Dreamaker has come a long way since its debut album, Human Device. Once a confused, stumbling, cast-off shadow of the glory of Spanish power metal band Dark Moor, the ex-singer, guitarist and drummer of that once great outfit has put together a record that shows far stronger originality, performances and arrangements than before.

Dreamaker’s debut had hints of good songs and compositions in its tracks, but it sounded too much like a bunch of Dark Moor b-sides (prompting questions of why the band split in two to begin with) sewn together haphazardly. Now, the band has shed any remaining aspects left over from its Dark Moor days and found a voice of its own.

You could say Enclosed is kind of the power metal version of a Dimmu Borgir record. Aggressive beats, electronic dance club keyboards, some well-executed harsh vocals, and misty atmosphere mix with the signature sound of Elisa Martin’s singing and Jorge Saez’s remarkable drumming... indeed, it is as much the absence of his work on the kit as it is Albert Maroto’s playing or Martin’s voice that has weakened Dark Moor to where it is now (see review in this issue).

If anything, Martin might be mixed a little low, but the overall flavors, catchy melodies and powerful punch that Dreamaker delivers makes Enclosed a recommended album that seems to be getting better with each listen. Unfortunately, since the promo copy we got had about half the songs cut short by edits, we might have been able to more confidently recommend this CD, but as it is, we think it’s a pretty good bet. It’s good to not have to say that Dreamaker + Dark Moor = Dark Moor with its original line up anymore. (around a 7.5/10)