Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Aetherbound is the ninth studio album by the Finnish melodic power metal band Dreamtale, released on July 31, 2026 (with some Japanese editions arriving on July 22) via Dreamtale Production.
Formed in 1999 by Rami Keränen (guitar), Dreamtale boasts a long career featuring albums such as Beyond Reality (2002), Ocean's Heart (2003), and others. Following a relative hiatus, the current lineup—including Akseli Kaasalainen on keyboards, Arto Pitkänen on drums, and others—delivers consistency and passion.
It follows Everlasting Flame (2022) and marks the band's return to a dual-vocal lineup (Nitte Valo and Jarno Vitri), bringing even more energy and striking vocal harmonies. The album is described as the "ideal form of Nordic power metal," featuring brilliant keyboards, fluid guitars, and catchy melodies that evoke the classic spirit of 2000s Finnish power metal, yet with modern production and fresh vitality.
The cover art, created by Jobert Mello, is an epic, high-contrast illustration typical of the genre. It depicts a radiant, ethereal female figure (featuring a halo and long blonde hair) holding planet Earth, which is split between two worlds: on the left, a luminous, natural paradise landscape with unicorns, waterfalls, and mountains; on the right, an infernal industrial vision filled with smokestacks, smoke, fire, and destruction.
Beams of light connect the two sides, symbolizing themes of balance, duality (nature vs. industry, light vs. darkness), destiny, and cosmic or ethereal power. The title "Aetherbound" suggests being "bound to the aether"—something ethereal, celestial, and inescapable—fitting perfectly with the band's fantasy-inspired imagery.
Many tracks retain Dreamtale’s classic DNA: galloping riffs, fast-paced double-bass drumming, prominent symphonic keyboards, and powerful vocals (a blend of gritty male and ethereal/lyrical female voices). Singles such as "Mirror Mirror," "Battleheart," and "The Wave of Time" highlight the band's upbeat energy and melodic hooks.
Early fan reactions and reviews describe the album as refreshing, uplifting, and the perfect "summer metal" record. It is pure melodic power metal, featuring high speed, shimmering keyboards, expressive guitar solos, and a sense of celebration and fantastical escapism. There is no radical experimentation here; the band delivers what they do best: energetic anthems that "set metalheads on fire." Liner notes written by Kacchang (Phantom Excaliver).
Compared to previous works, Aetherbound sounds like a triumphant and consistent comeback, reinforcing Dreamtale’s status as one of Finnish power metal’s most reliable and heartfelt bands.
In short, Aetherbound is a classic Nordic melodic power metal album: grand, melodic, fast, and brimming with fantasy-fueled imagination. It is perfect for fans of Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica (classic era), Power Quest, or Dreamtale themselves. If you enjoy epic choruses, brilliant keyboards, and a sonic journey filled with positive energy and fantasy, this record comes highly recommended. It is the kind of release that makes headbangers smile and raise their fists.
MEMBERS
Rami Keränen - Guitars (1999-present), Vocals (1999-2002)
Akseli Kaasalainen - Keyboards (2006-present)
Arto Pitkänen - Drums (2007-2010, 2017-present)
Mikko Hepo-oja - Bass (2019-present)
Zsolt Szilágyi - Guitars (2019-present)
Nitte Valo - Vocals (2019-present)
Jarno Vitri - Vocals (2019-present)
TRACKLIST
1. Fairy Dance | 00:00
2. No Tomorrow | 03:36
3. Battleheart | 08:00
4. Helper's High | 10:47
5. Tale of Dreams | 15:33
6. Cosmic Play | 19:43
7. See You Again | 23:42
8. Mirror Mirror | 26:49
9. The Wave of Time | 31:28
10. Blackwind Arms | 35:38
11. License to Live | 39:13
12. Turn the Tide | 43:38
13. Thunderpath | 48:08
SOCIAL MEDIA
Deezer: deezer.com/en/artist/4830
Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialDreamtale
Instagram: instagram.com/dreamtale_official
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/7pDnkvo4I1Esv7dZ4WFKv7
YouTube: youtube.com/user/OfficialDreamtale
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Dreamtale. All rights reserved to The Orchard Music on behalf of Dreamtale Production. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive. The album was well-received in Japan (featuring special physical editions and a poster) and is available on CD, via streaming services, and in limited editions.
