CoC : Benediction - The Dreams You Dread : Review

Benediction - _The Dreams You Dread_
(Nuclear Blast/Relapse, 1995)
by: Gino Filicetti (5 out of 10)

Another release from one of England's founding fathers of brutal music, Benediction, this is the band's sixth full length outing. Unfortunately, the guys are starting to show their age and lack of creativity. The addition of 18 year-old drummer Neil Hutton was probably an attempt to infuse some fresh blood into the group, but they have still fallen into the realm of stagnation. The CD opens with an interesting semi-acoustic guitar solo/riff, which carefully gives way to some good ol' mid-paced generic death metal. From the first grunt to the last scream on this album, Dave Ingram has :still: failed to kick the monkey called Barney Greenway off his back, and find a vocal sound all his own. All in all, the vocals completely failed to enthuse me. This album is full of variations with regards to speed, which is all the better for the band. The last two tracks show the extent of the contrast. 'Saneless Theory' is the classic drag-on whining song, while 'The Dreams You Dread' is a breakneck, blast beat ridden cacophony. I even see some Obituary influence in songs like 'Answer Me'. If you are a fan of Benediction, I would definitely recommend this album to you, seeing as the band have managed to keep up with their previous efforts. But for those of you that are looking for progression and innovation, you definitely need to find greener pastures.

(article published 2/9/1995)

CHATS
9/2/1995	A Bromley	Benediction: Revamping the Past... Sort Of

ALBUMS
8/9/2008	J Smit	8	Benediction - Killing Music
10/19/2001	A Bromley	8	Benediction - Organized Chaos
9/1/1998	A Bromley	6	Benediction - Grind Bastard