**THIS IS THE REVIEW OF THE ORIGINAL CD THE DREAM. THE REVIEW OF THE BONUS DISC FOR THE NEW ULTRA VIOLET EDITION FOLLOWS AS A ROUNDTABLE REVIEW.**
Once in awhile an album comes along that not only captivates, it grabs you
with such conviction that when it is over there is a void where the music was
playing. I am not talking about silence, but the space in yourself where some
music reaches down and touches your being in such a way that not having it
playing causes severe withdrawal symptoms. Such is the case with In This
Moment's sophomore release The Dream.
Few albums, in recent memory, have come close to what I would call classics.
This one is the exception. With flair and exuberance that is pure rock and roll;
In This Moment has produced a work of art that is going to be remembered as one
of the defining releases in history. It's a disc that defies categorization.
Their metal roots are meshed with beautifully crafted melodies that produce a
soundscape which is totally new and breathtaking.
Frontwoman Maria Brink, who's metalcore screams became the standard by which
all females who enter this realm are judged by, sets aside this portion of her
talent for the most part to showcase her amazing vocal abilities that soar and
mesmerize you with a quality that proves she is one of the most dynamic female
voices in music today. She still lets loose in this album but when she does it
is more of a punctuation mark to the drama already created. This release should
prove to the world that Maria is going to be a voice we will be hearing for a
long time to come. The range and power that she packs into her delivery is
something very special. Just listening to the beautiful Into The Light which is
an absolutely stunning piano ballad, Maria's vocals are enough to bring tears as
she sings about a very touching and emotional time in all our lives. If this
song does not reach down into your soul and make you feel the anguish of a very
troubling time, then all I can say is God help you!
She doesn't stop there. At the other end of the spectrum, you have her
soaring vocals interwoven with her fantastic metalcore screams in the terrific
rocker The Great Divide, a piece of work that captures both the angelic and
devilish qualities of this woman. The contrasts make for a roller coaster ride
that will leave no doubt as to the range of this soon to be superstar. The most
diehard metal fans will be right there next to the new legions that are captured
by this new and tantalizing sound.
There is much more to this band than just Maria though. Yes she is the focal
point, but it takes a great band to pull off such a marvel as this piece. Maria
can look around on stage and see a very talented group of musicians around her.
Chris Howorth, with his long dreadlocks and superior guitar skills help to
define the sound that is In This Moment. With metal on his mind and melody in
his heart, Chris is the epitome of a rock and roll guitar slinger. Blake Bunzel
on the six string and sometimes seven string, is an absolute terror! With boyish
charm and exuberance he blazes his way through the potent material on this disc.
Combined, this pair is the heart of In This Moment. With a musical sense that
goes well beyond their years, these guys shape the sound that is one of the most
original on the planet. All you have to do is hear them play on songs such as
the soon to be classic Forever or the powerful All For You and you will
understand what I mean. This powerhouse combo is the catalyst that makes this
band tick. They continuously provide the unique blend that defines this great
band.
If Chris and Blake are the heart of the band, then Jesse Landry, on bass, and
Jeff Fabb, on drums, are the soul. Jesse not only has a dynamic stage presence
he is pure magic with his weapon of choice. Churning out a thumping bass that
keeps the head banging! He is the backbone that keeps the group upright through
the many twist and turns that their music makes. Jeff is one of the hardest
working drummers I have ever seen. He doesn't try to overpower, but adds the
beat and perfect fills to complement their sound. I am really impressed with his
playing. On songs like Her Kiss he is the subtle piece to the puzzle that makes
it complete.
There is little doubt in my mind that this disc is the birth of a superstar
group. They showed the potential with their debut release but that potential has
been realized with this effort. Very few albums can offer the listener as much
as this one. It is a mesmerizing work that is on my list as one of the best
offerings this year, or any year for that matter.
You won't see this very often from me but this is a 5 star piece of work. I
only wish that I could give it more!!
Track Listing:
1. The Rabbit Hole
2. Forever
3. All For You
4. Lost At Sea
5. Mechanical Love
6. Her Kiss
7. Into The Light
8. You Always Believed
9. The Great Divide
10.Violet Skies
11.The Dream
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
