Reviewed - 08/28/05
The
Fullest Of Time
[Sensory Records]
This is Redemption's sophomore album. From what I understand, this album has a new lineup, now including Fates Warning vocalist Ray Alder on, what else, vocals. That alone should generate some interest for the band right there, but fans of Fates Warning may have a problem now; what are they going to think when they find that Redemption is better?
The album starts off an ass kicking riff that goes on at a thundering pace accompanied by some excellent synthesizers that are similar in tone to Symphony X (this was the only time the keys sounded like Symphony X on the entire album, mind you). "Threads" and "Scarred" have the kind of energy and passion that make you want to jump off your lazy ass and grab life by the balls. Or, if not, live vicariously through the music.
"Parker's Eyes" has a very nice emotional quality to it that really pulls you in, whilst the music has numerous quick time changes during the middle. Very impressive. There are lots of time changes throughout the album, but the ones on "Parker's Eyes" were the ones that really stood out for me. And solos. Solos are all over this thing; guitar nuts should find paradise in this album.
The sixteen minute epic "Sapphire" has some simply amazing harmonies between the guitars and keyboards in the early going and the twenty-one and a half minute "The Fullness of Time", which spans the last four tracks of the CD, is simply masterful.
Ray Alder's vocals are put to great use here as he hits all the notes (of course) and carries a great emotional quality in his voice that really adds impact to the songs. One can only hope that he'll be with Redemption for a long time to come.
The promotional literature accompanying the CD states that Redemption draws influence from such bands as Kansas, Savatage, Iron Maiden, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Rush and Megadeth. I don't hear much Maiden in here, but I can see where the rest came from in certain moments, but this is definitely some original stuff.
Also noteworthy is the fact that the album was produced by Tommy Newton who has produced for bands such as Helloween, UFO, Ark and Conception.
This album is an absolute necessity for any prog metal fan. Damn! What an album!
[Sensory Records]
This is Redemption's sophomore album. From what I understand, this album has a new lineup, now including Fates Warning vocalist Ray Alder on, what else, vocals. That alone should generate some interest for the band right there, but fans of Fates Warning may have a problem now; what are they going to think when they find that Redemption is better?
The album starts off an ass kicking riff that goes on at a thundering pace accompanied by some excellent synthesizers that are similar in tone to Symphony X (this was the only time the keys sounded like Symphony X on the entire album, mind you). "Threads" and "Scarred" have the kind of energy and passion that make you want to jump off your lazy ass and grab life by the balls. Or, if not, live vicariously through the music.
"Parker's Eyes" has a very nice emotional quality to it that really pulls you in, whilst the music has numerous quick time changes during the middle. Very impressive. There are lots of time changes throughout the album, but the ones on "Parker's Eyes" were the ones that really stood out for me. And solos. Solos are all over this thing; guitar nuts should find paradise in this album.
The sixteen minute epic "Sapphire" has some simply amazing harmonies between the guitars and keyboards in the early going and the twenty-one and a half minute "The Fullness of Time", which spans the last four tracks of the CD, is simply masterful.
Ray Alder's vocals are put to great use here as he hits all the notes (of course) and carries a great emotional quality in his voice that really adds impact to the songs. One can only hope that he'll be with Redemption for a long time to come.
The promotional literature accompanying the CD states that Redemption draws influence from such bands as Kansas, Savatage, Iron Maiden, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Rush and Megadeth. I don't hear much Maiden in here, but I can see where the rest came from in certain moments, but this is definitely some original stuff.
Also noteworthy is the fact that the album was produced by Tommy Newton who has produced for bands such as Helloween, UFO, Ark and Conception.
This album is an absolute necessity for any prog metal fan. Damn! What an album!
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Tracklist:
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| Rating: 10/10 | |
| Release Date: 2005 | |
| Length: 57:25 | |
| Review By: Philip Wickstrand | |
| Total Reviews: (1) | |
| Bands Website: Go Here | |
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