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Jacob's Dream - S/t |
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When I finally got my hands on this album I first was a little disapointed as it is quite different to the masterpeice Theatre of War. I however quickly got into the album and now must say that it's almost as good as Theatre of War. The songs on this album are overall shorter and have more progressive elements with plenty of changes in tempo and melody. This is not a bad thing but I think this album is filled with so many great riffs and hooks that they could have been repeated a bit more and the songs easily been made longer. On the other hand you really don't get tired of the songs like this and constantly come back for repeated listens. The album kicks off with the powerful trio Kinescope, Funambulism and Scape Goat that is heavy power metal at its best. Then comes a quite interesting part that begins with The Mad House of Cain that is a short poem-like song which consists of only 2 verses. It then moves on to the beautiful Tale of Fears. This part of the album really sticks out with its gothic elements and beautiful keyboard arrangements. The song Mad House of Cain wouldn't necessarily work that well on its own, but placed where it is, it really adds to the listening experience. After this gothic horror-like moment the fast power metal once again kicks off with Crusade. The Black Watch is a instrumental peice with tons of shredding leads where Jacobs Dreams' guitarist really gets to show his talents and is challenged by Rob Johnson from Magnitune 9. The album finally ends with the beautiful The Bleeding Tree and on this release the pace is once again picked up with the bonus track Violent Truth. Jacobs Dream offers a very intense listening experience and the production is really excellent. The guitars and drums are thick and heavy and the talent of the musicians obvious. This is power metal that really is powerful! What makes the band stick out is also the singer David Taylor who's high-pitched voice, while remiscent of the 80's metal vocal style, is quite unique. At first I found it slightly annoying but now I can't but be amazed by his powerful voice. The lyrics on the album are thought provoking and deal with topics such as love affairs, violence, fear and personal dreams. They offer a fair bit of criticism towards the community, false Christianity and us selves as persons and our unwillingness to take responsibility. It is clear that Jacobs Dream really have something to say with their music. This is an excellent power metal album that you just can't afford to miss! |
| Style: Power metal | |
| Hot shots: | Kineskope, Scape Goat, Tales of Fears, Crusade, Black Watch, Love & Sorrow, The Bleeding Tree |
| Overall: |
 
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| Year: | 2000 |
| Review by: | Whitewashed |