By: Anders

Posted: Sep 25, 2005

This is the second album from the American progressive power metal band Redemption. The band is lead by guitarist/keyboarder and main songwriter Nicolas Van Dyk, who really has proved himself as a top notch song writer and guitarist. There was a lot of fuzz around the band's first self titled release in 2002, but I really didn't give that album that much attention. Though I must say after having given this new effort from the band some listens, I have become really impressed by the high standard of good music and technical goodies.

Besides the guitar talents of Van Dyk, we are on the disc presented for one of my favourite players, Bernie Versailles from Agent Steel, a good shredder who really knows how to move the strings around and make them sound godly. On the first Redemption album it was ex-Steel Prophet vocalist Rick Mythiasin who handled the vocals, with a guest performance by Ray Alder from Fates Warning. This time all the vocals are handled by Ray Alder, and all who have heard his vocals, can nothing but enjoy them. His voice is powerful and extremely emotional and gears up and down according to the moods of the songs. He is an amazing singer and has a large register, and he still amazes me, with his soft and velvet-like voice that soothes the ear, just give the 15 minute long track 'Sapphire' a listen to get convinced. At other times like at certain parts in the title song, which is divided into 4 parts, he does show his fragile side, with a really outstanding vocal performance.

The songs on the album are well crafted, all from the ones with normal length, to the long 'Sapphire' and the ones in between are great and there aren't many boring moments, the music pushes to the listener's senses and keeps the interest held. Even though there are a great deal of technical pieces throughout the album, the song is always kept in focus and the main focus is often at Alder's vocals, and the story of the song.

Rating: 8½/10

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