Customer Reviews

Fullness of Time

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Multi-instrumentalist Nick van Dyk's Redemption proved to be a great project with their 2003 debut featuring an impressive list of guest musicians, including members from Fates Warning and Symphony X. Nick van Dyk played pretty much every instrument on the album except the drums and the album was a huge success. Unfortunately, due to the weak production in spots, the album didn't reach its ultimate perfection, mainly because of Rick Mythiasin's poorly mixed vocals.

Now, almost three years later, Redemption is back. Things have changed quite a bit since then. While still primarily Nick van Dyk's band as he wrote all the music and lyrics himself, he has enlisted the services of Prymary bassist James Sherwood and drummer Chris Quirarte, retaining the amazing Bernie Versailles on second guitar and handling the keyboard stuff himself. Enter new singer - none other than the amazing Ray Alder from Fates Warning. Ray Alder's contribution to the album is immense. His singing actually sounds quite different from his work with Fates Warning or Engine. I assume that's because Nick van Dyk wrote all the music including the vocal melodies. Alder sure has added his quality to them though. His voice is warm and utterly emotive. He sings the lyrics with utmost conviction and tremendous clarity. He is simply like no other singer out there.

The album is comprised of two parts. The first four songs are the independent songs, starting with the highly energetic "Threads" where Chris Quirarte is at his drumming best laying down speedy, concise beats over a vague keyboard line and matching up Nick and Bernie Versailles' dense rhythm work. "Parker's Eyes" is a cerebral track whose lyrical content revolves around feelings of anger, despair and rage. The song touches on various themes including the 9/11 event and corrupt politics. "Scarred" is easily the heaviest track on the album - the main riff right at the beginning unleashes a wave of dense rhythm and it has an impossibly beautiful chorus. The song is dark, complex and heavy. I love the unison solo going on in the middle where Nick and Bernie Versailles really cut it loose. This track would fit seamlessly with any of the songs on Dream Theater's Awake. The epic tune, "Sapphire", starts out with plucked acoustic guitars and builds on and on until the breaking point at around 2:15. Ray Alder's rendition of the chorus during the "Treasures can slip through your fingertips" line is heart-stopping as is the subtle piano melody mixing up with awesome guitar cadences. The whole song, although 16 minutes long, never becomes repetitive, neither with its lyrics nor the music. I'm at loss for words. Simply incredible.

The title track is made up of four subtracks: "i. Rage", "ii. Despair", "iii. Release" and "iv. Transcendence". Put together, they take up more than 20 minutes of the album. All four cuts exemplify dark progressive metal with ethereal keys and pianos merging with raging guitars and an emotionally exhausting vocal performance. Each piece is quite varied in itself, as "Despair" contains a mildly exotic section rendered by amazing guitar melodies while Alder's vocals on "Release" intensify the already dark piano piece reminding me a little of Evergrey. "Transcendence" not only closes the album as a fitting piece alternating between heavy riffs and passionate keyboards, but it also leads to a theme of renewal. Nick van Dyk's lyrics show great improvement over his debut album. They are easy to relate to, thought-provoking and not even the least bit preachy.

Finally Tommy Newton, the producer known for his work with Conception and Ark, gives the album its warm and huge sound. I always thought Nick should work with someone like Neil Kernon whose impeccable production would add a lot to his music, but Newton is also an excellent choice. He gives so much clarity and power to the band's songcraft allowing everything to shine through without taking away from the surreally organic compositions. Travis Smith once again provides the dark artwork for the album. Mind you his work on the debut disc was also great, but I much prefer this one. The Fullness of Time sees Redemption taking a big leap and proving themselves as one of the best American prog metal bands.

I have been wanting to write a brief review of this CD since I first heard it back in late August. It took a little while to grow on me, but after listening for the last couple of months I discovered the treasures of this music. The main reason I decided to purchase it was because I am a huge fan of Fates Warning and with Ray Alder doing the vocals how could it miss! I was not familiar with the rest of these guys. The band does remind me of a cross between Dream Theater and Fates Warning, although I have to say that this CD is not quite as good as FWX. To me that was the ultimate Fates Warning CD. However, this CD is definately worth owning. Very interesting songs with lots of nice twists to the music, performed flawlessly.

Supergroups are a tough batch. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Redemption started off as one of these, but that's different now for the American prog-metal ensemble. With a new line-up, mastermind and guitarist Nick van Dyk has consolidated what is one of the most promising metal acts of the new millennium. Following in the footsteps of their rapid and powerful self-titled debut, "The Fullness of Time" kicks up the melody and the production.

The album opens with "Threads", a delectable prog-metal crusher. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to Symphony X, the first minute of the song journeys through pounding riffs, skyward keyboards and Ray Alder's (Fates Warning) spotless vocals. Singing only once in their previous album, Alder has taken over the position of frontman - and he does it wonderfully. In almost every song, van Dyk harmonizes Alder's vocals almost formulaically - but it works. The extremely melodic and touching "Parker's Eyes" is another 9/11 meditation (along the lines of Dream Theater's new "Sacrificed Sons"), ripe with the same continuous guitar accompaniments that we first heard on "Window to Space". The song balances an ominous verse with darker bridges and a profoundly touching chorus.

