[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]



 
 
Artist: Abraxas
Title: "Tomorrow's World;
Label: SPV Records
Reviewed by: Vinnie Apicella
Rating:
 
   
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.