Redemption - The Origins Of Ruin
InsideOut Music
Progressive Metal
9 songs ()
Release year: 2007
Redemption, InsideOut Music
Reviewed by Ben

The Origins Of Ruin is LP number three from prog darlings Redemption. Back when their self titled debut was released I saw great potential in them if they would ever become a full band and not another prog project like so many other groups at the time. Guest vocalist Ray Alder was then drafted into the front man role as a permanent member and a core rhythm section was grafted for the follow up The Fullness Of Time. Nick van Dyk hit a creative stride of the ages for the writing sessions of that cd and its greatness and respectability gave Redemption a fair amount of bragging rights in the scene. The sound of the band is now one that is readily identifiable: heavy technical guitars, emotive singing that utilizes complex vocal melodies, and deeply personal and thought provoking lyrics. The Origins Of Ruin, after many listens, winds up being exactly what it should be, a logical successor to The Fullness Of Time. It is heavier, more technical, and the “emotional” sections drip with drama. Redemption don’t have to worry about many of their peers in their scene because they are miles above most, their biggest enemy is themselves. In a sense, we’ve heard this before from the band and it is no longer a surprise. With the bar being set so high it was a near impossible task to try and knock it up another notch.

Now that isn’t to say that this cd is a bad one by any means. Improvements on the musicianship side of the band include the plethora of new guitar riffs in the songs. The Death Of Faith And Reason and The Suffocating Silence are bursting at the rim with heavy, head banging worthy riffs and leads. Lyrically, Nick is again in top form and uses a meticulous and detailed approach to his songs. I wonder how much of this material is culled from personal experience. If the answer is “everything” than he has a great talent in conveying human emotion accurately and succinctly. The halfway point of the album is where things get really interesting with Memory and the tile track. Memory can be seen as the sequel to the monstrous epic Sapphire upon reading the lyrics. It also doesn’t hurt that the main theme from Sapphire pops up here too. The Origins Of Ruin is a dark, somber, piano dominated piece that sounds both sinister and despairing simultaneously. Despite being under three minutes it is an album highlight.

I find myself torn on The Origins Of Ruin. One on hand this is outstanding prog metal with actual emphasis on the metal aspect. The musicianship of the band has been increased and now I can say that I know a prog band with bad ass guitar riffs don’t sound like I’m being taught a crash course in theory. Despite the improvements in this department it boils down to the fact that the territory here has been tread previously with The Fullness Of Time and that first exploratory path yielded surprising and tremendous results. The Origins Of Ruin should be a welcome addition to your collection, just make sure to snap up The Fullness Of Time while you’re there.

Killing Songs :
The Suffocating Silence, The Origins Of Ruin, Fall On You, Blind My Eyes
Ben quoted 82 / 100
Adam quoted 85 / 100
Other albums by Redemption that we have reviewed:
Redemption - Snowfall on Judgement Day reviewed by Marty and quoted 90 / 100
Redemption - The Fullness of Time reviewed by Ben and quoted 89 / 100
Redemption - Redemption reviewed by Ben and quoted 75 / 100
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