(Power) Jacob's Dream - Dominion Of Darkness - 2008, APE (image+.cue), lossless

The history of Columbus, Ohio based Jacobs Dream can best be described as a “tale of two eras”. The first, featuring the high pitched vocal flavorings of David Taylor, includes the groups self-titled debut from 2000 and the 2001 follow up effort Theater Of War. The second got its start in 2005 with Drama Of The Ages, a thirteen song album highlighted by the low key sensibilities of new vocalist Chaz Bond, but also incorporates the most recent work from Jacobs Dream, the independently released 2008 offering Dominion Of Darkness.

Dominion Of Darkness picks up where Drama Of The Ages (and all the bands previous efforts) leaves off by heading in a classic US power metal direction. Also similar to Drama Of The Ages, Dominion Of Darkness gives prominence to the heavier and more guitar driven sound – fans of Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Sacred Warrior, Barren Cross and Scepter will find a lot to like here – while still showcasing the groups penchant for composing a song with a solid chorus hook. This is best exhibited on the catchy sounds of “Demon World”, “Can’t Break” and “Dark Alliance” (abundant hooks on these three) along with the melodic based ballad “Don’t Talk”. “Curse Of Antikythera” reflects a creative touch of progressiveness while the mournful “Embraced By Sorrow” approaches doom metal territory. “Hands Of Doom” is a very well done instrumental and “Mercy Killing” a dramatic piece written from the standpoint of Christ at the time of the crucifixion. Notable hooks are also present on “Hero”, “Dissolution Of Purity” and “Violent Kingdom”.

Chaz Bond brings a deep and resonant vocal style combining the best elements of Jimmy P. Brown II (Deliverance) and Eric Clayton (Savior Machine)- all the while adding partial touches of Geoff Tate (Queensryche) or Ty Cook (Antithesis). His delivery is mostly of the smooth sounding variety (check out the emotion he imbues “Embraced By Sorrow”) but he can reach down low for an aggressive – almost thrash-like – growl as well (such as on “Can’t Break”).

There is a lot to like about Dominion Of Darkness. The album features 11 great songs out of 13 (a very high percentage). The bands performance is solid throughout as well. In putting together the review, it took some time for the material here to grow on me; but it was my experience that the more I listened to Dominion Of Darkness the more I enjoyed it. At this point am I out of line to suggest that Jacobs Dream sign with a quality (the key word here) label for its next album? Perhaps with the backing of a supportive (again, the key word) label the group would be able to iron out the problems in the areas of packaging and – even though minor - production. Not that Metal Blade proved helpful in either on Drama Of The Ages, which might have been influential in Jacobs Dream going independent for Dominion Of Darkness. Still, my overall feeling is that the future is very bright for Jacobs Dream.

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