NIGHTMARE Dice • Crossover Prog 1997

"Nightmare" was the first DICE album after a long period of being basically a touring band only, and they emerged from the spotlight fairly maturely. The sound of the next decade is mostly intact - accessible prog with a spacey slant. The guitars carry the day but there are plenty of atmospheric keyboards to provide the balance, while Christian Nove's voice seems a curious blend of David Sylvian circa JAPAN and BRYAN FERRY, with a slightly sloppy quality that provides a good foil for the "out there" topics.
When DICE goes straight ahead rock the result is not favourable for either the rock fan or the prog fan, as is the case on the opener "Tell me", the similar "Help me", and "Waiting". But the METRO-esque "Goodbye" shows that the group has some pretty impressive takes on the 1980s scene. Nonetheless, the real stuff of DICE is found in "White Flag", the title cut, "Full Moon", and "Wild Tigers", punchy and catchy tunes with plenty of opportunities for all to shine.

This is not deep musically or lyrically, but it captures the spirit of progressive rock better than most. In my dream world, music like this would have been punk's worst nightmare.

Songs / Tracks Listing
1. Tell me (5:50)
2. The white flag (6:27)
3. Nightmare (8:14)
4. Beyond the horizon (4:40)
5. Save me (3:33)
6. Full moon (8:31)
7. Waiting (I´m ready) (3:26)
8. Wild tigers (4:16)
9. Goodbye (5:14)
10. Jungle track (4:42)

Line-up / Musicians
- Christian Nóvé / lead vocals, bass, producer
- Thomas Jager / guitar
- Henry Zschelletzschy / keyboards, vocals
- Thomas Bunk / drums

With:
- Heiko "Flecke" Flechsig / guitar
- Diana Flechsig / backing vocals
- Beale Furcht / backing vocals