Just after this album was originally released back in 2008, I got a sampler of Australian death metal from a magazine. Each of the tracks were as good as the next, (I actually still have it), but one in particular stood way out; "Where The Unbelievers Burn". I was blown away by how heavy the guitars and vocals were, and by the sheer work rate of the drummer. For ages after I tried getting their CDs; but had to give up. Thankfully the chances just got a lot better with this repackaged reissue.

Formed way back in 1995, BEYOND MORTAL DREAMS seem heavily influenced by the Death Metal coming out of the US at the time. There is a constant hint in all their recordings of DEICIDE, IMMOLATION and MORBID ANGEL, particularly in the latter's use of similar soundscapes and samples. But on this, their only full-length release, there is a big nod to NILE and MALEVOLENT CREATION in its intensity and power. The sheer weight created by all the aspects of their sound is quite astonishing. From the awesome pummelling guitars to the brutally guttural vocals to the insanely busy drumming, the onslaught is relentless. Even the guitar solos are frantic and disjointed in the right places but are also very cleverly used to add sweetness when needed too and are a massive highlight of this record. Overall, there is just the right mix of atmosphere and aggression on here to keep it interesting throughout, which is no mean feat as it tends to be one is overused to the detriment of the other when it's done wrong.

I'm always so glad to see an album get a second chance when it is definitely deserved. I'm sure there have been thousands of quality records lost to obscurity, but it always tends to be the ones that were way too good for that to happen to (be that by gaining cult status in their own country as this did), that get discovered again. And its testament to the band and the production that "From Hell" actually feels both like a brand-new release, or something that came out in the mid-nineties. It's got the timeless feel of a classic. And quite rightly so. There's a quote that goes "opportunities seized often multiply", so maybe this one could kick-start these very talented guys to record again, who knows? For metal, that would be the dream.