Sponsored in part by Special Patrons:
John Cheek, Kelly Elder and Gerry Mills
Origin:
California, USA
Band:
Vocals - Ray Alder
Guitars, keyboards - Nicolas van Dyk
Guitars - Bernie Versailles
Bass - Sean Andrews
Drums - Chris Quirarte
Bio:
Progressive power-metal band Redemption was formed in Los Angeles, California in late 2000 by guitarist/keyboardist/songwriter Nicolas van Dyk. Following a chance meeting at a live show in Hollywood, van Dyk became close friends with legendary vocalist Ray Alder (Fates Warning) and eventually collaborated on a song on Alder's first solo record with his band Engine. Van Dyk asked Alder to produce a CD of van Dyk's more progressive metal music, and the two of them assembled a group of players to record the project, including Bernie Versailles (Agent Steel, Engine) on guitar and Jason Rullo (Symphony X) on drums. Rick Mythiasin (ex-Steel Prophet) signed on to be the vocalist for the project, and Alder along with Fates Warning drummer Mark Zonder contributed guest performances. The band was signed to Ken Golden's Sensory Records and released its self-titled debut in the summer of 2002.
The band quickly gathered a following in the progressive metal underground, and received rave reviews from the press, which recognized the band for its combination of intensity, progression and melody. The band was asked to perform at the Atlanta-based ProgPower festival, the most important progressive metal festival in the United States, in September 2002. Due to scheduling constraints, a different performing lineup was needed and van Dyk recruited drummer Chris Quirarte and bassist James Sherwood of southern California prog-metal act Prymary, along with vocalist Corey Brown (Magnitude 9). Alder also joined the band on stage as a guest performer.
he rhythm section of Quirarte and Sherwood provided a strong creative boost to the band and van Dyk invited them to join as full-time members shortly thereafter. Van Dyk set to work writing and recording the follow-up, and upon hearing the completed music, Alder asked to join the band as its full-time vocalist in the summer of 2004 (in addition to remaining the vocalist for Fates Warning and Engine). The band recorded its sophomore release, The Fullness Of Time, and van Dyk selected Tommy Newton, known for his production work with such bands as Conception, Ark, Helloween and UFO, to mix and master the record.
Once again, the music combines heaviness, complexity and irresistible melody drawing on such diverse influences as Kansas, Savatage, Iron Maiden, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Rush and Megadeth. The songwriting is both heavier and more melodic than the debut, and maintains complexity while being more focused and song-oriented than its predecessor. Combining unusually strong songwriting with exceptional performances - including vocals from one of the premier singers in the history of metal - and the production talent of Tommy Newton, The Fullness Of Time was undoubtedly one of 2005's most unique and compelling offerings in the prog/power genre.
In early 2006 the band parted ways with Sherwood and introduced new bassist, Sean Andrews (formerly of Prymary and Chain). With a solidified line-up, van Dyk proceeded with the songwriting for the 3rd album, The Origins Of Ruin, which was recorded during the spring/early summer back home in California. In Summer 2006 van Dyk travelled across the Atlantic to once again hook up with producer Tommy Newton for the mixing of the album.
September 2006 the band decided to sign with Intromental Management for promotion of their albums, finding suitable labels for the release of The Origins Of Life, and to book the band for upcoming tours and gigs.
The Origins Of Ruin is yet another slab of high-octane progressive metal. Brilliant songwriting, wonderful melodies and fantastic musicianship on all fronts, makes this the perfect companion for everyone who wants to not only be entertained but also mentally challenged for the next hour. Redemption is the prime-example of how progressive metal should sound like - this is the textbook on the genre, and you better pay attention … now !!!
Redemption website :
www.redemptionweb.com
The Origins of Ruin
2006
The Fullness of Time
2005
S/T
2003