The songs get longer from there on. "Scarred" is a heavier number, which flaunts Alder's angry, gritty vocals (à la James LaBrie in Dream Theater's "Just Let Me Breathe") and boasts a chorus that sounds very similar to Kamelot's "Silent Goddess". It is the heaviest song on the album, combining relentless guitars with powerful drums that never stop changing beats, beginning with a double-bass kick and slowing down only to pick right back up again. Redemption's skilled hand at combining keyboards and guitars at car-crash speeds is unrestrained in this song, providing the band's trademark marriage of infantry riffage and astral keystrokes. These "solos" encompass one of the album's finest moments.

"Sapphire", the album's 15-minute beast is great, but lacks the perfectly hypnotic character of "Window to Space" to sustain a truly memorable 10+ musical experience. It's everything you'd expect from a longer prog-metal song, but the glue that holds the song together isn't as strong as the cement that kept "Window to Space" solid and consistent for 13 minutes.

Then there's the "Fullness of Time" suite, composed of four songs (Rage, Despair, Release and Transcendence). The suite itself is very up and down and is certainly not another shot at (or an improvement over) the "Desperation" suite on their first album. "Rage" is poorly constructed and aimed at producing an intense song that only feels disjointed and scatterbrained. The verses are memorable and sound like the vocal harmonies were written by Arena, but the song lacks a fluid transition or relationship between verse and chorus. "Despair" is short but powerful, delivering quick, punchy choruses aided by Alder's perfect voice and ending in a distant, bass-reduced piano. "Release" is heavier but more organic than "Rage". There is a cohesive relationship between its parts and doesn't feel too deliberate in its execution. "Transcendence" is an unlikely Redemption song: a happy one. It's uplifting, accessible and feel-good, bringing a "moral" to the suite.

It's a great album and I recommend it to anyone who likes the faster, darker side of prog-metal.

See also: Redemption - "Redemption", Dream Theater - "Train of Thought", Zero Hour - "The Towers of Avarice"

This is my first review and I decided to do it on my favorite album of 2005: Redemption's "The Fullness of Time." This is quickly becoming my favorite album of all time and considering I have all of Dream Theater's and Symphony X's albums, that is saying a LOT.

I love every track on this album, but the two I listen to the most are "Sapphire" and the 21-minute title track, "The Fullness of Time." "Sapphire" has some of the most amazing lyrics I have ever heard. Basically, it has to do with a love long lost, which is something I can really relate to.

What I love about Redemption, is that they're excellent at integrating gritty, double bass metal with excellent piano melodies and solos. I'll go through the tracks one by one and share my thoughts about each of them.

1. Threads - The first song on the album starts out with a heavy riff and mad double bass. It leads into an awesome song about how relationships are often held together by a thread.

2. Parker's Eyes - This track talks about 9/11 and what their reaction was to it. It's an amazing song with some awesome riffs and great drum work by Chris Quirarte, who replaced Jason Rullo, Symphony X's drummer.

3. Scarred - Probably the worst song on the album, but I still consider it to be a good song. The production on this song seems to be off at the beginning, but it kicks in later in the song. Overall, an excellent song, but sub-par considering the other songs on the album.

4. Sapphire - Probably the best song on the album. Clocking in at almost 16 minutes, it's an amazing song that combines beautiful piano melodies and rock hard riffs. It's a beautifully written song that can really strike a chord with your emotions.

5. The Fullness of Time - This 21-minute epic is an amazing work. Broken into four parts (Rage, Despair, Release, and Transcendence), it goes through the emotions felt throughout our lives. Each of the four parts sound like the title: Rage is a metal segment, Despair is a more laidback and piano oriented piece, Release kicks it up just slightly above Despair, and Transcendence is finally a happy piece, which is rare for Redemption.

The addition of Ray Alder, James Sherwood, and Chris Quirarte have definitely made this band one of the frontleaders of progressive rock/metal. Now since Redemption has become a full-time band, I can't wait for the release of their next album.

Like I said, this is easily my favorite album of 2005, in front of Shadow Gallery's "Room V" and Dream Theater's "Octavarium." Please don't hesitate to buy this album and I think it's safe to say I won't ever hesitate to buy another album from Redemption.

You can listen to the first track, "Threads," in its entirety on Redemption's website.

http://www.ivorygate.com/redemption/

BUY THIS ALBUM!!!

The emotional singing of Ray Adler and the compositions are magnificent.The solos are breathtaking, the choruses and melodic verses are memorable and the production flawless.But the most remarkable aspect of this cd is the surprise of their style, a mix of Evergrey and Fates Warning with a touch of Symphony X made them sound truly unique and dramatic.The music is very technical and busy, so in order to enjoy this, you first have to have a strong constitution, a progmetal one.That said, they sometimes leave room for more quiet parts with sublime melodies and heartfelt singing.
This is one of the best prog bands out there and you should not be without this work.Truly one of the best progmetal albums that i have heard in my life.
Highly Recommended!!!!!

