Flotsam and Jetsam Dreams of Death
Crash Music Inc. CRAS61150 July 26th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
My listening habits have never crossed over into Flotsam and Jetsam territory. So, understandably, Im not all that thrilled with Dreams of Death. The thrashers do have frequent moments where they display adeptness, but the material as a whole just isnt tantalizing to this reviewer, despite carrying myriad, notable attributes.
At first glance, Dreams of Death isnt too adventurous. What the band has to offer is nine songs that clock in at a reasonable length. Of course, theres an intro to be had, namely Requiescal, and all the other tracks arent far from being formulaic, though the aforementioned concept doesnt instantaneously quell likeability. The heavy beginning of Straight to Hell is great, but is perhaps what Flotsam and Jetsams audience has come to expect. Unfortunately, the vocals seem to be way too high in the mix; Rivera towers over everyone in the sound department, and the production could use some revamping. Bleed, however, is somewhat of a departure thats comparable to a Dream Theater ballad, which is to say that its not good until it picks up steam and heaviness at the 3:15 minute mark. Similarly, the band drill deeper in Look in His Eyes, but let up again in Childhood Hero. And, even though I havent read the lyrics, Dreams of Death is a forty-five minute concept album, which projects Travis Smiths (Seempieces) artwork. See? The disc does possess some cool stuff.
I must stress that I, by no measure, ogle Flotsam and Jetsam, and I didnt even pay them mind when Newsted joined the crew. Still, I gave the record a chance, and Im glad I did. Followers of the group will be pleased, I think, especially since this is the quintets return from a four-year sabbatical. Just dont confuse this with Into Eternitys Dead or Dreaming or Weaklings Dead as Dreams.
7.5/10
Official Flotsam and Jetsam Website
Official Crash Music Inc. Website
Crash Music Inc. CRAS61150 July 26th, 2005
By Jason Jordan
My listening habits have never crossed over into Flotsam and Jetsam territory. So, understandably, Im not all that thrilled with Dreams of Death. The thrashers do have frequent moments where they display adeptness, but the material as a whole just isnt tantalizing to this reviewer, despite carrying myriad, notable attributes.
At first glance, Dreams of Death isnt too adventurous. What the band has to offer is nine songs that clock in at a reasonable length. Of course, theres an intro to be had, namely Requiescal, and all the other tracks arent far from being formulaic, though the aforementioned concept doesnt instantaneously quell likeability. The heavy beginning of Straight to Hell is great, but is perhaps what Flotsam and Jetsams audience has come to expect. Unfortunately, the vocals seem to be way too high in the mix; Rivera towers over everyone in the sound department, and the production could use some revamping. Bleed, however, is somewhat of a departure thats comparable to a Dream Theater ballad, which is to say that its not good until it picks up steam and heaviness at the 3:15 minute mark. Similarly, the band drill deeper in Look in His Eyes, but let up again in Childhood Hero. And, even though I havent read the lyrics, Dreams of Death is a forty-five minute concept album, which projects Travis Smiths (Seempieces) artwork. See? The disc does possess some cool stuff.
I must stress that I, by no measure, ogle Flotsam and Jetsam, and I didnt even pay them mind when Newsted joined the crew. Still, I gave the record a chance, and Im glad I did. Followers of the group will be pleased, I think, especially since this is the quintets return from a four-year sabbatical. Just dont confuse this with Into Eternitys Dead or Dreaming or Weaklings Dead as Dreams.
7.5/10
Official Flotsam and Jetsam Website
Official Crash Music Inc. Website
