Redemption - The Fullness Of Time
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 Tommy

Ratings

Tommy: 9/10

Members: 9/10 - Average of 1 ratings.



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Profile pictureSteen (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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RevelationZ Comments


Comment by Rocker Boy (Anonymous) - Monday, August 15, 2005
This album is really awesome! This music is heavy, fast, and melodic. There are a lot of hyped albums out there. This is one you NEED to own!


Comment by Dj (Anonymous) - Sunday, August 28, 2005
Yeah close to album of the year for me, Ray Alder is amazing, the lyrics are powerful and the album is heavy as hell. Just a great sophomore realese, every fan of power/prog should own this now!!!


Comment by Little Drummer Boy (Member) - Sunday, October 9, 2005
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Comments: 166
Ratings: 46
After reading the review I went to my fav import store to pick it up and all I can say is...WOW! I've listened to it continuously and every couple of listens I find something new that I missed before. The arrangements are outstanding and is such an emotionally driven recording I can not stop listening.
In a year of many great progg releases (DT, Shadow Gallery to name a couple) this is hard to beat.

Posted by Little Drummer Boy
Sunday, October 9, 2005

Comment by Little Drummer Boy (Member) - Thursday, January 12, 2006
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Comments: 166
Ratings: 46
Yeap...Progg Metal release of the year.


Posted by Little Drummer Boy
Thursday, January 12, 2006

Review by Steen (Staff) - Wednesday, April 26, 2006
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Comments: 518
I agree with Tommy completely. This is simply an amazing album that delivers in every sense of the word. Album of the year so far and I seriously doubt that anything can match it. Filled with emotion, passion and exciting music this is something you don't come across very often.

Rating: 9/10

Posted by Steen (Staff)
Wednesday, April 26, 2006










Review by Tommy
None

Released by
Massacre Records - 2005

Tracklisting
1. Threads
2. Parker's Eyes
3. Scarred
4. Sapphire

The Fullness Of Time
5. I. Rage
6. II. Despair
7. III. Release
8. IV. Transcendence


Supplied by Intromental


Style
Progressive Metal

Related links
Visit the band page

Redemption - Official Website

Other articles
Redemption - (Steen)

Interview with Nick Van Dyk - (Steen)

The Origins of Ruin - (Steen)

The Origins of Ruin - (Alanna)

Snowfall On Judgment Day - (Steen)

Interview with Nicolas van Dyk - (Steen)

Snowfall on Judgment Day - (Sandra)



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10 - Masterpiece
666 - Unrated

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