Redemption is a project led by one Nick Van Dyk, a relative
unknown in the metal field up to now.
He recruited an all-star lineup of prog/power metallists,
including former
Steel Prophet
vocalist Rick Mythiasin,
Symphony X
drummer Jason Rullo, and
Fates Warning
guiltarist Bernie Versailles for his new band, debuting in 2003
with a self-titled effort.
Two years later a different cast of characters joined up,
notably including
Fates Warning
vocalist Ray Alder,
and this version has largely remained stable over the years.
This band oozes class,
striking the perfect balance between melodic progressive
metal
and dark power metal, with songs that have identity and mood in
all the right places, and with the flawless execution and high
degree of musicianship that this style demands.
Not many bands attempt 25-minute epics, and fewer succeed, but
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" from the debut,
based on a Ray Bradbury novel,
is outstanding, never failing to keep the listener's interest
as it progresses from one section to the next.
Great stuff.
