It's been a LONG STINKING time since a metalcore band shook me like this. Throw in the fact that this release is by Sofa Records (home of Speedy Delivery, One 21, and Headnoiz, a bunch of punk bands I've never been interested in) and I was SHOCKED to find a CD that I love. Put bluntly, if you read my review of the new Tourniquet album, let me just say THIS is the CD that took that out of constant rotation.
These are just metal loving hardcore kids who are not ashamed of their God, nor the label metalcore. Who do they sound like? Well they blend so many elements they have moments of sounding like lots of bands. Musically you will hear some Zao-Where Blood... and then you are going to catch glimpses of Six Feet Deep-The Road... There are even some parts that remind of Embodyment, and there's even some of the passionate music like Persevere laid out, but overall they capture their own distinct Redeem sound. Vocally he sounds like Underoath only not as high pitched. Growling and shrieking get interwoven with portions of spoken vocals...even during some of the fast music parts they speak the vocals...that's a nice change of pace! Speaking of nice change of pace how about a bagpipes intro to track #4 Ballad of Remembrance, while a thunderstorm rages. Nice. Very nice.
From the opening track Redeem lets you know where they stand. The song is Persecution Stands To Uplift, and within they claim "For He who is in me is greater than He who is in the world" in the easily understood spoken vocals. There is no mistaking this.
The insert is really cool as well. I can't even begin to describe the band pictures within the book but they are just really nicely done. This is a top notch job by Sofa and the label needs to be proud of this one!
I Highly suggest this album to any hardcore/metalcore fans. And DO NOT be looking for this one to appear in my trade lists ANYWHERE!
9/10
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #83Reviewed by A Girl Called GordonSo you think you've heard good metalcore. I doubt it, unless you've checked this band out. Expect hard growly guitars matched by equally as strong vocals and drum lines. The harshness of the vocals convey with passion the meaning behind the lyrics. What a great message. What a great sound.Dead Zine 1999Reviewed by SORGIntense and extreme metalcore seems to be the "law of the land" these days and if it's the law then Redeem are the enforcers!! These guys have put out a very competent disc of mindmelting metalcore. Mixing the styles of old school hardcore with the "new breed" sounds of bands like Zao, Redeem has really pushed this style to its furthest limit. Musically this is similar in style to WBaFBR era Zao…Dead Zine 1999Reviewed by GrindboyI know there were a lot of you out there somewhat disappointed in the last Zao album. Well hold on to your hoodies, this is the band for you. In fact, if you can imagine Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest with more blood, more fire, and less rest, that's exactly what I think of this album. Now, before you write me off as some poor sap with a serious music listening disorder, allow me to defend my…
