This Mortal Coil is the fifth album of the American band Redemption; it contains eleven technical prog metal songs that are all quite heavy, dark and complex. These songs certainly prove that these guys can handle their instruments! These guys are Nick van Dyk (guitars, keyboards), Ray Alder (vocals), Bernie Versalles (guitars), Sean Andrews (bass guitar) and Chris Quirarte (drums). I've always been a fan of Fates Warning, mainly due to the breathtaking voice of Ray Alder and I still consider him to be one of the best melodic rock singers in the world. If you like traditional prog metal in the vein of Fates Warning or Dream Theater, then songs like No Tickets To The Funeral and Departure Of The Pale Horse will be of your liking. However, if you prefer your prog metal a bit heavier then I suggest that you start listening to Noonday Devil, which is really heavy featuring massive guitar riffs, melodies and a furious keyboard solo. Ray Alder's vocals are at its best in the quieter songs like Let It Rain, Focus and Perfect. These tracks reminded me of Fates Warning's masterpiece album A Pleasant Shade Of Grey (1997). In the final and longest piece of This Mortal Coil the band repeat the melodies and lyrics from the other ten tracks, which is rather original. So, is this a brilliant album? Yes it is, if you like complex prog metal containing great, fast guitar solos, heavy riffs, pounding drums, experimental keyboards stuff and breathtaking dramatic vocals. Maybe not, if you're familiar with the other four albums recorded by Redemption as every riff, solo and melody on this new album sounds like you've heard it before on the other ones... However, I'm not complaining as I love this album and I listen to it at least twice a week! My personal favourites are No Tickets To The Funeral and Let It Rain. Hopefully we once may welcome Redemption on stage in Europe... **** Martien Koolen (edited by Peter Willemsen) Where to buy? |
