Columbia Pennsylvania natives Dream Device has released their first self titled CD of hard rock that may not be the most original disc on the planet but is certainly one that will make you think back to the days of arena rock and roll. They give you a good dose similar to the likes of Godsmack or Pearl Jam with maybe a dash of Disturbed thrown in for good measure. That is the good news. Although they produce some quality metal, lead singer David Trageser is like a sedative against the high energy the band puts out. With a good mid range he is not unlistenable by any stretch but when he strains out of his comfort zone the band suffers. Luckily it doesn't happen often.
Take a song like "Just Wait". It is a very catchy melody that reminds me very much of a band like Pearl Jam. Trageser does the best with what he has to offer vocally but there is just not much feeling in his delivery. Still all in all it is not a bad song and one of my favorite on the disc. I just wish he would get a little excited about what he is singing.
The next song "As You Go" is Trageser's finest moment. Here he delivers the goods and the band tears through this grungy bit of rock and roll with vengeance. The results are the highlight of the album and is an example of what the band is capable of but fail to show throughout the disc.
All in all this is not a bad album by a long shot but certainly not something to get overly excited about. It shows major promise but the main course they serve needs a little more seasoning. I will look forward to what they learn from this album because they are close, very close to hitting the nail right on the head.
Track listing:
1. Won't Let You Die
2. Crucifixion
3. Washed Away
4. Just Wait
5. As You Go
6. Time And Place
7. Shadow
8. Last Dance
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