Track By Tracks: Dharma Guns - Nightmares And Broken Dreams (2026)

Action Rock’s new standard-bearer, Dharma Guns, released their second album, Nightmares and Broken Dreams, at the end of April. On the record, the band continues its fierce musical approach while staking a stronger claim among the few acts in the genre that have something more to say in their lyrics than just “bamalamaloo.”

The band’s debut album, Ex-Generation Superstars, revolved around the theme of generational divides. On their new album, Dharma Guns take that theme even further, reflecting on the kind of legacy we leave behind for future generations.

Below, Dharma Guns vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Pete walks through the stories behind the songs, track by track.

1. Shock O’clock:

Shock O’clock was one of the first songs I wrote for the new album, and the first one I showed to the guys. Everybody loved it, which was a huge relief for me, because then I knew I was on the right track. It’s the perfect song to open the album with: a guitar intro, a Nirvana-like first riff, and lyrics that set the theme and give the title to the whole album. In today’s world, it’s shock o’clock somewhere all the time.

2. Fear of Getting Bored:

Some people want to have it all: every experience, all the concerts, exhibitions, movies—you name it. And if they don’t, they become really envious of those who do, like they truly missed something while doing something else. Not being able to be happy with what you have. Musically, this is the album’s QOTSA song, just like Dead Horses was on the first album. It keeps growing, as if there’s another chorus after the first one. And the guitar solo kicks ass, if I may so myself.

3. King of Action Rock:

The first single of the second album. Our guitarist, Jussi, was listening to this Norwegian action rock band, The Good The Bad The Zugly, and said he wanted to play a wah solo on one song. So I wrote him the song. It’s a two-minute punk rocker with ridiculous lyrics, a catchy chorus, and a great guitar solo. I usually bring my alter ego, Fast Pete, on stage when we play this one live.

4. Devil’s Beat:

Devil’s Beat is a classic Dharma banger. I had the lyrics written for my previous band, but the song never really went anywhere, so I wrote a new song for the lyrics. It’s based on the classic story of selling your soul to the devil, which dates back to blues guitarist Robert Johnson. In the end, I felt something was missing, so I borrowed a “woohoo” from Blur’s Song 2. A little stealing is fine when you’re in the devil’s service, right?

5. Black Cloud:

Our drummer, Olli, calls this the closest thing to Stairway to Heaven that we’ll ever do. Maybe so. It’s quite epic by our standards. It starts with clean guitar and vocals and slowly grows into a majestic ending with layered vocals and Zeppelin-esque chord changes. An epic guitar solo, too. Lyrically, it’s my take on climate change and our shared responsibility to fight it. The last song on side A of the vinyl—really the only right place for this one.

6. Clowns in the Castles:

This riff and guitar melody clicked immediately—maybe my favourite song on the album. The lyrics make a no‑bullshit statement about the superpowers of the world, each more horrible than the next. I’m sick of the USA, Russia, China, and the Promised Land that we choose not even to mention out loud. Clowns in the Castles is a Turkish proverb I stumbled upon in the depths of the World Wide Web. I don’t think it needs much explanation. Give it a spin—or many!

7. Scale of the Universe:

Scale of the Universe is an odd bird in our catalogue. One of the last songs I wrote for the album went through major changes just before we hit the studio. It’s a bit poppier, although the guitar riff is very characteristic of us, and the chorus is highly sing‑along. Here, we examine the triviality of humankind on the scale of the universe. We are absolutely nothing, so quit acting so megalomaniacal.

8. Shame etc.:

Another political song. This one is about refusing to carry a weapon and follow insane orders given by people who never risk themselves. It’s also about the ruthlessness and evil of certain rogue states that constantly accuse others of terrorism while acting like terrorists themselves. Musically, it’s very punk rock, with an extremely catchy guitar theme. I love playing this one live.

9. Bruised Body and a Broken Knee:

I had knee surgery a year ago and felt a bit blue, so I wrote a blues about our ageing bodies and the many ways we can treat them. It’s a temple of love for some, and a temple of doom for others. I’ve always loved this kind of groovy power blues, where the chorus sounds like a bunch of pirates singing along to a drinking song.

10. The Voice of the Underdogs:

The Voice of the Underdogs brings a glimmer of hope at the end of an otherwise dark album. Hippie ideology was beautiful—naïve, but beautiful. Maybe modern people have forgotten how to make love instead of war, so they’re just fighting. This song is a gentle reminder for humankind to do better: be fucking kind. It’s a classic Dharma Guns song, with Hellacopters‑style guitars, a catchy chorus with hints of American Idiot-era Green Day, and maybe a touch of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club as well. A perfect anthem to close the album. Some say it’s our best song, hidden at the end—but it’s not hidden. This is an album where every song plays an important role. And I think it’s a good thing if the last song sticks like gum in your hair.

Support independent metal journalism — Visit the official BTC store