Redeem - A Diadem of Beauty (2000)
Intense amd extreme metalcore seems to be the "law of the land" these days and if its the law then Redeem are the enforcers! These guys have put out a very competent disc of mind-melting metalcore.
Mixing the styles of old school hardcore with the "new breed" sounds of bands like Zao, Redeem has realy pushed this style to its furthest limit. Musically this is similar in style to WBaFBR era Zao only a bit more fast
paced without the doom elements that Zao has become known for. The dual guitars at times border on a form of controlled chaos and are actually very tight.
Vocally the biggest comparison is once again Zao mixed with some Chalice
(this is a good thing!). The vocals on several songs "rise" from a deeper growl into a blazing sick rasp! Truly killer! There is also an ample amount of spoken word throughout and even a bit of a Narcissus style shriek on
the track "Tearing at the Walls..", which I believe is done by a guest vocalist. The lyrics are powerful and uplifting and definitely centered on Christ. The artwork, layout and overall packaging are also excellent. --
Review by Norm