DAMASCUS from Muskegon, Michigan have re-issued their self-produced original demo tapes from 1989. The band self-financed the release of 1000 cassette tapes of the "Forest of Dreams" album and the tracks now see the light of day again. The band got a fair bit of national air-play back in the day before eventually disbanding in 1994. Formed in 1984, the band developed a Progressive Heavy Metal sound featuring the distinctive and impressive vocal range of Fred Ruzicka.

The thirteen tracks are solid Metal fare. Fred's vocals are high pitched at times and take a bit of getting used to but there is no doubt about the impressive vocal range on show. Fred's voice is reminiscent of Geoff Tate on early QUEENSRYCHE material. In fact, there are musical similarities between the bands as they both play a Progressive style of Metal. The songs are what you would expect for the sound of the period with many songs in a PRIEST/ MAIDEN vein. Most of the tracks do provide Progressive moments with a lot of keyboards which sound close to RUSH of the early to mid 80's. The high-pitched vocals are close to Geddy Lee in parts and the keyboards have a tone similar to moments on "Moving Pictures" or "Signals".

"Blame It On The Bad Life" opens the album with a bass-y intro and vocals that are a blend of Geoff Tate and Vince Neil. This sounds fairly modern for '89 and reminds me of ANNIHILATOR. "Wings Of Freedom" follows with a nice staggered riff in a VAN HALEN style and then goes Progressive with the big keyboards. "Rock N Roll Resolution" has stood the test of time and still feels new today with a contemporary Power Metal sound.

"High Time" is a more guitar driven Rocker with a little less keyboard. This is more NWOBHM sounding and in parts sounds influenced by DIAMOND HEAD. This is one of the heavier tracks with pounding riffs. The bass work is galloping on this one and is imaginative throughout the album. The closing song "Dark Secret" is a highlight. The start is slow and the riffing has Hammond organ tones over the top before Fred goes crazy on the vocals.

All in all, if you remember the 80's, you'll love this throwback to traditional Metal. The vocals may be a bit much for some but you can't help but appreciate the vocal range in the songs. DAMASCUS can count themselves unlucky to not have gone further in the Metal world and this album is testament to their talent.