Redemption – Long Night’s Journey Into Day
Review By Adam McCann
Metal Blade Records – 2018 – Progressive Metal
Following the departure of vocalist Ray Alder back to Fates Warning in 2016, it was surprising that Redemption would release the follow up to ‘The Art of Loss’ so soon. However, it would not be too long before the progressive metal outfit would announce that their new vocalist would be Tom Englund from fellow progressive metal band Evergrey and that since the departure of Alder, the band had been working on the new album.
The new Redemption album would be named ‘Long Night’s Journey Into Day’ and would break free of the mould placed down on the previous album. Earlier this year, the band recruited instrument virtuoso Vikram Shanker to play keyboards who makes his presence felt immediately with some excellent additions to the song writing process as well as some enjoyable keyboard passages. Since Bernie Versailles’ aneurysm and subsequent absence from Redemption, the weight of the band has been lain on the shoulders of Nick Van Dyk and this showed during ‘The Art of Loss’; however, the arrival of Shanker seems to have once more provided Van Dyk with the perfect song writing partner.
‘Long Night’s…’ delivers an album that is full of the intrinsic progressive metal melodies and syncopated rhythms that is expected, if not a little predictable. But for this album, the spotlight is on Englund; it is always a tall order to replace such finesse as Alder, but Englund not only steps up to the plate, but owns it and tracks such as ‘Indulge In Color’, ‘Someone Else’s Problem’ and ‘The Echo Chamber’ are all examples of this with even the cover of ‘New Year’s Day by U2 being enjoyable. Furthermore, Redemption continue to throw allusions to their previous work with guest spots from guitarists Chris Poland and Simone Mularoni who always deliver a guitar masterclass.
As an album, ‘Long Night’s…’ may not be initially grabbing, but after a few listens, it may not be one of best progressive metal releases of the year, but it will certainly one of the most enjoyable.
Rating : 86/100
MHF Magazine/Adam McCann
