Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Redemption - The Origin Of Ruin - 2007 - InsideOut Music

Track Listing:1. The Suffocating Silence 2. Bleed Me Dry 3. The Death Of Faith & Reason 4. Memory 5. The Origin Of Ruin 6. Man Of Glass 7. Blind My Eyes 8. Used To Be 9. Fall On You

One of my favorite (and most impressive) record labels these days is the Germany based "InsideOut Music". It features some of today's most talented progressive rock and metal bands such as Riverside, King's X, Symphony X, OSI, and Kevin Moore's Chroma Key. However, one of the smartest moves that InsideOut has made in recent years is the signing of a multi-album deal with Redemption - the Los Angeles based progressive metal act led by Nicolas Van Dyk, and featuring the vocal talents of the legendary Ray Alder (Fates Warning, Engine) and Bernie Versailles (Agent Steel, Engine). Redemption never fails to impress with their brand of progressive metal and on their latest disc, The Origin Of Ruin, Redemption once again prove that they are at the top of their game. From start to finish, The Origin Of Ruin remains aggressive, consistent, and progressive as their songwriting skills and musicianship are better than ever.

For the vocals, Ray Alder again delivers a stellar performance, creating patterns that match the melody and intensity of the music dead on. Although his days of hitting those glass-shattering high notes may be long gone, his mid-range vocals still put him on the list of top 5 metal vocalist of all times. Although Ray has many great moments on The Origin Of Ruin, his best moments are in Bleed Me Dry and Used To Be as his distinct voice creates the same feeling that I get when listening to early Fates Warning albums (late 80's & early 90's).

For the music, Nicolas Van Dyk has created a whirlwind of songs that are simply incredible. If you thought the Fullness Of Time was a progressive metal masterpiece, then wait till you hear such songs as Bleed Me Dry, The Death of Faith & Reason, and Fall On You. The one unique key to the successful existence of Redemption is the fact that they are metal first and progressive second - meaning that they are a metal band first and foremost and the progressive elements come naturally as the songs are expertly crafted. That being said, expect an aggressive, melodic metal album full of chunky guitar riffs, atmospheric keyboards and dominant drumming. Take these elements and throw in the legendary vocals of Ray Alder and you have an album full of crushing surprises.

Redemption have set a new standard in the progressive metal arena and with the release of The Origin of Ruin, there is no reason why they should not get the attention and credit that they deserve. If you like your progressive metal more metal and less progressive, then check out The Origin of Ruin and prepare to be blown away. Now, if Redemption would just rerecord their first CD with Ray on vocals, my dreams would come true! This is definitely one of the albums of the year, so check it out!



Rating: 5



--Grim Gaijin