From the metal capital of the world, Columbus, Ohio (insert smiley face here), I give you another Metal Blade group, Jacob's Dream, formerly known as Iron Angel. At first, I thought I was listening to Queensryche, as there are many similarities in the vocal pitch and style of new lead vocalist Chazz Bond and Queensryche lead vocalist Geoff Tate. Upon further listen, I also hear many similarities to Dream Theater, Stratovarius and even Iron Maiden. Roll all these bands/influences together and you are left with a very enjoyable prog metal adventure while listening to Jacob's Dream's Drama Of The Ages. But Jacob's Dream differs from Queensryche in that while both bands are a very melodic style of metal, Jacob's Dream has a more heavy and crunching sound, along with faster riffs. While this is my first time listening to Jacob's Dream, I have to admit that I was very impressed by their melodic, yet very direct approach to power metal.
While I liked vocalist Chazz Bond, it was the double axe crunching of guitarists Jon Noble and John Berry that I liked best. Jacob's Dream is rounded out by bassist James Evans and drummer Gary Holtzman. For the first 3 songs, Jacob's Dream sounded very melodic and not very heavy. But then, in "Stand or Fall", I was pleasantly surprised when the tempo picked up, and Noble and Berry began playing some Maiden like guitar solos. This enjoyable metal treat continued in the song "Tempest", before more melody to begin "Third Way", with the pace picked up this time with some very fast, Stratovarius like riffs. From there, Jacob's Dream pretty much cooked through the rest of the disc, finishing the CD with a very Blind Guardian/Hammerfall theme of sword and sorcery "At The Gates". And after "At The Gates", if you stick around for another minute or so, you are treated to an untitled instrumental.
Highlights from Drama Of The Ages include "Stand or Fall", "Tempest", "Third Way", "Deceiver of the Nations", and "Victory". All in all, my first impression of Jacob's Dream on my first spin was lukewarm to be honest, but after a few very careful listens to the guitar work and similarities noted to the above mentioned groups, I'm convinced that Jacob's Dream is a very promising band with a lot to offer. Jacob's Dream fans certainly won't be disappointed, as Drama Of The Ages clocks out at a very generous one hour and ten minutes worth of good quality melodic power metal.
Track Listing
1. Drama of the Ages
2. Keeper of the Crown
3. Spinning Leaf
4. Stand or Fall
5. Tempest
6. Third Way
7. Forever Winter
8. Drowning Man
9. Deceiver of the Nations
10. Cutting Words
11. Victory
12. At The Gates
13. {Untitled instrumental}
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