German power metal outfit DOMINUM have released their third studio album, "Night Is Calling," via Napalm Records, earning an 8/10 review that praised the record as "an exuberant antidote to identikit power metal pedestrians."
The review calls the album "wholly relentless," pointing to a "high strike rate when it comes to catchy choruses" as one of its defining strengths. It singles the record out as "the most exuberant and fun collection of songs" that founding songwriter Heldt has penned to date, highlighting the band's signature blend of theatrical horror imagery and infectious, hook-driven melodic songwriting.
Among the album's standout moments is the title track, which features a guest appearance from Marina La Torraca, adding an extra layer to DOMINUM's already theatrical sound. The review also notes a cover of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" included on the record — a fittingly playful nod to the band's horror-tinged aesthetic, reworked through a power metal lens.
DOMINUM has built its identity around a mix of eccentric songwriting and horror-movie theatrics, a combination that has set the band apart within Europe's crowded power metal scene. According to the review, "Night Is Calling" represents a clear step forward in production polish and songwriting consistency compared to the band's first two records, while retaining the tongue-in-cheek personality that has become their trademark.
With power metal often criticized for genre formula, DOMINUM's willingness to lean into theatrical excess and playful covers appears to be paying off critically. "Night Is Calling" arrives as one of the more purely entertaining power metal releases of the year, and the strong early reviews suggest DOMINUM may be poised to break out further beyond their existing fanbase.
No word yet on touring plans behind the new record, but given the album's reception, further dates and possible festival appearances in support of "Night Is Calling" seem likely in the months ahead.