In Thy Dreams

Sala, Sweden's In Thy Dreams was a melodic death metal band along the same stylistic lines as compatriots In Flames and Dark Tranquility, only without anywhere near their level of success. Formed in 1996 by guitarist Jari Kuusisto and drummer Stefan Westerberg, the group also featured vocalist Jonas Nyren, guitarist Hakan Stuvemark, and bassist Fredrik Ericssonn by the release of their debut EP, Stream of Dispraised Souls, and album, The Gate of Pleasure -- both in 1999. Unfortunately, neither of these appeared to receive the undivided attention of its makers, since Kuusisto and Westerberg were simultaneously engaged throughout this time with their more successful, neo-thrash/death ensemble Carnal Forge. In fact, come 2001, they'd decided to focus on the latter project more or less full-time, and so agreed to retire In Thy Dreams following the release of their sophomore album, Highest Beauty (itself a far more brutal affair than previous works), which featured vocalist Thomas Lindfors and Carnal Forge bassist Petri Kuusisto lending a hand.