A 2002 Gothenburg Metal combo, DREAM EVIL, debuting with the 'Dragonslayer' album that April, would be able to boast a rare pedigree of talent. The name DRAGONSLAYER was taken from the band's moniker used in the years 1999 to 2002. Fronted by Niklas Isfeldt the group witnessed a union of guitarist Fredrik Nordström, MYSTIC PROPHECY and FIREWIND guitarist Gus G. (a.k.a. Kostas Karamitroudis), former CONCRETE MASS bassist Peter Stålfors and drummer Snowy Shaw. The latter of course a veteran of the Scandinavian Metal scene noted for his work with MERCYFUL FATE, KING DIAMOND, MEMENTO MORI and NOTRE DAME.

Isfeldt, Nordström and Stålfors all have strong HAMMERFALL connections. Isfeldt having acted as studio backing vocalist, Nordström as HAMMERFALL's producer and Stålfors as song writer. Gus G. would lay down several lead guitar solos on the 2003 OLD MAN'S CHILD album 'In Defiance Of Existence'. The guitarist also contributed a guest solo to the ROB ROCK album 'Eyes Of Eternity'.

Into 2003 the band acted as openers for the second leg of the HAMMERFALL and MASTERPLAN European tour. Recording sessions at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg that December saw HALFORD and PAINMUSEUM credited guitarist "Metal" Mike Chlasciak acting as guest. The resulting album, 'The Book Of Heavy Metal', also found ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN band keyboard player Mats Olausson featuring on the songs 'Into The Moonlight', 'Crusaders' Anthem', 'Chosen Twice' and 'Unbreakable Chain'. Japanese variants released by the King label added two bonus tracks for that territory. The preceding single, 'The Book Of Heavy Metal', would be promoted with a video clip shot by noted Swedish director Patric Ullaeus.

An extensive round of Scandinavian and European shows throughout September and October of 2004 saw the band forming up a package billing alongside Germany's METALIUM and CHINCHILLA headlined by British veterans SAXON. However, this would be without Gus G., who decamped in order to focus on his own band FIREWIND. A swift replacement would be found in Mark U Black. DREAM EVIL partnered with METALIUM for Japanese shows in February 2005.

Early 2005 revealed that Snowy Shaw was recording tracks for a projected solo endeavour in collaboration with the ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, TREAT and AT VANCE credited singer Mats Levén. In May a video for the track 'XXX - Le Masochiste' emerged online. Gus G. joined ARCH ENEMY in mid 2005 as the group's touring guitarist after regular six-stringer Christopher Amott bowed out of that band in order to "fully concentrate on his studies".

In August both vocalist Niklas Isfeldt and bassist Peter Stålfors departed. Jake E Berg duly took over the vocal role whilst the ex-JAGGERNAUT and CHASTISEMENT man Tommy Larsson assumed the bass role. Snowy Shaw revealed in August that he was collaborating with HAMMERFALL vocalist Joacim Cans on material for his second solo album. In a complete turnaround, both vocalist Niklas Isfeldt and bassist Peter Stålfors rejoined the DREAM EVIL ranks in mid September.

Snowy Shaw announced his departure in January 2006. The following month Tommy Larsson joined HEED, the group assembled by erstwhile LOST HORIZON members singer Daniel Heiman and guitarist Fredrik Olsson. DREAM EVIL meantime filled the drum vacancy, enlisting Pat Power (a.k.a. Patrik Jerksten).

Shaw announced the formation of Progressive Doom outfit FIREGOD, a Swedish / Danish collaboration involving guitarists Simon Johannsson, of MEMORY GARDEN, ABSTRAKT ALGEBRA, DEAD END WORLD and FIFTH REASON, and Mike Wead (a.k.a. Mikael Vikström), of WITCH, HEXENHAUS, MEMENTO MORI, ABSTRAKT ALGEBRA, KING DIAMOND and MERCYFUL FATE plus bass player Hal Patino, of KING DIAMOND. The drummer also sessioned for and produced tracks for Glam Rockers LOUD 'N' NASTY in September.

DREAM EVIL filmed a promotional video for the track 'Fire! Battle! In Metal!' with director Patric Ullaeus in October as the 'United' album debuted at number 24 on the Swedish charts. The album also entered the Greek charts at 41, rising to 28 the following week. In a surprise move, Snowy Shaw was named the new lead singer in leading Operatic Metal band THERION in October 2006.

DREAM EVIL made its US live debut headlining the Century Family's third annual 'Christmas Balls' show at The Key Club in Hollywood on December 13th.

In 2008 the band covered ARCH ENEMY's 'Let The Killing Begin' for inclusion on the Century Media artist compilation 'Covering 20 Years Of Extremes'. This double CD set comprised Century Media acts paying home to their stable mates. The group in turn was honoured by ARCH ENEMY, who tackled 'The Book Of Heavy Metal'.

Rumours in early August 2009 suggested that ex-member Gus G was to perform as OZZY OSBOURNE's new guitarist at the Blizzard Entertainment 'BlizzCon' convention that month in Anaheim, California. This speculation was confirmed on 21st August.

Garry Sharpe-Young