#dreamtale #powermetal #nordicmetal
🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
Aetherbound is the ninth studio album by the Finnish melodic power metal band Dreamtale, released on July 31, 2026 (with some Japanese editions arriving on July 22) via Dreamtale Production.
Formed in 1999 by Rami Keränen (guitar), Dreamtale boasts a long career featuring albums such as Beyond Reality (2002), Ocean's Heart (2003), and others. Following a relative hiatus, the current lineup—including Akseli Kaasalainen on keyboards, Arto Pitkänen on drums, and others—delivers consistency and passion.
It follows Everlasting Flame (2022) and marks the band's return to a dual-vocal lineup (Nitte Valo and Jarno Vitri), bringing even more energy and striking vocal harmonies. The album is described as the "ideal form of Nordic power metal," featuring brilliant keyboards, fluid guitars, and catchy melodies that evoke the classic spirit of 2000s Finnish power metal, yet with modern production and fresh vitality.
The cover art, created by Jobert Mello, is an epic, high-contrast illustration typical of the genre. It depicts a radiant, ethereal female figure (featuring a halo and long blonde hair) holding planet Earth, which is split between two worlds: on the left, a luminous, natural paradise landscape with unicorns, waterfalls, and mountains; on the right, an infernal industrial vision filled with smokestacks, smoke, fire, and destruction.
Beams of light connect the two sides, symbolizing themes of balance, duality (nature vs. industry, light vs. darkness), destiny, and cosmic or ethereal power. The title "Aetherbound" suggests being "bound to the aether"—something ethereal, celestial, and inescapable—fitting perfectly with the band's fantasy-inspired imagery.
Many tracks retain Dreamtale’s classic DNA: galloping riffs, fast-paced double-bass drumming, prominent symphonic keyboards, and powerful vocals (a blend of gritty male and ethereal/lyrical female voices). Singles such as "Mirror Mirror," "Battleheart," and "The Wave of Time" highlight the band's upbeat energy and melodic hooks.
Early fan reactions and reviews describe the album as refreshing, uplifting, and the perfect "summer metal" record. It is pure melodic power metal, featuring high speed, shimmering keyboards, expressive guitar solos, and a sense of celebration and fantastical escapism. There is no radical experimentation here; the band delivers what they do best: energetic anthems that "set metalheads on fire." Liner notes written by Kacchang (Phantom Excaliver).
Compared to previous works, Aetherbound sounds like a triumphant and consistent comeback, reinforcing Dreamtale’s status as one of Finnish power metal’s most reliable and heartfelt bands.
In short, Aetherbound is a classic Nordic melodic power metal album: grand, melodic, fast, and brimming with fantasy-fueled imagination. It is perfect for fans of Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica (classic era), Power Quest, or Dreamtale themselves. If you enjoy epic choruses, brilliant keyboards, and a sonic journey filled with positive energy and fantasy, this record comes highly recommended. It is the kind of release that makes headbangers smile and raise their fists.
MEMBERS
Rami Keränen - Guitars (1999-present), Vocals (1999-2002)
Akseli Kaasalainen - Keyboards (2006-present)
Arto Pitkänen - Drums (2007-2010, 2017-present)
Mikko Hepo-oja - Bass (2019-present)
Zsolt Szilágyi - Guitars (2019-present)
Nitte Valo - Vocals (2019-present)
Jarno Vitri - Vocals (2019-present)
TRACKLIST
1. Fairy Dance | 00:00
2. No Tomorrow | 03:36
3. Battleheart | 08:00
4. Helper's High | 10:47
5. Tale of Dreams | 15:33
6. Cosmic Play | 19:43
7. See You Again | 23:42
8. Mirror Mirror | 26:49
9. The Wave of Time | 31:28
10. Blackwind Arms | 35:38
11. License to Live | 39:13
12. Turn the Tide | 43:38
13. Thunderpath | 48:08
SOCIAL MEDIA
Deezer: deezer.com/en/artist/4830
Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialDreamtale
Instagram: instagram.com/dreamtale_official
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/7pDnkvo4I1Esv7dZ4WFKv7
YouTube: youtube.com/user/OfficialDreamtale
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Dreamtale. All rights reserved to The Orchard Music on behalf of Dreamtale Production. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive. The album was well-received in Japan (featuring special physical editions and a poster) and is available on CD, via streaming services, and in limited editions.
#dreamtale #powermetal #nordicmetal
🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
