After the breakthrough success of “The Dark Delight” (2020) and “Final Advent” (2022), melodic metal outfit DYNAZTY are set to unleash yet another landmark album in their storied discography. The new studio offering, which bears the enigmatic title “Game of Faces,” will be released on February 14th, 2025, and will be the band’s first record with powerhouse label Nuclear Blast.
A more concise and to-the-point affair than the band’s previous releases, “Game of Faces” is a very anthemic album as the grooves just keep coming relentlessly throughout its 42 minutes of playtime. Building on the strong foundations laid by such hit singles as “Advent,” “Natural Born Killer,” or “Presence of Mind,” the album has great momentum and drive to it, plouging through the speakers at an incredible pace. On a superficial and shallow listening it may feel as though it doesn’t have as much to offer musically when compared to either “The Dark Delight” or “Final Advent” which may lead some to conclude that this is a step down for the band, or it’s simply a case of style over substance. Moreover, the fact that their preferred formula for songcraft is more visible on this batch of songs doesn’t really affect their quality (as I feared at first); it just makes everything a bit more predictable, that’s all. However, once you take the time to listen to the songs thoroughly, you’ll be bound to discover that the musical and lyrical depth DYNAZTY are known for is still there, albeit covered in a much heavier and punchier sound. In other words, the Swedes traded their lavish songwriting for a more immediate and urgent feel as there’s a raw energy coursing through these songs, which makes them perfect for a live setting.
That being said, each song is well crafted and injected with a particular mood or atmosphere that adds some texture to the album’s potent sound design. With a title that seems taken from POWERWOLF’s playbook, the opening track, “Call of the Night,” is shrouded in a darker ambiance despite the intense drumming and the soaring chorus while the moody title track, “Game of Faces,” is a sing-along delight boosted by a powerful rhythm section and an incredible, staccato-based vocal melody. What I love best about the way DYNAZTY has crafted these songs is the fact that they don’t really rely on the tried and tested pattern of juxtaposing a melodic section (usually the verses) with a much heavier and catchier section (usually the chorus) instead, they play around with the melody much more but keep the heaviness levels pretty steady throughout the songs. The first single released, “Devilry of Ecstasy,” is such a great example in this sense as it is equally heavy and melodic from start to finish with shimmering synth work and an incredible guitar solo that elevates it a few notches higher. Nonetheless, when it comes to giving Nils Molin’s dynamic vocals more space to broaden and soar, Jonathan Olsson’s rumbling bass is there to support him and, for instance, his presence on the powerful “Fire to Fight” gives the song a darker quality that is perfectly counterbalanced by the best and bounciest chorus on this album. The stomping beat at the core of “Die to Survive” also thrives on Olsson’s mighty bass while Molin has a chance to show off a grittier side of his voice and guitar wizards Love Magnusson and Mike Lavér get to inject some melodies through their well-placed riffs.
Just when you think you finally have the album figured out, they throw the melancholy “Dark Angel” and the synth-laden “Fortune Favors the Brave” your way and all you can do is nod/tap/headbang along to the grooves or reflect upon the lyrics. Since “Dark Angel” has a more classic power metal vibe to it – with its thunderous drumming, soaring chorus, and spectacular solo moment – that it could easily be mistaken for an AVANTASIA number and up-tempo “Fortune Favors the Brave” rides high on pulsing synths and groovy rhythms, the two tracks make for an interesting juxtaposition in both mood and style. The album also boasts some of their most straightforward material in a long time, with “Sole Survivor” bringing a sense of urgency to the fold with its fast-paced tempo that will prove to be a neck-breaker for whoever tries to headbang along to it. Once again the solo is fantastic, but honestly, every solo on this album is outstanding.
The lavish songwriting is only brought back on this album for two songs that are placed towards the tail end of the tracklist – the painfully beautiful “Phoenix” and “Dream of Spring.” The majestic “Phoenix” is the most uplifting moment on “Game of Faces” as a wealth of positivity and even euphoria courses through its chorus and towering instrumentals. Since the lyrics are about leaving the dark night of the soul behind (yes, that is a direct reference to “Heart of Darkness”) and enjoying this life for what it is and what it offers, the myth of the Phoenix is indeed the best possible conduit for such a powerful message. On the other hand, “Dream of Spring” acts as a poignant social commentary on the troubled times we are living in but, like SCORPIONS’ iconic “Wind of Change,” also sets a cautiously optimistic outlook for the future. The album closes with “Mystery,” another up-tempo number that offers a final burst of energy, melodic riffs, and wonderfully layered vocals that make the chorus sound huge and bombastic.
All-in-all, “Game of Faces” is the most DYNAZTY-sounding album the Swedish quintet could have ever crafted, as they refine and hone in on their sound more fiercely than ever before. The end result is a very vibrant and jaunty album that showcases a much heavier and thunderous side of the band that we haven’t really heard on this scale since probably “Titanic Mass” (2016). Consequently, these highly anthemic songs are made to be performed on the big stages of arenas and, at home, listened to at full volume on the best speakers so as to fully and properly enjoy the sheer exuberance and vitality they exude.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
- 1. Call of the Night
- 2. Game of Faces
- 3. Devilry of Ecstasy
- 4. Die to Survive
- 5. Fire to Fight
- 6. Dark Angel
- 7. Fortune Favors the Brave
- 8. Sole Survivor
- 9. Phoenix
- 10. Dream of Spring
- 11. Mystery
Lineup
- Nils Molin – vocals,
- Love Magnusson – guitar, keyboard
- Mike Lavér – guitars,
- Jonathan Olsson – bass
- Georg Härnsten Egg – drums
Label
Nuclear Blast
