I'll say one thing for these guys, they're either gluttons for
punishment, or simply don't know when to quit. If ever there were a
band that failed to take a hint. I mean, with all the record label
failures and broken engagements and the typical industry bull, how this
band still manages to persevere, and we must assume they still are, since if
I'm recalling correctly, this album was finally granted its release
back in '98 - in Europe. But the name "Abraxas" is familiar enough and it
should be. And thankfully, the meaning has been revealed. More on that
later.
What formerly was entitled "The Liaison," and inevitably became
"Tomorrow's World." how circumstantially true, having always been
set aside for tomorrow anyway. Well, the album's finally here! Was
it worth the wait? I think so. It's got quite an interesting sound
going for it. Almost like Progressive/Thrash, similar to early Fates
Warning, though I believe "Abraxas" draw more upon the darkness than the
latter. Maybe something more like Liegelord or even Hallow's Eve - one of
those
old Metal Blade acts anyway.
The band's been around a while, and this is the amazing thing, they've
maintained the same lineup for something like ten years! A record,
considering their background! Granted,
nothing major really occurred during that time, but it looks like patience
and perseverance are rightfully rewarded.
So, this re-release,
considering it's had a pretty good shelf life since its inception, gets
digitally remastered, features new artwork and fourteen songs in
including the bonus tracks "Stolen Memories," Faded Photographs" and
"Into the Light." These all sound like they were cut from the same studio
sessions as their predecessors, but ironically, three of the few where you
can really sink your teeth into the chorus! Otherwise, aside from
"Tomorrow's World," "Dreamers Island" and maybe "Cry of the Nature,"
the songs are fairly long and carry on somewhat clumsily, lacking a little
in power. But there's a symphonic texture hidden in the background that
could serve a better role in the overall picture.
"Abraxas," named for a
Greek God whose suggested physical makeup makes no sense
whatsoever (a Rooster's head and Snake feet?), is a powerful name for what
appears to be a formidable act. They've mercifully made it to the promised
land, after several industry missteps saw to it the poor lads couldn't
get out of their own way.