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DYNAZTY
Game of Faces
Nuclear Blast Records

In 2009 DYNAZTY released their first album Bring the Thunder and 16 years later they are still bringing the Thunder with bolts of lightning. Game of Faces has been released. This power metal album is their 9th overall. DYNAZTY has had very few changes in their lineup and for the most part of the last 10 years has stayed the same. This makes for a well-oiled machine and musicians that are fine tuned in their individual part of this machine. DYNAZTY was very 80's rock-esque in their formidable years and has traversed into a melodic metal genre with symphonic textures all while keeping their, dare I say, sexy 80s rock arena vibe. Heavier now but still the appeal has grown exponentially. They aren't just beautiful faces with locks of flowing hair up on the stage. They are true musicians, world class that are mastering their craft. Sweden births top notch musicians and I'm always here for it.

Game of Faces started slowly in 2022, coming together while the band toured and kept up with personal obligations Nils has said. The previous album, Final Advent was written during the pandemic when they were only focused on writing during lockdown. This is also the first album released under Nuclear Blast Records, which may be a small reason there seems to be some changes in sound and some heavier moments in it. I>Game of Faces will take us on a journey diving into human nature of self-discovery, spiritual death and rebirth. This album is pervaded with battle hymns and anthems so to speak. There are 11 songs on this album and for me personally there are a few tracks that drew me in and stood out. The title track "Game of Faces" is very theatrical and melodic. While listening to this song I kept envisioning Phantom of the Opera but an edgy metal version of that opera. It was very vivid listening to the lyrics. Another track that was a favorite is Dream of Spring, a song about the different cycles and seasons of life, waiting for the dark to come to light, perhaps waiting for peace. At the 3:16 mark in the song the guitars/bass come in and is phenomenal. Kuddos to Mike, Jonathan. Nils talked about the influence of "Winds of Change" by the SCORPIONS with this song. It's really a beautiful song, not soft but just the right combination of storytelling and operatic rock, fantastically done. It is my absolute favored track on this album. "Dark Angel" drew me in. The intro was very ethereal at first then breaks into a fantasy world where the eternal feud of a soul battling good and evil, dark and light rages on. The drumming is amazing in this song. George is out of this world. "Fire to Fight" is another that George is fantastic in. The message of facing your fears, standing up to fight, a reminder of the times we are in currently and fight for what you believe is right. Some snapping of strings undoubtedly occurred during this song with some serious shredding. Nils reached some notes that just aren't even fair. Many vocalists must be envious.

The 9th track is "Phoenix". Rising from the ashes, the future is unclear. The phoenix always rises and overcomes. Nils reminded me of Miljenko Matijevic from STEELHEART with some of the vocals in this one. I loved it. The final track "Mystery" is a masterful rock opera. It ends the album with rapid musical climax. This entire album is packed with excellent vocals, awesome keyboard and sometimes synth-rock. The guitars are heavy with just the right mix of riffs and solo highlights. The drums are perfect. Nils is a powerhouse. I can't say it enough, Sweden gives us these Melodic Metal bands that some of us have become addicted to. Complete excellence is the easiest way to put it.

5.0 Out Of 5.0