads, galloping guitar workings, many melodies and double bass as well as hymn-like choirs and refrains.
Speaking about the quality there is nothing to nag about. All tracks are well-structured and varied; the musicians are talented and know their job. Worth mentioning: singer Marc Hohlweck doesn’t bother in too high pitches; he hits the right pitch for this kind of music and now how to vary his voice.
Consequently I just got my usual problem: TORIAN cannot add anything new to this genre and abuse the same old riffs known for decades. It so bores me! By the way, not only at this band…
Pace of songs is ranging in middle fields, with a few exceptions as in Late Revenge and Decadence that already touch melodic speed metal areas.
A few refrains are really catchy like the band hymn Torian (the opener) and Born To Win. Besides one will find the typical semi-ballad called Leave This World Behind and the extra long closer Souls Of Fire (Like The Autumn Leaves...) which has a strong Blind Guardian touch.
All things considered Dreams Under Ice is a solid record with a good production. But it doesn’t kick me out of my socks. I try it with neutrally subjective 6.5 points.