I AM THE STORM

Eighth album for the American progressive metalheads of REDEMPTION, five years after "Long Night's Journey into Day" which saw the induction as vocalist of Tom ENGLUND known to be the leader of EVERGREY replacing Ray ALDER, lead singer of FATE'S WARNING, in short we remain among people of good company.

The charismatic musical leader of REDEMPTION is the guitarist and keyboardist Nicolas VAN DYK present since the first album in 2003, quickly joined by the drummer Chris QUIRARTE in 2005 and novelty the guest keyboardist of the previous album Vikram SHANKAR is now an integral part of the American formation.

REDEMPTION works in the overloaded niche (this is only my impression) of progressive metal which has many aficionados, so you have to sort it out like for DREAM THEATER, SYMPHONY X or other more obscure formations. We will remember that the title of the new album as well as the inaugural piece take up the title of a track from BLUE OYSTER CULT (probably by chance).

The tracks that caught my attention in the order of the album are as often the most extensive either "Remember the Dawn" (magnificent keyboards by Vikram in the first quarter), the calm and even soft "The Emotional Depiction of Light " (the second version is even more beautiful and refined, it is moreover the original version of the piece), "Action at the Distance" sublime epic track which I never tire of (Ah these keyboards!) and " All This Time" (the piano/keyboard bridge of the eighth minute is extraordinary).

We find on this disc two curiosities, a supercharged and overguitarized version of "Turn It On Again" from Genesis and "Red Rain" one of the most beautiful titles written by Peter GABRIEL in his solitary escape, both are certainly worth the detour and your attentive listening.

In summary and in the chosen niche, an excellent cake that should delight your eardrums.