This album takes you on a wild ride across a mystical land conjured up in the imagination as you listen to this masterpiece.

Overall, ‘Fractures’ is one hell of an album, and a must have for anyone who is even remotely interested in the genre. It’s everything I hoped it would be and more

With bands like Dakesis producing music of this calibre, the future of metal is secure. You could do worse than to spend some of your time in lockdown with this.

“Fractures” has the sonic warmth, depth and punch to belie its creators’ grassroots stature. It sounds big, bold and dynamic. Meanwhile, within a subgenre that has a tendency to produce multiple versions of exactly the same thing, songs like “Ends of Time, Part 2”, and “Hold Forever” serve up a fizzy and distinctive hybrid, encompassing all manner of extreme and progressive tropes while hammering home those all-important, dark, theatrical melodies.

Fractures is a wonderful release and should go down in history as the moment Dakesis rose up to become giants of the scene.

‘Fractures’ is possibly the best release by a UK band this year

Their set at times was beautiful, uplifting, powerful and epic. This was an excellent performance with an abundance of obvious on display it was difficult to believe they were just a 4-piece band. Their final song was ‘By the fading light’ a track which has finished their set for a number of years, but this would be the last time for many more years and was an emotional rendition.

You are clearly able to tell from the crowd’s reaction that DAKESIS are a well-favoured band in their hometown. Fans even travelled from near and far embrace their Prog-Power style. They certainly raise the flag for the scene and treated us all to some new songs from their highly anticipated third album.

How can so much sound come from a four-piece? The unique elements from each band member fit together perfectly tonight to create an impressive wall of sound.

Vocalist Gemma owned the stage as soon as she stepped onto it, with her trademark blue hair and a swooshing black cloak. They treated the crowd to some brand new songs from their new album that is currently in the works, as well as some fan-favourites. The room was packed and there was a great atmosphere.

I’ve seen quite a few times before and I’m a fan of the band but tonight they really were on top form. The new songs they played sounded fantastic and I can’t wait for them to finish the album and get them released so I can listen to them more. It really is a fantastic set, and underother circumstances would have been a good end to the night.

With a new album due out soon, they delivered a barn stomping set, that really should have seen them headline. Filled with energy and some chaos, they bewitched the crowd and ensured that a good time was had by all. A mosh pit broke out halfway through the set, and as the band reached its finale, the crowd demanded more, more more.

There were tears at the end and a huge outpouring of love and emotion for a band that I’ve not witnessed before anywhere, I was running on empty, I was ready to drop but I had a huge grin on my face which I could see mirrored in the faces around me, now that’s how to do an album launch.

Yes they’re cheesy, but who cares when you’re grinning like a maniac all the way through their time on stage?

There were tears at the end and a huge outpouring of love and emotion for a band that I’ve not witnessed before anywhere, I was running on empty, I was ready to drop but I had a huge grin on my face which I could see mirrored in the faces around me, now that’s how to do an album launch.

an album that is miles away from the pure power metal of the last album. There are still strong power elements within the music, but now a more expansive prog style has given the music a huge multi faceted feel. Power, prog and symphonic styles all come together in one grand opus….

….Coming as it does early on in the year, this album has set a benchmark for other to follow, I anticipate that by the end of the year, it will feature in many peoples top choice for 2016.

10/10

Every song has something special to offer with class shining through. You can feel the love and care taken with each track, the band honing and letting the song evolve….Dakesis is now a band that compete with the best of the Euro Power Metal bands 5/5