Benediction

The Dreams You Dread (Relapse)
by Scott Hefflon

Somewhere between growling powermetal and hideously deformed Sabbath-starring-Baphomet-on-vocals, Birmingham’s Benediction churn out 11 monstrous songs. The title was recycled from their ’89 demo, but seeing as how most of the members are different, it probably doesn’t matter much. While the snarling vox seem a little thin to these ears, the guitars and drumming slam like a wrecking ball. Others have picked other favorite songs, but I cast my ballot for either the slow, choppy stomp of “Saneless Theory,” or the thrashy title track.