Line up:
Ray Alder - Vocals
Nicolas van Dyk - Guitar, Keys
Bernie Versailles - Guitar
Sean Andrews - Bass
Chris Quirarte - Drums
Redemption is a band that so far equals the most consistent and high quality music I have come across in recent memory. With "The Origins of Ruin" they complete a trilogy of near-perfect albums. Nicolas van Dyk, the mastermind behind the band and sole writer of all music and lyrics, has assembled a cast of outstanding musicians. They create technically impressive music filled with exciting details.
The production is perfectly clear and powerful, inviting access to the many musical layers within. With
Redemption being defined as progressive Metal "The Origins of Ruin" is an album that rewards the intensely attentive listener. Right from the explosive opener
The Suffocating Silence you will find yourself bombarded by mean guitar riffs, mood enhancing keyboard arrangements and constantly changing drum patterns. It is an aggressive, yet tightly controlled audio assault that will leave many listeners breathless.
The Progressive Metal definition shouldn't scare the uninitiated listener away. At its core the music is heavy, melodic and instantly captivating. The album is not hard to get into, but it
is hard to let go. The songs connect and stay in the mind for a long time.
I won't go meticulously through the entire album at this time, but I have to highlight a few favorites.
Memory is a successor to my favorite song of 2005,
Sapphire from the previous
Redemption album "The Fullness of Time". Sapphire's main melody suddenly surfaces in a guitar solo and lyrically the song follows in its footsteps. Where
Sapphire was an almost devastating emotional ride,
Memory is softer on the nerves. It still delivers a deep emotional impact, dealing with the complexities of moving on and letting go. Musically the songs creeps up on you, ensnares you and continually haunts you with the paradigm of a broken soul, caught in an unhealthy state of mind. The song is very cathartic in nature.
The Origins of Ruin is the most beautiful piece of music I have heard in a long time. Ray Alder's voice and the balanced piano works as a despair-tipped arrow piercing skin and bone as it heads for its deadly core.
Ray sings passionately throughout the record, but I always take notice of the opening portion of
Blind My Eyes, a song with a wonderful flow and a positive vibe.
Fall On You closes the album on a hopeful note.
The Origins of Ruin is album of the year material. It is captivating, challenging, moving and thoughtful. The album has everything I seek in music and it goes beyond the norm. It is not perfect as it looses a slight momentum in its last half, but it sure comes close. An essential purchase.
Written by
Steen Tuesday, May 8, 2007
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