Metal Reviews

Ok, so these may have been posted about beforehand, but I refuse to search out these threads so if I succeed in being redundant, it's your own fault for having memories.

Redemption - The Origins of Ruin

This third offering was exactly what I was expecting. Guitar-oriented prog metal with the decent sprinkles of keyboarding. The new bassist fits in great and the drummer seems to have been given the license to become a bit more creative with his kit. What does it for me with this band though is the brilliant singing from Ray Alder and the lyrics that Nick van Dyk writes. I don't think he'll ever top the lyrical genius he achieved on The Fullness of Time, particularly in the song "Transcendence", but Redemption is starting to compete with the greats (Pain of Salvation and Lost Horizon off the top of my head) in the lyrical content category.

Labyrinth - 6 Days to Nowhere

I can tell you right now that if you didn't appreciate the direction these Italians took with Freeman, then you should skip to the next album. However, for those of you who wanted to hear Freeman without that fucking atrocious production, well you're in luck. The guitars could use a little more crunch, and the synths (done extremely well mind you) are only audible to the very attentive listener. There's a few solos that stick out, and Rob Tiranti is the same vocalist he's been for years, so I'm guessing it's the songwriting I've become so impressed with. This is definitely worth checking out.

Xystus - Remembering Tomorrow

...Well I checked the site before I wrote for this one due to the fact that it's a 2004 release, and sure enough its been covered. I'm hearing this album for the first time now though, and it's blown me away. I'm having trouble understanding the DT references though, and even the fact that this is considered prog metal. On Metal-Archives.com this has been labeled as "Atmospheric Power Metal" and while I find that to be fairly accurate, I would consider a compromise with a power/prog label. If you haven't heard this yet, and could kill for some refreshing power metal, this may be a good place to start.

Oh, and as far as honorable mentions go, a list of a few other albums I've digested, enjoyed, and not heard a word about...

Empyrios - And the Rest is Silence
Eyes of Shiva - Deep
Age of Nemesis - Terra Incognita
Oratorio - Redemption
Arachnes - In Praise of Science

So, what say you, fellow metalheads?

A few quick thoughts....

Redemption, Age of Nemesis and Empyrios are not really my style (progressive metal) and I don't have them.

Didn't care much for the latest Arachnes, but I quite like the Xystus debut.

I have the new Eyes of Shiva but haven't listened to it yet. Haven't seen the Labyrinth pop up for sale yet (at least where I order from).

I haven't heard of Oratorio. Could you throw out some band (music and vocal) comparisons for me?

Clint

I've never heard of any of them, although I love prog so I should probably check some of it out.

Will most certainly get The Origins of Ruin when it comes out.

Alright, so Redemption is their own thing as most who have heard know, and Age of Nemesis is an exercise in Prog 101, as you'll find crystal clear examples from mostly DT (we're talking Images and Words era DT, thankfully) Empyrios is way less proggy than either of these two and really delve into the power/thrash region quite often, so giving them a listen might reward you.

Eyes of Shiva, from what I can tell, have elected to stay the course as far as songwriting, and have altered their sound with an extra bit of heaviness.

Oratorio, for me anyways, sounds like a lot like a power metal version of Trivium, and the best way for me to describe their singer is that he sounds a lot like the guy from Holy Pain, but better, and with less of an accent.

Also, to serve as an update to the list, I have recently discovered yet another prog/power band by the name of Serenity. Haven't really given much thought to similarities, influences or the like but it's definitely worth a listen.

Has the new Redemption leaked? Or is it out already?

It's leaked.

I've heard the new Redemption, can't say is better the the last album, but is not bad, although I feel that Ray Alder's performance on this one is not as awe aspiring as the last one, he seemed to have put more effort in the last one, the music is still the same kick ass, heavy power thrash prog, i say solid release not better then the last album.

I haven't heard the new Redemption yet. I'm such a big fan of Ken Golden and his label that I actually refuse to even try the album. Weird. I'd buy it no matter what, but Golden gets my ultimate respect!

I'm really looking forward to the new Redemption CD. I liked "The Fullness Of Time" bigtime. I totally agreee that they sound heavily influenced by DT from the "Images & Words" era.

The Fullness of Time is an album I love and I have no idea why since I hate all the other prog metal bands that play in anything resembling that style.