Dragonland – ‘Prophecies’

Symphonic Power Metal

Scarlet Records

Release Date – October 23^rd 2026

Review By Smudge Smith

Never heard Dragonland before but they offer a hard-hitting and meticulously crafted symphonic power metal journey in an ocean of soaring melodies, fast riffing and epic orchestrations. Their words not mine. This is their seventh release, and they reckon if you like Rhapsody of Fire, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius and Twilight Force then you should like this.

‘The Prophecy Unfolds’ opens on an acapella intro before they offer up a classical keyboard line and they career into some serious ‘speed widdle’ on the keys. Singer Jonas Heidgert shows his range from the off and guitarist Jesse Linkskog shows his chops in a battle with keysman Elias Holmlid. ‘Rolling Waves’ has rolling waves on the intro over a gentle keys line then it develops into a choppy radio friendly rocker before the pure symphonic metal of ‘Survival Of Mankind’ rattles along thanks to Johan Nunez’s double kick frenzy. Tribal rhythms introduce ‘The Perfumed Jungles Of Chrysantion’ which sounds like a lovely place to visit. It’s a bit proggier but still has some huge melodies then ‘Dragonland’ – the song – enters AOR territory with bright 80’s keys and a chugging riff before some huge backing vocals. It’s ballad time with ‘Light Of The Sunset’ where Heidgert brings a soft and smoky edge before showing his range again. There are synth strings and a bright piano backing, but you know the power chords are coming, and they come in waves adding the necessary punch and a soaring solo from Lindskog. ‘Glory And Gold’ comes across like something out of a Disney cartoon film then ‘Making Darkened Nights So Bright’ allows Lindskog free rein to widdle away before they settle into another proggy workout. ‘Distant Memory’ sets off at a right old gallop then eases back before they step on the gas again before the stabbing riffery of ‘The Call Of The Wild’ which is driven along on a tidy groove from bassman Anders Hammer and Nunez then final cut ‘Cries Of Anguish’ is a power metal gem.

This took a few spins to fully absorb what was going on. On first plays this sounded more like musical theatre which came across as very ‘hammy’ but after those extra spins you can hear the nuances and fills that make this. So, yes if you like all those afore mentioned bands then this will be right up your street.

Track List –

The Prophecy Unfolds

Rolling Waves

Survival Of Mankind

The Perfumed Jungles Of Chrysantion

Dragonland

Light Of The Sunset

Glory And Gold

Making Darkened Nights So Bright

A Distant Memory

The Call Of The Wild

Cries Of Anguish