"The Dreams You Dread," the fourth studio album by Birmingham's death metal legends Benediction, was originally released in 1995 by Nuclear Blast. This official 2022 deluxe LP reissue, brought to you by Cosmic Key Creations, is licensed directly from Nuclear Blast Records.
Benediction’s fourth studio album, "The Dreams You Dread," released in 1995, marked a significant departure from their earlier works. Despite facing criticism upon release, the album has since garnered a more appreciative audience. Many may recall the video for "Down on Whores (Leave Them All for Dead)" airing on MTV's Headbanger's Ball, a rarity for death metal at the time.
"The Dreams You Dread" is characterized by its mid-tempo, chugging death metal sound, embodying a classic old-school style with modern enhancements. The riffs, enriched with acoustic and non-distorted elements, provide a rich texture to the tracks. The album's atmosphere is steeped in horror melodies reminiscent of Entombed's early works. Unlike typical death metal, the bass guitar plays a more prominent role beyond just a backbeat, and Neil Hutton’s drumming introduces subtle yet impactful flourishes. The band occasionally accelerates to faster tempos, injecting necessary dynamism, though some tracks suffer from monotony.
A notable aspect of the album is its groove, compelling listeners to headbang along. The production is clean, balanced, and heavy, maintaining an organic feel. Despite the generally moderate pace, the energy among the instrumentalists is palpable. However, Dave Ingram's vocals are polarizing; raw and undiversified, they might remind some of a less intense Barney Greenaway from Napalm Death.
Lyrically, the album explores intriguing themes. "Down on Whores (Leave Them All for Dead)" stands out with its text derived from James Maybrick’s (potentially Jack The Ripper’s) diary. Other songs delve into typical death metal subjects such as madness, war, and death.
Death’s Chuck Schuldiner praised Benediction, selecting them as the ideal touring companion, a testament to their prowess. While "The Dreams You Dread" may not have been lauded upon release, it has aged remarkably well. For fans of groovy, powerful death metal, this album remains a solid choice.
