American progressive metal band. Formed in 1994 as Iron Angel, but didn't brake through until they released an independent CD in 1998 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 labels. But the CD sold well, so the band have 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 Wiliams" 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. 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

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