Customer Reviews

Tenth Dimension

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am going to assume most of the reviewers who are going to be reading this are like me. You are probably a huge Iron Maiden fan who got curious as to where Blaze went after getting kicked out of Iron Maiden. You are probably wondering what to expect, since his work with Iron Maiden is certainly not great. I approached this album with a lot of skepticism.

Let's get one thing VERY clear before the real review even starts, this is NOTHING like Iron Maiden at all. Blaze sounds much "newer" and would probably fall into the "Power" metal category. If you aren't too interested in metals "newer" sound then you better stear clear of this album, but if you are open to new styles, I really recommend you give it a chance. And don't worry, the rest of the band is very talented, and has a really unique sound in my opinion. I can't think of another band that sounds very much like this at all. Did I mention this is one of the darkest(non-death), emotional heavy metal albums I've heard? It has everything you want, catchy melodies, sing-a-long choruses, emotion by the bucketful, and most important lasting quality(repeated listenings.)

Comparing this to Silicon Messiah, Blaze's first solo album, this one far surpasses it in every category. The Tenth Dimension has to be considered a concept album, even though there are short pauses between most of the tracks. Silicon Messiah definantly had a lot of HIGH points, but it sounded like a band that was still searching for the right combinations at times.

Since I got this album about 6 months ago, it has spent a WHOLE lot of time in my disc rotation. Tenth Dimension has a lot of variation in it. It has fast chorus-based hard-rockers like Kill and Destroy, Leap of Faith, and Speed of Light. A little over halfway through things slow down with the short The Truth Revealed and Meant To Be, which are packed with emotion. Then there are a couple more epic like songs: The Tenth Dimension and Stranger to the Light. These tend to have both very heavy and soft moments. If I had to pick my favorite tracks on the album I would have to say they would be: End Dream, The Tenth Dimension, Meant To Be, and Stranger to the Light. Before buying this album, I highly recommend listening to Amazon's samples, if you like those, you will probably like the album.

I'll talk to my fellow Iron Maiden buddies about Blaze's voice some more. This is all my opinion of course. Most of us agree that Blaze was a flop for Iron Maiden, and for a while I figured he had no talent whatsoever. I've since then came to my senses and realized Iron Maiden has the "wrong sound" for a vocalist like Blaze. Blaze doesn't have the power or the range Dickinson does, but he is much better in the darker more emotional categories. I think just like Blaze failed when put in a Bruce role, Bruce would fail if he was put in a Blaze role.

If you like this album, you will like any of Blaze's solo albums :). For more info on Blaze try www.planetblaze.com...Long live Blaze...

The second release by Blaze was inevitably going to answer the question of weather Blaze's previous album, the excellent "Silicon Messiah" was an aberration, a one hit wonder or the first impressive salvo of a terrific new band.
The short answer is that "Tenth Dimension" is as impressive a CD as "Silicon Messiah" is. They certainly don't waste their time answering opening the CD with the terrific "Kill and Destroy".

For those who are unaware, a minority I suspect, I need to mention the lead singer Blaze, not to be confused with the band named after him, for the duration of 2 studio albums previously replaced Bruce Dickinson as lead singer Iron Maiden. Blaze's collaboration with Maiden was a mixed bag. The first studio album "X-Factor" was a wonderfully dark album that unfortunately suffered due to bad production values. As to the second album "Virtual X" it had its moments but I consider it the weakest of Maiden's catalogue. Bruce Dickinson returned to the Maiden fold and Blaze was out of a job. He went on to form the self-named band and released the terrific "Silicon Messiah". Athough the split between Blaze and maiden seems to be amiable since he once again thanks all the Maiden team in the linear notes of "Tenth Dimension".

Once again as in the "Silicon Messiah" CD Andy Sneap is behind the console. It's a terrific choice since he is arguable one of the finest heavy metal producer working today. All the instruments come through loud and clear. Blaze's vocals come through smooth, powerful and rich. The production adds an extra level of dynamism and energy to already fantastic songs.

Musically the CD is very similar to "Silicone Messiah". There is a definite NWOBHM influence mixed with the newer trend of progressive metal. It truly has a feel of classic metal done in a modern way. Nothing new but its done extremely well. The twin guitar attack of Wray and Slater is relentless producing fat churning riffs and lightning quick guitar solos. The rhythm section of Naylor and Singer on bass and drums respectively lay down a strong foundation from which the songs flourish . As mentioned earlier Blaze's vocals are confident and dynamic.

Like its predecessor "Tenth Dimension" is a concept album. You don't need to follow the story concept to enjoy this CD. Far from it actually. I won't go into details on the story concept since its explained in the linear notes but let me mention it involves the link between Einstein's general theory of relativity (i.e classical physics) and quantum theory. Throw in cosmic string theories and ESP and you have a very mind bending story.

The CD does not count one misfire among the song that composes it. Nevertheless I have favourites. Among them is the fast and furious "Kill and Destroy" , the epic catchy and tempo changing title track, the haunting "Meant To Be", the aptly named "Speed of Light" with its fast opening riff, and the terrific and engrossing closing track "Stranger to the Light".

Just a brief mention that there is a limited 2CD edition of the "Tenth Dimension". The bonus CD includes 5 live tracks. "The Launch" and "Evolution" from the first Blaze CD "Silicon Messiah", "Futureal" from the Iron Maiden CD "Virtual X", "Though as Steel" from Blazes days in Wolfsbane and last but not least "Living Someone Else's Life written by the band Blaze. I am uncertain about the last song but I assume it's a Japanese bonus track on either "Silicon Messiah" or "Tenth dimension". The CD also includes 2 MP3 songs , "Silicon Messiah" and "Born as a Stranger" from the "Silicon Messiah" CD and the "Ghost in the Machine" video and a short video on the making of "Tenth Dimension".

