Jacobs Dream--Jacobs Dream

Jacobs Dream--Jacobs Dream (2000/Metal Blade) Rating--8.5

Power/prog, and very good stuff. The only aspect that occasionally holds this release back is the mix--sometimes the guitars should be a bit more forceful (though this only shows up on inferior sound systems...).
There's some 'Mindcrime'-era Queensryche, a little first-disc Hollow, and even bits of Maiden-like axework at times. Vocally you have early Tate and Crimson Glory's Midnight.
"Kinescope" is a flowing opener, and the ripping "Funambulism" sets things in full motion. Razor notes etch through "Scape Goat," while other knifing selections include "The Bleeding Tree" and "Violent Truth" with its heavy rhythm.
Solid tracks include "Crusade," "Love & Sorrow," "The Gathering," and "Never Surrender".
"Tale of Fears" has a darker pace and a chest-belting chorus, while the Midnight-tinged "Mad House of Cain" is an atmospheric piece. Some of the disc's most shredding work is held within "Black Watch," a thick and chop-filled instrumental.
This is one of those groups who's second release is eagerly anticipated (ala Hollow), as small inconsistencies are likely to be worked out and mended...
TRACK LIST: Kinescope/Funambulism/Scape Goat/Mad House of Cain/Tale of Fears/Crusade/Black Watch/Love & Sorrow/The Gathering/Never Surrender/The Bleeding Tree/Violent Truth

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