REVELATION PROJECT

Revelation Project is a totaly unknown band in progressive metal world and is a damn shame, they release so far a single album in 2005 self titled, a band formed around Graeme Swallow who's christians belives made him to make this album. It's obvious that the leader obtain for a concept album with biblical references and christian lyrics. The album sounds very strong, more towards symphonic side of prog metal, but with very catchy and inventive passages. Each member shines here, specially the female keybordist Chelsea Wagner who has some splendid arrangements. The voice of Tom Bender is ok and fits very well in this context. Overall the music , I found to be a heavier version of Kansas in places, even the vocal parts are very close. The music has complex passages, slower moments, each instrument is whre it belongs. As previous reviewers said I don't think that the voice and song writting are below music, just listen to the excellent second piece from here, the instrumental Decay, full of brilliant arrangements and inventiv symphonic parts who melted very well with the metal ones, third piece Children is another good ex of solid songwritting, another instrumental one Glory shows that this band worth a wider recognition, really. Overall the album is quite well made, with catchy choruses and superb keybords passages. Revelation Project remind me in places of Symphony X or Kansas , with the symphonic elements combined with progressive metal gives a great album unfairly unnoticed here and elsewhere. I will give a solid 4 stars, a great album that goes to unnoticed in prog metal circles. CD available at cdbaby. Recommended.

This album is an excellent addition to any fan of prog-metal or prog-rock. It is a concept album of the biblical end times, and the story line is well constructed, even if most of the lyrics are taken from the book of revelation. Graeme Swallow has done an excellent job with the composing, with each song sounding unique, while still sounding like they all belong together. THis album is best played right through in order to grasp the full story line. Graeme Swallow's guitar work is excellent, with good solos, and excellent riffs and acoustic passages. The bass and drums are solid, and handle the technicality of the songs easily. The vocals are good, but sound a bit flat in parts. The highlight of this CD is without doubt the keyboards. They are written by Swallow, who is actually a keyboardist as well as guitarist, and are played brilliantly on the disc by Chelsea Wagner. She also contributes backing vocals, which add to the overall sound. The keys help to create a symphonic sound, as well as being responsible for most of the melodies in the songs. The song 'Glory', on which the keys are actually played by Swallow live, is unbelievably fast and powerful, and literally takes your breath away to listen to. Stand out songs are: 'Glory', 'Children', 'Decay', 'Liars' and 'Judgement'. For fans of Shadow Gallery and Dream Theater.

The music on this CD rates as a masterpiece. However, the vocals and songwriting rate far below. The song writing rates a 3 while the vocals rate only a 1. If you want to enjoy excellent musicianship and arrangements, this is a great CD, but if you want good vocals to go along with that talent, look somewhere else. Tom Bender has a pleasant voice, but throughout the entire CD he sounds as if he is flat. He has no power or range to his voice, and it often feels as if he is straining. His voice simply does not go with this genre of music. He might be better served singing simpler stuff requiring no range.

The lyrics are OK if you like lyrics that don't make you think. These seem like they are directly from the Bible. Word for word. Now I know they are not verbatim as I am a Christian and the Bible has been read many times, but there is no mystery to these lyrics. It's just a direct story of Revelations. I like my lyrics mysterious so I can delve in and discover what they mean. I don't like stories that have no mystery. For example... listen to Kevin Max or Orphan Project for great vocals and lyrics.

Revelation Project, new to the music scene in 2005 has actually been working on their debut album release for some time now. Brilliant musicianship makes this an amazingly strong "must have" album whether you are into Progressive Rock or Symphonic Rock. This album could easily become a rock opera or stage play.

The release is a concept album based on the Book of Revelation from the Bible and applies to our present day lives and this generation. Any person who has the spirit of life will thoroughly enjoy the musical journey.

Reviews have compared Revelation Project to Dream Theater. While you do hear that influence the writing goes much deeper. Graeme Swallow's writing talents and musicianship are without a doubt as good as anyone in this genre of music or any genre for that matter. He has one of those rare talents to draw the listener in capturing your ear and your heart.

Revelation Project's vocals take the listener to new heights. Tom Bender, the lead singer pours his soulful emotions into this project. The ease and power of his voice stirs the listener as if seeing a great movie or your favorite book. Beautiful vocal harmonies add that special touch which in this reviewer's opinion believes is just icing on the cake.

Chelsea Wagner, who plays keyboards, and sings as well, shows a maturity far beyond her years. Now a college student she started with the band in high school. She not only adds to the overall sound with her keyboard playing ability but her voice enhances the songs adding an extra dimension and quality.

Dave Jonathan, who plays bass, and Russ Stack, on the drums, are the backbone and driving force that melds the music into a tightly knit sound. The rhythms are complex yet accessible and don't get much better in the music industry. I could compare the playing to many musicians but I will let you the listener, hear for yourself.

Revelation, the opening track, sets up the album concept with spoken voiceovers and sound effects which occur throughout the album. Slowly enters the music which is a recurring theme of the album. The very dramatic passages draw the listener in from the very beginning.

Decay, the second song on Revelation Project awakes your mind with a fast paced instrumental which portrait the World in chaos. The band really shows off their musicianship on this track.

Children, the next track seems to be both a warning of things yet to come but relates very much to present times. The suffering of the World and the innocence lost.

The album takes a turn slowing in pace but not intensity with the next song, Falling. Wonderful vocals and guitar solos stand out here as you could sometimes be reminiscent of David Gilmour at times. Impending doom seems certain yet gives complete hope to the masses of people with the lyrics here as the story continues.

Liars, is a powerful track throughout and a fan favorite. You will really see here all of the talent of the musicians in the band here with rolling swirling keyboard solos from Chelsea, and sweet guitar work from Graeme. Tom Bender throws his voice into high gear on this number. The tight rhythm on bass and drums are superb.

I've decided not to review every track. I would not want to spoil the album before you buy it and hear it for yourself. However, I will tell you what is to come. The story continues on taking you with them in the vision of the end of days.

Millennium, the next song has so much feeling which makes the listener sad for the past world but shows hope and promise of the beginning of the future arrival of the new coming glory. This song is reminiscent of the bands Genesis or Shadow Gallery. Tom Bender sings his heart out here and you feel the emotion in his voice. Harmonies abound on this track. All I can say is it is delightful listen. If a tear comes to your eyes or you get a chill down your spine, you will when you hear this composition. This song both dramatic and emotional is I dare say even like the master writer himself, Neal Morse.

Finally, the theme comes flooding back as in the beginning on the song, Delivered. Hope and faith are the message here. Mighty is the message. Starting out softly it builds and rises to a crescendo of power.

The last track, Doxology, sums up the album with the praise of the Creator in divine and heavenly fashion. Revelation Project takes you to the coming terrestrial and celestial events of the future. Revelation Project is one of the best albums in my opinion in 2005. The best new band on the progressive rock scene so far this year

For your own musical journey the band's website is www.revelationproject.com/

You can hear samples of the music. Pictures and bios are available and also the latest news on the bands activities. Please don't miss out on this special treat and do yourself a favor and listen. You will be grateful when you do. Revelation Project leaves no stone unturned. I highly recommend it!

On a scale of 10 it is off the charts. I suggest once you purchase the compact disc. Please listen to it straight through the first time. Relax and let the musical experience take you on a trip of enlightenment. Even though compared to other bands and musicians in my review, Revelation Project, is a fresh approach to music and a great listen with a style all of their own. Production is professional, and the cover art, exceptional.

Reviewed by Sun - Past Internet Radio Station Founder, and DJ, and most of all music fan. Spreading the good word.