Dreamland Manor

Dreamland Manor, released in 2005, serves as the debut of Savage Circus and is widely regarded as a 'spiritual successor' to Blind Guardian's mid-90s output. Formed by drummer Thomen Stauch after his departure from Blind Guardian, the project was born out of a desire to return to the aggressive speed metal roots of his former band. The album features material originally intended for Blind Guardian, such as 'Evil Eyes' and 'Beyond Reality', which explains the striking sonic similarity to albums like 'Imaginations from the Other Side'. Musically, the album is a tour de force of German power metal, characterized by Jens Carlsson’s vocals, which bear an uncanny resemblance to Hansi Kürsch. The recording is notable for its massive production, utilizing extensive vocal layering and a drum-forward mix that highlights Stauch's technical proficiency. Critically, it was hailed as a return to form for the genre, offering a heavier, faster alternative to the increasingly symphonic direction of contemporary power metal bands.