Rough Edge: Redemption CD Reviews

REDEMPTION

"The Origins of Ruin" (Inside Out; 2007)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Quality rock'n'roll -- be it hard rock, heavy metal, punk, melodic symphonic rock, stadium rock, death metal, etc. -- is worth its weight in gold. I may not like all forms of rock, but I do like the variety of the genre and, if you look hard enough, anyone can find their niche.

That being said, Redemption and their "The Origins of Ruin" have got a lock on a really cool style of progressive metal. What distinguishes Redemption from other bands in this genre is their excellent use of keyboards to enhance the high quality of their music.

Man, I think this band with rock at a live show.

For more information, check out http://www.redemptionweb.com.

"The Fullness of Time" (Sensory; 2005)

Reviewed by Ray Van Horn Jr.

Hear ye, hear ye! Gathered for your enjoyment, featuring members of Fates Warning, Symphony X and Steel Prophet ... a progressive metal supergroup worthy of this heralding: Redemption.

Featuring none other than Fates Warning's Ray Alder on vocals, and his mate Nick Van Dyk running the show with guitar and keyboards, Redemption is serious metal fan's soup du jour. If you come to the table without an appreciation of the components' histories, you're going to be highly surprised after one song on "The Fullness of Time," assuming you allow yourself to pigeonhole Redemption so quickly.

"Threads" opens like gangbusters, a highly busy song filled with rage and tempered, progressive melodies that offset the blunt force of the song. You can't ask for a better opener, really. A word of warning, though; if you're expecting "The Fullness of Time" to resemble "Threads" verbatim all the way through, get it out of your head or you'll miss the fruits of what Redemption offers thereafter.

"Parker's Eyes" is an immediate off-setting slower song that treads the line of balladry, and yet the song gains momentum after a couple of stanzas and shreds momentarily before swimming in channels of articulation, even as the song serves as a soundtrack to 9/11. Trust me, Warrant was never capable of this kind of artistry. If you choose "Heaven" over "Parker's Eyes," that says a hell of a lot about you.

"Scarred" is another of the album's highlights with its layered treatments of straightforward rock riffs, resuming the manic activity Redemption is capable of, particularly on the wonderfully wild solo section. If you're into prog metal, this Yes-like jam session will have you tossing a fist into air, mark my words. Ditto for the 15-minute foray of "Sapphire," which at this point will separate fans listening to it into divisions between the prog and non-prog fans. If you don't dig the gratuitous and sensuous solo sections and breathtaking finale on this song, then that also says a hell of a lot about you.

Lastly is the four-song "The Fullness of Time" epic and what more can I say? Its brilliance is undeniable.

As much as one might be tempted to call Redemption another Dream Theater, there's plenty of history that precedes the latter to substantiate this very talented assemblage from any mainstream comparables. Let Redemption do what they do best and simply enjoy what they have to offer. If you're a fan of the bands represented in this commune, Redemption should already have a reserved spot on your shelf. If their overt artistic quality isn't enough to quell you, I feel sorry for you.

For more information, check out http://www.redemptionweb.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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