Why?: I actually vividly remember parts of the day I bought this album. It was at a music store at Knox Shopping Centre, the same store I bought various Faith No More, Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana albums and singles. I have no idea what made me do it, perhaps the cover, but I asked to listen to this album at the listening post. I can see myself at that post bobbing my head along to the music. I really enjoyed the riffs so I bought it. At the same time I know I listened to a Dub War album and decided against it.
In hindsight I wouldn't be surprised if the guy at the shop recommended this to me because he was in the band, as I believe they're from Melbourne.
Tell me more!:
I listened to this album a lot back in the day. Every song is very familiar. I remember back then liking it a lot but my friends weren't as enthusiastic.
Listening today there is so much wrong with this release. The production on the drums and bass is very "clicky", like so many metal albums of an era slightly earlier than this. The guitars sound great though, the band is clearly heavily influenced by Metallica, and Metallica's influences.
The biggest problem though are the vocals. The melodies and phrasing aren't bad at all, they even manage some harmonies, he's just not that great a singer, which they try to cover with a lot of doubling of vocals, but it only makes it worse. While I'd argue the same thing about "...And Justice For All", the vocalist sounds like someone young trying to sound heavier, but he has none of the power Hetfield had back in that day.
The re-listen only solidified my memories that "As The Man Thinketh" is chock full of excellent guitar riffs, but let down by some uninspiring vocals.
Special mention must therefore go out to the instrumental track "For The Dying" which would fit perfectly well on a Metallica album today. The album ending title track is also great, although I'm not sure the overlaid samples from movies really work. A little too much like the "One" video... I'm also still pretty keen on "Dreams Beyond Reality" which has a very catchy chorus, and a really cheesy metal bridge.
I want to score this higher than it probably deserves, but I know it is nostalgia...
5/10
