The eagerly awaited sophomore album by
Redemption has finally arrived and what blast it turned out to be. This is one of those albums I just can't wait to listen to one more time, each spin offering several new exciting discoveries. To make this review a bit different and progressive if you like, I have tried to figure out a number of questions that you as a reader properly would like to know about this album, all of the following is of course a reflection of my opinion. Oh yes I might also include that part of this decision is based on my own troubles with grasping the real magnitude of these songs, strangely how ones own questions should end by being so difficult to answer.
How does it compare to the self-titled debut?
Style-wise this one is a bit more heavy and dynamic, I loved the ambition and bombastic scope of the excellent first album, but in some instances it became just a bit too compressed.
The Fullness Of Time is finely weighed in every aspect and the production has also been upgraded. This one sounds crystal clear, ultra tight and with just a bit more bite in the rhythm section, which by the way is one mean machine.
Who is performing on the album and what's the overall result?
The band consists of Nicolas van Dyk (guitars, keyboard), Ray Alder (vocals), Bernie Versailles (guitars), James Sherwood (bass) and Chris Quirarte (drums) and when listening to the album I wouldn't have had it any other way. The chemistry between these guys seems to be right on the spot, the music is tight and precise and yet there are a plenty of examples of great individual inputs that help the songs stay interesting all the time.
What's the album all about then?
To keep it short The Fullness Of Time deals with a whole range of varied emotions as fear, love, despair and hope. To get through dark periods in you life and coming out a stronger person is also a recurring theme. These themes become amazingly vivid when Ray starts to sing the lyrics. There is something mysterious and totally compelling about his approach.
Bottom line is that this is intelligent and easily identifiable material that really gets under my skin.
How does Redemption compare to other progressive acts?
They don't. I really think this band has an approach and sound this is truly original. This band is a fresh breeze of ingenious Progressive Metal.
Some of the moods in
Parker's Eyes slightly remind me of the latest and very good
Fates Warning album called FWX, the voice of Ray Alder explains some of it. Still this song is completely its own, mesmerizing and very creative.
What's the best stuff?
A short answer would be all of it; I'll just name a few songs below.
- Threads in its entirety is no less than a Metal revelation, a complex web of exciting features spun together in a remarkable way. Heavy riffing, melodic piano parts, playful leads, ingenious key passages, technical drumming and I could go on.
- The 15-minute
Sapphire is one of the coolest songs I have ever come across. It's a fascinating roller coaster of torn emotions, genius musicianship and empathetic vocal parts. The spectacular guitar/keyboard solo passage and the dramatic ending section are just a few of many huge moments.
-
Despair is a really deep and atmospheric song, it has a depressing nature and fittingly changes from softer to harder passages. It seduces you from the beginning and never looses its grip.
There must be something that is not really working out?
In fact I have a hard time fining anything, but I think
Scarred becomes just a bit to technical in the end, I love it's bombastic impact and clever bass parts, but some of the fast vocal parts seem a bit forced. Still a great song with a massive and exploring rhythm section.
The final verdict?
I'm not saying this often, but in this fascinating case I think it's justifiable to talk about a landmark release in the history of progressive music.
Written by
Tommy Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Show all reviews by TommyRatingsTommy: 9/10Members: 9/10 - Average of 1 ratings.
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 | Steen (Staff)
Rating: 9/10
I agree with Tommy completely. This is simply an amazing album that delivers in every sens... · Read more · |
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