I gave this disc 4 Stars instead of five because some of the lyrics are a little cheezy. (Are you really hoping for the "Ghost of a second chance"?) Having said that, the disc is outstanding. The songs are tight and the edge is hard. It reminds me quite a bit of Fates' "Disconnected". I would choose this over "Origins" by the same band, but both are great. I still think Ray Alder is the best lead singer going today.

Let me tell you: This is one monster of an album. It pushes the boundaries of rock music in several ways and sets new standards for progressive rock. Now let me tell you why I think that this is such an amazing album:

First, the concept. It's about a person - it could be me or you - who midway through life experiences that his/her life falls apart. Everything falls into doubt. All emotions peak - agony, despair, sorrow, rage, release - the fullness of time.

Second, the composition. Well, what can I say: overwhelming, at first. Everything is pushed to its limit, and beyond. Pressed to find a genre designation, I would say: melodic heavy metal. But then I have to add that this is very intelligent music. There is some thrash, but it doesn't take over; it substantiates the music. And there's plenty of beautiful melody and ingenious riffs.

The person behind the concept and composition is Nick van Dyk. We haven't heard much of him yet, but you can be certain that he is setting his mark on rock music. He's trained as a classical pianist. This shows in Fullness, as there's some fine piano playing underlying the frenzied guitars and binding together the four parts of the title piece.

Third, the vocals. Ray Alder. Need I say more? Everything this guy touches, he turns to gold. Listen e.g. to his gripping vocals on Fates Warning's "A Pleasant Shade of Gray".

Fourth, the musicianship. Nick, Ray, Bernie Versailles, James Sherwood, and Chris Quirarte. All fabulous musicians in their own right, but when they get together in Redemption, wonders happen. Most of the music goes at a pretty wild pace, but it's precise and punchy. A lot of fine details emerge with many listens. Nick and Bernie complement each other nicely, as Nick has the atmospheric solos and Bernie has the stinging ones. James keeps the show together and occasionally, during the quieter passages, says hi gently. Chris' drums are all over the place in a very exciting way.

Fifth, the production. As good as it gets, crystal clear. Trust Tommy Newton, and now, seemingly, Nick van Dyk. I was especially happy to hear Ray's voice coming out so clearly with all its marvelous facets.

Sixth, the illustrations. These are the work of Travis Smith. On the front cover, there's a man who gives the impression of having just fallen from Heaven, or, more symbolically, having awakened to the human condition. On the back cover, it's as if he's saying: Almighty God, I surrender to You. In-between, there is: the fullness of time. On the inner cover, there is, in a true Michelangelan sense, first two hands that reach out for each other, then two hands that have found each other. Ingenious.

Ok, the lyrics. This is the major beef among Amazon reviewers. Let's put it this way: They're very good, but not outstanding, which does make them the weak limb in this production. For people somewhat literate, we've pretty much heard it all before. And as T. Lemos notes, they're narrative, not poetic. However, Nick wanted them to be introspective, and that they are.

Fullness Of Time is a slow grower, because it's dense. With time it will be widely acknowledged to be in a select class together with Abbey Road, Dark Side Of The Moon, Zep II, and A Pleasant Shade of Gray.

It has been an unbelievable struggle for Nick van Dyk to make Fullness the masterpiece it is, and without the help of experienced buddies like Ray Alder and Tommy Newton, it would have been a vain effort. Now, under the knowledgeable aegis of Intromental (I know 'em) and InsideOut, conditions should be favorable for the Redemption guys, and we can hope to hear more great music from them.

I could write a long review for this new masterpiece of Redemption, but I will only say : just buy it if you like music (and especially great music !!) and if you don't have enough money this month, just listen to it !! This is worth it !!
i have waited for so long for thid album to come out and I must say that I am not disappointed at all !! It is simply the best progressive metal album of 2005 !! To get convinced, just listen to the 2 beautiful epic tracks (between 15 and 24 min) and let the music do the talkin' !!
Names like Symphony X, Fates Warning must be good references to make you listen to this new opus !

I agree with the Omniscient prog guru, Michael snap-a-donut. This is the best progressive, metal, or prog-metal offering of 2005 thus far (better than the excellent Octavarium, Room V, or Enigmatic Calling). The music is jaw-dropping good. This is souped up Fates Warning with elements of Dream Theater, Shadow Gallery, Symphony X and Vanden Plas, but this is in no way derivative stuff. Alder's vocals are the perfect complement to the outstanding music and tunes. The cd is chock-full of excellent musicianship, soaring songs, great lyrics and catchy riffs. The mini-epic, "Sapphire", is a standout tune, as are "Release", "Threads", "Scarred", and "Transcendence". A fantastic cd from beginning to end.

Without a doubt this is the best CD of 2005 so far for me (Abydos was my favorite prog metal CD of 2004). Ray Alder's vocals are fantastic. I wasn't a big fan of the 1st Redemption CD, but this one has it all - excellent musicianship, songwriting, lyrics, and even a killer epic track. The guitar playing reminds me of Superior a little bit. 9.5/10 for me so far.