In closing a terrific metal CD. A must buy for any heavy metal fans. The year is still young but I have no hesitation in saying that the "Tenth Dimension" will be considered one of the best heavy metal CD of 2002.

Blaze's second album since leaving iron maiden...... Silicon Messiah rocked and this album reflects the bands continuation of being successful. I am unable to comment on the 2nd CD of the special edition since only the normal album edition is available here, but I am seriously considering getting another copy. This album is that good. From memory the album is a little heavier than the previous SM but there are a couple softer songs which I found to be the best (Meant to be). The only song which I found not to be that good was track 6, Leap of faith. The song itself isnt that crash hot but you still end up liking it due to the chorus getting stuck in your head... Did in my case anyway. The vocals are outstanding showing Blaze's determination for improvement and self perfection. Not that any improvements need to be made. Overall, if you like Blaze SM, you'll love this. Definitely worth getting.

The only reason I give this album 4 stars and not 5 is because I don't think it is quite as good as Blaze's previous release "Silicon Messiah". It sounds a little heavier than SM and as a result I don't think it sounds quite as good, however it is still a great album and one of the best (if not the best) releases of 2002.
"Kill And Destroy" is a great opener and the second best track on the album, the best being the operatic "Meant To Be" which blends together with it's preceeding track "The Truth Revealed", so it really is one track in two parts.
I have always been a big fan on metal albums of the blending of accoustic guitars and great heavy riffs, and I think Blaze should do this more.
Since his departure from Iron Maiden Blaze has gone to the next dimesion and found a great band and sound of his own.
The songs may be a bit weaker on this album than SM, however it is a difficult task to follow such a master piece as that with another. This album is a valliant effort to do so and a great album in it's own right, well worth having.
If future Blaze releases are this good they will not dissapoint.

(3.5 Stars) I gave this release EVERY chance to blow me away. After reading all of the prior reviews, I was expecting an aural metal masterpiece to come jumping out at me. I LOVE the first Blaze solo release, "Silicon Messiah," and was expecting the next level of music from Blaze. The music and writing are on par with the last release, but I sensed something lacking in the execution; the sound was a very generic sound metal album. Blaze's voice never seemed to leave a single octave...kind of like a sing/song pattern. The guitar rhythms are strong and forceful, but the riffs and soloing almost seemed formulaic. I can accept the music if this is what Blaze is about, because it is definitely not bad, in fact it is good. I was just expecting more. This album is definitely better than the newest Iron Maiden release, and I am just thankful we have the music. Tenth Dimension is a necessary addition to any diehard metal fan. I will obtain the newest release, "Blood & Belief" without expectations for greatness, and just be happy we have some old school METAL in 2004!

Bayley continues his metal assault with this excellent release. Great vocals as always, awesome riffs, and kill delivery.

I truly believe this is Blaze's finest solo album. The guitar work is awesome and the lyrics are top notch. I do like his later material as well, but this disc really profiles a singer that has come into his own. Maiden's loss but metal's gain!!! "Leap of Faith" "Land of the Blind" "Speed of Light" are just a few mentions of songs that really rip!! Get this and crank this, you don't be disappointed. Metal forever.

Blaze has the most dramatic voice in all of metaldom. And although he has a limited range, he fully exploits what he has. This album isn't as dark and moody as Silicone Messiah, but it is also a concept album. My favorite tracks are End Dream because of the pounding drums and vocal explosions (I don't what else to call them), Nothing Will Stop Me because of the haunting vocal progressions and multiple punches, and, of course, the dramatic ballad "Meant to Be" Which is an impressive display of Bayley's vocal artistry. The album closer "Stranger to the Light" is also a metal epic.

Tenth Dimension is Blaze's second album. The Tenth Dimension can be seen as a band-release and not a solo-release. Although Blaze is not the best vocalist around, he and the other band-members know how to write excellent songs. Fortunately Blaze only sings in his vocal range and he has also written excellent lyrics (it is a concept album) and vocal melodies. On this album Blaze delivers his best vocal efforts by far.

I would describe the Tenth Dimension as a classic Heavy Metal album without al the clichés of the genre. I really like the heavy guitars and pounding drums. The overall production is also well done. There is a dark mood on the album and therefore the mood can be best compared with Iron Maiden's album X-Factor. Although the album is varied, the songs are mostly mid-tempo. One of the most interesting songs is the song "Meant To Be." It is a slow epic song with some female operatic vocals. There are also some fast and energetic songs like "Leap Of Faith" and "Speed Of Light". Although I am not very fond of new Traditional Metal releases, I really like the Tenth Dimension.

I really recommend you to purchase the limited edition. It features a bonus disk with one unreleased track, 4 live tracks, 2 mp3 tracks from Blaze's first album Silicon Messiah, a video clip from the song "Ghost In The Machine" and the making of the Tenth Dimension.

Even if you disliked Blaze Bayley during his Iron Maiden period try the Tenth Dimension, you probably like it.

There are no possible words to describe the cleanliness of Tenth Dimension. It shows the best singer ever at his best and his band of musicians of the highest class performing what metal lovers expect to hear when getting a CD.
Thanks Blaze for this incredible gift.