Metal has morphed a lot in the last 25 years. One of the most noticeable additions to the genre has been the rise of the melodic death metal. With any sub-genre there are many variations and approaches in making ones sound their own. Enter Dreamshade. This modern melodic death metal outfit hails from Switzerland and is unleashing their third record, The Gift of Life. With aggressive driving riffs, thunderous beats, and quiet melodic moments, this record covers all the bases to take these guys and get them noticed. So the questions remain, does this breathe new life in a very populated genre or will Dreamshade fall into the ever present same ole, same ole grave that so many melodic death metal bands find themselves? Containing the musical vibes of Darkest Hour, Killswitch Engage, In Flames, and Children Of Bodom, will this record be as well accepted as these Swiss metal men hope, or will the more modern elements alienate those less willing to entertain this gift offered?As the beautifully melodic and edgy “Photographs” starts the album, we are given pieces of the aggression and unexpected grace found on The Gift of Life. With a modern metal dose a la Killswitch Engage and newer stylings of In Flames, Dreamshade have created a wonderful album opener that grabs both the throat and heart strings. With soothing melodic musical moments overlaid with duel cleans and screams, the mixing of modern metal and melodic death metal here is one, that while not new, is certainly pleasing to take in and enjoy; this opening song is truly an addictive listen with a lot to offer.The next three songs set up what is a musical journey of exceptional heard-befores; though the way they come across, it’s as if this genre bending approach is brand new. Dreamshade are not afraid to use what works for other bands of similar genres, and yet make it all their own in feel and production. “Your Voice” is an aggressive teeth-baring offering that’s a unique mating of Darkest Hour and Children Of Bodom. Laid out with near perfect pacing and crunch, the technical proficiency of Dreamshade is really well displayed here. The title track, “The Gift of Life” is similar to the above sounds-like and yet, I can’t help but get a Born Of Osiris vibe in the more core sounding moments and Killswitch Engage with some of the bridges. The riffing carries the very aggressive modern metal edge with a lot of pre-breakdown qualities. I say that for a title track, this really gives an explosive picture of the diversity and creative heaviness that Dreamshade have. “Sandcastles” gathers both teeth and fire as it creates the love child of Killswitch Engage, In Flames, and Darkest Hour in a band on band Swiss love fest – the result is an Alps shaking track of heavy and melodic gloriousness that doesn’t draw out too long, yet keeps you wanting to listen. These first four songs really show what great potential Dreamshade have as an ever evolving modern melodic death metal band.“Consumed Future,” “Our Flame,” and “Late Confessions” are a unique grouping of songs. “Consumed Future” continues with the established modern approach to melodic death metal, as well as the underlying hints of progressive core work. Soaring vocals, catchy riffing, and subtle synth\u002Fpiano help in conjuring a beautiful piece of metal. “Our Flame” is a bridge\u002Finterlude of a song that does have an edge as well acts like a balm to soul of the record. Truly keeps the listener drawn in by the vocal and guitar work, “Our Flame” has a definite place on the record and isn’t filler at all. “Late Confessions” is a beast for Dreamshade. Yes, it does carry their very familiar sound on modern melodic death metal, however it’s one of the heavier tracks offered as it takes a darker tone to start the song, only to meet with the musical grace of sorts, near the middle and into the end.The record closes with the rocking “Wants and Needs.” This is really a smattering of all the above influences the record shows. It’s a driving final track that really leaves you wanting more; no matter if you’re bent is the melodic or heavy, Dreamshade has constructed a great final track where as soon as it ends, you want to play it again. Roars, screams, and soaring vocals all make this final song a real flex of the talent muscle for the throats of Dreamshade.From the production, to the songwriting, to the vocal stylings, and song pacing this album is a total win for modern melodic death metal; Dreamshade are going to be a hard act to follow for their genre, that’s for sure. Fans of the bands mentioned need take note – The Gift of Life is a great record to open 2013, truly a remarkable offering for the genre.