American progressive metal band from Columbus, Ohio. Formed in 1994 as Iron Angel, but didn't brake through until they released an independent CD in 1996 after changing their name to Jacobs Dream (due to another band calling themselves Iron Angel).

JACOBS DREAM (1996) DEMO

This is Jacobs Dream's first CD, released by the band themselves. It is actually a demo the band used to shop for label support. But the CD sold well, so the band has re-released it 2 times already. And why not? The demo secured the band a 4 album deal with Metal Blade. The music featured on it is by far some of the bands best work. And not all of the tracks have appeared on their other albums. Musically they are in the Queensrÿche, Sacred Warrior and maybe Barren Cross area of metal. They are slightly progressive, but not technical, like Dream Theater. They just deliver intelligent heavy metal, with a message.

Killer tracks: The Jewel, Sarah Williams, The Violent Truth, Rape Of Innocence

JACOBS DREAM (2000) METAL BLADE

Having searched all over for their self titled independent demo release, I sure was glad when this was released. I thought Metal Blade had re-released the demo. But that is not the case. This is a brand new album, with new songs and artwork. Jacobs Dream is a fresh breath in my collection, being a real good new band. Playing a blend of straight heavy metal, progressive metal and a touch of power metal. I only wished there were even more killer tracks on it, 'cause some of the songs just aren't all that memorable. "Love & Sorrow" and "Violent Truth" are both re-recorded songs from their demo debut.

Killer tracks: Kinescope, Mad House Of Cain

THEATER OF WAR (2001) METAL BLADE

Jacobs Dream's third discs takes off were the last one ended. More quality prog-metal! The production is better, and the variety in the songs is wider. They really remind me of Sacred Warrior on this one. My only interjection is the vocal-arrangement, that sometimes is a bit to high pitch for David Taylor's own good. He is a great singer, but cannot convince me on some of the highest notes. But if Jacobs Dream continues to deliver records like this, I'm going to keep giving them space in my CD shelves. "Wisdom" and "Sarah Williams" are re-recorded tracks from their independent demo CD.

Killer tracks: Sanctuary, Traces Of Grace, Critical Mass

DRAMA OF THE AGES (2005) METAL BLADE

4 years have passed since we last heard from Jacobs Dream. But here they are again, although with some line-up changes. Mind you though, the only new face is vocalist Chaz Bond (Biogenesis), as the others have either changed instrument, or are returnees. I have to admit that it was with great anticipation I listened to this album for the first time. Not that I didn't like David Taylor's vocals, but Chaz has a voice that is even more versatile. At least that is what I though. He operates in a much lower register than his predecessor. But to be honest, I'm not so sure that he has a wider range than David. Still, he blends in with the bands music in perfect harmony, and that is what counts. The music is of course in the melodic power metal area, and why change a winning concept, right? If you've enjoyed the past Jacobs Dream albums then I think you'll dig this one too. I only have one small complaint to add. And that is that heard separately every track on this album sounds great, but listening to the entire album in one go, it gets sort of tiresome towards the end. Maybe the songs sound a bit too much alike.

"Spinning Leaf" is a track Chaz first wrote for a solo album that has yet to see the light of day (I have a demo recording of it though). Track number 13 is not listed in the liner-notes, and is an instrumental track that starts about 45 seconds after track 12 stops.

Killer tracks: Drama Of The Ages, Spinning Leaf, Stand Or Fall, Deceiver Of The Nations, Cutting Words

DOMINION OF DARKNESS (2008) INDEPENDENT

It has been 3 years since the last Jacobs Dream album. Still the band returns with the same line-up as on the last record. Jacobs Dream originally signed a 4 record deal with Metal Blade. But I think both the band and the label opted to drop the contract after the first 3. Thus the band releases their 4th full length album independently.

And without any label support, the money for good production is gone. Not that Jacobs Dream ever had stellar production on any of their past albums either, but I think this is the first time I let it bother me to any degree. It sounds more like a demo then a professional recording, and I even detect some errors in the sync department. 13 songs, with most of them clocking in at well over the 5 minute mark, is also at least 3 too many.

But these negativities aside, I still find pleasure listening to 'Dominion Of Darkness'. Jacobs Dream always writes good songs. They deliver melodic power metal, with thick hooks and memorable choruses. The guitars seem to me more aggressive this time. Maybe they tuned them down or something? It makes for a crushing sound, that's for sure. And with Chaz' voice wailing over the instruments, this CD holds all the ingredients for a heavy metal recipe, that's for sure. When all is said and done though, this is probably the least impressive album from this Ohio based band. It just doesn't leave me wanting to hit that replay button.

Killer tracks: Demon World, Curse Of Antikythera, End Of Days

BENEATH THE SHADOWS (2009) RETROACTIVE RECORDS (Digi-pack)

Jacobs Dream has picked up the tempo, and returns with a new album only 1 years after the last one. This time they have signed with Retroactive Records. Their fifth album is entitled 'Beneath The Shadows', and it is their first concept album.

The story in short is about a character, named Camren. We follow his life as he goes from being an everyday husband and father, then facing struggles, ending up as a drug addict, a life he has already managed to leave once. With his life in ruins, he turns to God for salvation. The story is vividly told through the lyrics, and the music. And with added smaller narrative parts, the concept comes very much to life. To me the whole concept of the album brings to mind Sacred Warrior's 'Wicked Generation' and Evergrey's 'The Inner Circle', two of my all time favorite albums. Musically speaking, Jacobs Dream isn't that far removed from those bands either.

Anyone familiar with his band know that they ride on the fences between heavy metal, power metal and prog metal, or good old American heavy metal, if you will. The heavy guitars are pummeling forth the songs, delivering memorable riffs, soulful leads and blistering solos. The thunderous drums keeps a steady rhythm, together with the uncomplicated bass lines. Chaz is also a master of soaring vocals lines. Once again he steps up to the plate, carrying the tone of the album on his shoulders. 'Beneath The Shadows' is a more laid back album than it's predecessors. It's not as dark as 'Dominion Of Darkness', and not as heavy as 'Drama Of The Ages'. It is more mid-paced, and even with extensive use of acoustic parts. All this works very well. The songwriting is of course colored by the story, and as such it is written and executed perfectly.

My only complaint is, as it has been for years when it comes to Jacobs Dream, the production. Sure, it sounds way better than the last 2 CD's. But I feel, as we write 2009 on the calendar, that sync-flaws, reverb overkill, "bad" mixing etc., should not be as much of an issue as is the case with this band. 'Beneath The Shadows' is such a strong album, it's a shame that such small blemishes are somewhat downgrading the total experience. But I hope this doesn't keep anyone from checking out this otherwise great album. After all, this might just as well be the best album from Jacobs Dream, so far.

Killer tracks: Minds Will Burn, Stain, Illusive Dreams, The Hell That I Breathe, Beneath The Shadows, The Blessing And The Curse

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