Braindance - Redemption


Year of Release: 2001
Label: Progressive Darkwave
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 66:31:00

Oh my, the time has finally come. This album was actually to be released over a year ago and I had started to doubt it would ever see the light of day. I remember writing a review of their demo-sampler back in the days when I wrote for Through Different Eyes. It was one of those rare moments when a band completely takes you by surprise, offering something fresh, original and new.

Redemption is their third release and as the biography notes, they have created their own musical direction termed "progressive darkwave," and I guess that is a very suitable description of their music because the music isn't exactly easy to put into any traditional category. Braindance describe themselves as "cinematic-neuromantic progressive new age gothic metal fusion" and if that hasn't made you curious, then nothing will.

This band has an incredible ear for immense melodies. The music is dark, melancholy, emotive, scary, floating, atmospheric, majestic, intricate, melodic, intelligent and at the same time extremely beautiful. Sebastian's deep emotive vocals and the superb orchestration and rhythms by the band make this music a truly special experience. Unique and unlike everything you have ever heard. Also worth mentioning is the tasty fretwork of guitarist Vora Vor. Braindance combine influences from many different musical directions to create a sound I've never heard before. As you can tell, I'm completely blown away by this band.

As most of our visitors at this site are fans of progressive rock and metal, I would like to say that you should not hesitate buying this bands music as you will find plenty of influences from various progressive metal bands and so much more. It should appeal to you even though their music is a bit different than the typical prog rock/metal stuff. Every fan of intelligent music should have this CD in their collection. The only thing I can point my finger on is the use of processed drums but it doesn't really bother me that much. The music is far too good to let something like that ruin the experience.

This album is one of many highlights of 2001 but what separates this from the rest is the consistent originality of the music. Truth be told, if you don't get this album, you are missing out on a truly special experience. Hail to Sebastian Elliott and the multitalented Vora Vor. Essential!

[This review originally appeared May 2003 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
Refracture (4:44) / Resurrection (5:39) / Resurgence (5:11) / Return (5:28) / Relentless (8:03) / Reduction (3:05) / Resilience (5:00) / Remission (7:19) / Requiem (4:43) / Reflexion (6:21) / Redemption (8:30)

Musicians:
Sebestian Elliot - vocals
Vora Vor - guitarist, drums & electronic programming, lyrics, producer, engineer?

Discography:
Shadows (ep) (1994)
Fear Itself (1995)
Redemption (2002)

Genre: Other

Origin US

Added: December 8th 2004
Reviewer: Bjørnar Bevolden
Score:
Artist website: www.progressivedarkwave.com
Hits: 2739
Language: english

  

[ Back to Reviews Index | Post Comment ]