Originally written by Patrick Dawson
With the release of This Godless Endeavor it seems only appropriate that the patched up version of an album that didn’t quite get a fair shake the first time around be reviewed. The weight of shame is now upon me tenfold for neglecting my hometown heroes for so long. Dreaming Neon Black and Dead Heart both represent milestones in my development as a metal fan and I look on them both fondly to this day. Tragic then that I neglected to even hear in passing the record in question until the release of its follow up two years later. I fulfill all my other duties as a Seattleite, perhaps I was so caught up in shopping for Starbucks mocha lattes and North Face apparel that I just forgot to watch the local metal scene. Hopefully the authorities don’t take my wool socks and Birkenstocks away for this offense.
Naturally, reviewing the remix I was forced to subject myself to the previous version and I can assure you that I also felt the production was catastrophic to say the least. The comical level of drum and vocals rightfully caused Spinal Tap jokes to fly regarding ego in the studio. I don’t honestly think Warrell Dane is personally responsible for the fiasco but it is funny to imagine him lording over the decibel level of his multiple vocal tracks with the haughty rockstar ego that his leather pants do not help to dispel.
Jeff Loomis is still the master of modern thrash riffs and Warrell Dane is still the most questionable vocalist in all of metal. You know what he sounds like, and you either complain constantly about his bad ear or you accept it and even grow to love the quirks. That being said, I find he has made drastic improvement with the multi-track harmonization since Dead Heart. Of course as a detractor you will point to the majority of “Create the Infinite” and start bitching about his vocals again. I will then point to the fabulous neck snapping riffs beneath Dane’s torrent of minor 2nd intervals and tell you to shut the fuck up. Mind, any vertebrae crushing is made possible by the percussive duo of Sheppard and Williams whose interaction is finally audible on this remix and I love every second of it.
Ty Brookman already told you what this album sounds like and how it stacks up against the previous output in his initial review of the first release. I tend to mirror his view that while the songwriting is not as adventurous as it has been in the past, Enemies of Reality makes up for it with a straightforward assault made thrice as effective with the fantastic remix. Thank you Andy Sneap; though your talent may be put to vile and repugnant use by the likes of Arch Enemy, the shine you put on this beauty and other console masterpieces like Stampin’ Ground’s last offering makes you A-okay in my book. This album is rated fixed and fantastic by Patrick Dawson.
