THIS MORTAL COIL

This is the 5th release from the progressive metal elites, REDEMPTION and it's an album that is most likely a need for most to listen a few times to fully appreciate the dark, emotional content of this album, THIS MORTAL COIL. 

What should be known clearly is that in 2008 lead Guitarist, NICK VAN DYKE was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer called, Multiple Myeloma. This album is a very dark, emotional piece  that is about the feeling of mortality, coming to the understanding that death looms over us all and that we have to accept the best things in life even though we as human beings we have to battle the frailty of our own human condition. Ergo, THIS MORTAL COIL is sure to Rick your psyche and make you think about how precious life is and the best way to do that is through fast and Furious prog Metal at a very elite level of musicianship. 

THIS MORTAL COIL starts off with a huge bang with the track, PATH OF THE WHIRLWIND which is a very energetic song that is full of life with blistering drums and a strong chorus to boot. Excellent opener. The next track, BLINK OF AN EYE is absolutely sublime and is my personal favourite song on the album. The sound arrangements are incredibly well thought out and Ray Alder's voice is perfectly on key to complement this speed demon of a song.  Another notable track on the album is the emotionally laden, NO TICKETS TO THIS FUNERAL. This obviously has some deep rooted connection with VAN DYKE beating his cancer and saying to the NOONDAY DEVIL, that I'm here to stay and you can't take my life just yet, so tickets for my funeral to you! It's quite a theme with this track, but it really works and sparks some incredible guitar from Van Dyke and well as a few nice keyboard solos to slow things down a bit. Also, the chorus for NO TICKETS is very catchy and will surely get stuck in your head. It's like I said, this album will grow on you. Lastly, the power ballad LET IT RAIN is a wonderful track and really helps round out the album by slowing things down a bit so the listener can catch his/her breath because REDEMPTION don't take their foot off the gas for very long on this release. It is a serious prog metal ambush that attacks the senses boldly. 

All in all, I have to say that this album is not as bad as others have lead on for it to be. Personally, I feel that it would make a nice edition to any prog metal collection, especially if you were to obtain the 2 disc special edition of the album where by the 2nd disc contains a 6 track cover set done by the band. Cover tracks include, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND/LOVE LIES BLEEDING which is fairly well done 2) JANE 3) HOLD THE LINE 4) EDGE OF THE BLADE 5) LOVE TO LOVE and 6) PRECIOUS LITTLE THINGS. A very enjoyable set list and fans of UFO will be in for a treat because REDEMPTION nail LOVE TO LOVE. The opening keyboard solo by VAN DYKE is melodic bliss. 

I'm giving THIS MORTAL COIL a 4/5. It was a fairly enjoyable experience, although it does contain some recycled material from their previous works, but i say 'who cares! It sounds good.' Enjoy prog heads. 

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