Malmö has always been a city that breathes life into the dark corners of Sweden’s metal scene, and October 26, 2024, was no different. The legendary Swedish power metal band Dream Evil took the stage at Plan B, a venue known for delivering intimate, raw, and unfiltered live shows. It’s a place where you can almost feel the sweat dripping from the walls. And as the night unfolded, it became clear that Dream Evil still had what it takes to bring the heavy metal thunder to a city already steeped in it.
Live Review: Dream Evil – Malmö, Plan B 2024
This is my detailed, no-holds-barred review of Dream Evil’s Malmö gig at Plan B – a night where metalheads gathered to witness some of Sweden’s finest power metal artisans conjure a storm of epic riffs, crushing solos, and anthemic choruses.
The Venue: Plan B, Malmö
Let’s start with the venue. Plan B is no polished, fancy concert hall. It’s rough around the edges, much like the city it resides in, and it’s all the better for it. There’s something about this place that makes it the perfect breeding ground for metal shows.
The layout is small and intimate, which means you are never more than a few feet away from the action, no matter where you stand. The atmosphere is more like a basement gig than a traditional venue, and that’s what makes Plan B a favorite for the local underground scene. When I walked in, the crowd already felt like a packed sardine can, the air thick with the smell of beer, sweat, and the anticipation of what was to come. The dim lighting gave the whole place a gritty, almost forbidden feel – the kind of place where metal is meant to be heard.
Dream Evil – Malmö, Plan B 2024 – Back in Action
Dream Evil took the stage just a little after 9:30 PM, and it was immediately apparent that the band had lost none of its edge over the years. They launched into their set with the ferocity and speed of a band that still had something to prove – despite being veterans in the power metal scene. The first few chords of “The Book of Heavy Metal” hit the audience like a sledgehammer, with the crowd erupting into a frenzy of horns and raised fists.
Niklas Isfeldt’s vocals were on point – rich, powerful, and dripping with the kind of theatricality that only a proper frontman can deliver. His presence on stage was commanding, making it clear who was in control of the night. He leaned into every note like a warrior leading his army into battle, while Fredrik Nordström on guitar, a true legend in his own right, brought his trademark melodic shredding to life with effortless precision.
The Setlist – A Perfect Balance of Old and New
Dream Evil’s setlist was a carefully curated mix of old favorites and new tracks, ensuring that fans of every era were satisfied. Tracks like “Made of Metal,” “In Flames You Burn,” and “Heavy Metal in the Night” hit all the right notes for long-time followers of the band. Each song was delivered with a kind of vicious elegance, showcasing Dream Evil’s ability to blend melody and heaviness into something uniquely their own.
But what really stood out was the inclusion of tracks from their most recent album. It was a bold move to play so many newer songs, but it paid off. The energy didn’t dip, and the audience was clearly engaged with every riff, every soaring chorus. “Hellride” and “Six Hundred and 66” were particular highlights, blending seamlessly into a set that felt both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
Crowd and Atmosphere – A Metal Family
The crowd at Plan B was as diverse as the metal community itself, with people of all ages and backgrounds packed together like sardines. There’s something beautiful about seeing a 50-year-old headbanger in a worn-out leather jacket standing next to a 20-something kid decked out in corpse paint. Metal is a great equalizer. It’s one of the few places left where no one cares about where you’re from, what you look like, or how much money you make. As long as you’re ready to throw down when the riff kicks in, you’re one of us.
And throw down they did. Circle pits erupted multiple times throughout the night, with the crowd surging back and forth, crashing into each other as though the music had literally possessed them. But what makes metal crowds unique is that even when things get chaotic, there’s always a sense of camaraderie. If someone falls, they’re picked up. If someone loses a shoe (yeah, that happened), someone else helps them find it. It’s this sense of community that keeps the metal scene alive, and it was on full display in Malmö that night.
Highlights of the Night – Metal Euphoria
The standout moment of the night, without a doubt, was when Dream Evil broke into “The Chosen Ones.” This track is a fan favorite and has been for years. The entire venue seemed to come alive, with the crowd singing along so loudly that it felt like they were trying to outdo the PA system. The sheer volume of the audience was overwhelming, and for a few minutes, it felt like Malmö had become the center of the metal universe.
Fredrik Nordström’s guitar solo in this song was a masterclass in melodic shredding, and the way it transitioned into the final chorus felt like being dragged into the eye of a metal storm. I’ve been to countless metal shows over the years, but there’s something special about seeing a band like Dream Evil when they are in their element. It’s not just music – it’s an experience.
Another memorable moment came during the performance of “Immortal.” The energy in the room became electrifying, with the audience hanging on every word that Niklas belted out. This is where you could feel the weight of their lyrics – it wasn’t just a song about fantasy, but a declaration of defiance, a message to the world that Dream Evil, and metal in general, isn’t going anywhere.
The Verdict – A Night to Remember
By the end of the night, I was drenched in sweat, ears ringing, and adrenaline still coursing through my veins. Dream Evil came, conquered, and left Malmö shaking to its core. It was a masterclass in how to deliver a power metal show – no frills, just pure, unrelenting heavy metal delivered by a band that knows exactly what they are doing. They didn’t need elaborate stage setups or pyrotechnics to impress – the music spoke for itself.
As I walked out of Plan B, I could hear people buzzing with excitement, already reminiscing about the night. The band had left an indelible mark on Malmö, and I have no doubt that those in attendance will be talking about this gig for years to come. Dream Evil proved that they still have the fire, the passion, and the talent to captivate an audience – and in today’s metal scene, that’s no small feat.
If you ever get the chance to see Dream Evil live, don’t hesitate. Their Malmö gig at Plan B was a reminder that some things only get better with age, and their brand of melodic power metal still reigns supreme.
For more reviews, metal rants, and updates on upcoming shows, check out my blog at the home page. Want to stay connected on social media? Hit up all my links on Beacons to follow me across platforms. Metal never sleeps, and neither do I. Dream Evil Malmö, Plan B 2024 was a total blast.
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