ALBUM REVIEW: Dream Chaser – Rendezvous Point

Norwegian progressive metal outfit RENDEZVOUS POINT have been in operation for far longer than most realise, with their debut album surfacing in 2015. Since then the quintet have continued to impress and are poised to release their third full-length effort Dream Chaser on June 21st via Long Branch Records. Will this release continue to build on their already impressive evolution?

Don’t Look Up gets proceedings underway with a groovy riff/synth combo. Smooth vocal lines seep their way into the fold adding a theatrical quality to the track – a solid opener. Oslo Syndrome brings punchy drums and addictive hooks to the party. The chorus is an absolute earworm, don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming it long after you’ve listened. Throw in the lush lead work and you’ve got yourself a banger. Utopia takes a dramatic turn as unpredictable rhythmic shifts keep you on your toes. The prominent prose also assists in creating an inviting soundscape.

Fireflies offers up a little sweet pocket of escapism to vibe along to. Vibrant heaviness kicks into gear, breathing waves of intensity into the mix. Presence sustains that alluring mentality with snappy drum beats and bursts of enticing guitar work. Frontman Geirmund Hansen has a knack for sitting right in the pocket and giving the track exactly what it needs. Wildflower is equally as upbeat and colourful. Whilst it may not be the standout effort on this release it glides along nicely.

The Tormented grasps your attention almost immediately with tense synths and gritty instrumentation. The spoken word segments are particularly unsettling. Still Water opts for solemn, subtle piano sequences to guide the way. The mood and tone are mesmeric, luring you into every note and nuance. The fact this piece is a slow burner and doesn’t just suddenly explode actually plays in its favour as it allows the building orchestral elements to have more of an impact – a fitting closer.

RENDEZVOUS POINT deserve a lot more credit than they have received. They are far more than just Baard from LEPROUS‘ other band and Dream Chaser further cements this fact. The melodies abundantly scattered throughout this release are a joy to behold and it is refreshing to hear a band who possess the capability to be technically flamboyant but don’t feel the need to ram it down your throat every second. If this talented collective have slipped under your radar up until this point this is the ideal introductory point.

Rating: 9/10

Dream Chaser is set for release on June 21st via Long Branch Records.

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