Element of Fate – Dreamfall

Element of Fate
Dreamfall
Label: Bravemusic
Out: 27^th July 2026
Playing time: 32:16

The Washington, D.C.-based MelodicMetal duo Element of Fate was formed in 2022. Since then, they have released five singles. The Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign to finance their debut album was a resounding success. ‘Dreamfall’, a six-track album, is now complete and is due for release at the end of July. The press release recommends the album to fans of Nightwish, Judas Priest, Seven Spires, Lacuna Coil and Dio.

Right from the start of ‘Alone In The Dark’, you can hear that singer Carol Phillips often sings with a harsh edge. There are frequent screams and harsh vocal passages. Yet she then proves that she is also capable of clear, female vocals. Her partner, Scott Loose, not only provides the driving drumbeat but also frequently showcases his melodic guitar work. At not even three minutes long, the song is quite short, but by no means an intro. At the start of ‘Shadow Self’, the guitars sound very melodic and Carol breathes softly into the microphone for a moment. But soon her powerful voice is accompanied by riffing guitars. Here, too, you can appreciate the versatility of her voice, ranging from clear vocals to vicious or even high-pitched screams. On the eight-minute epic ‘Night Winds’, the singer demonstrates that she’s equally at home with the high notes. Yet she seems most comfortable in the lower tone range. At times, Carol reveals her soulful side. The chorus invites you to sing along. In my opinion, this is the most melodic and harmonious track on the album, thanks in part to the superb guitar solo. The shifts in melody and tempo lend the track a slightly Progressive feel. On ‘Dreamfall’, too, the vocals sound mostly relaxed but become more aggressive at times due to the screams. This is further emphasised by the heavy guitar melodies. Once again, the underlying melodic mood then shifts. ‘Whispering Tree’ is the ballad on the album, even though the vocals sound harsh at times and the guitar riffs pick up the tempo a little here and there. After a short drum intro, ‘Firebird’ really gets going. The guitar and drums drive the singer forward.

What impressed me most was the vocal range of lead singer Carol Phillips. Scott Loose provides a laid-back instrumental backdrop to the vocals. ‘Dreamfall’ offers a musical rollercoaster of emotions. You really do have to concentrate whilst listening. All in all, a successful debut, though there is certainly room for improvement.

Element of Fate – Night Winds: https://youtu.be/PyH_Msg1CwU?si=e1LcNp1FHa-BNPUQ

Lineup:

Scott Loose – All Instruments
Carol Phillips – Vocals

Track list:

• Alone in the Dark
• Shadow Self
• Night Winds
• Dreamfall
• Whispering Tree
• Firebird