Developing your own, unique style of music is no easy task, especially in Metal music, where innovation separates the champs from the chumps in the hearts and minds of its devoted listeners. While REALITY GREY's newest LP, "Define Redemption", is certainly reminiscent of its Death Metal predecessors, it definitely displays a strong mixture of old-school brutality and modern sensibilities.

Leadoff track "Ascension Lapse" immediately lets the listener know that REALITY GREY mean business, with its buzz-saw guitar riffs and frothing-mad vocals getting the album to a running start before breaking down into a classy, melodic solo section. It is one of the strongest songs on the album, and a good way to start things off and get the listener interested. It is clear early on (as in about 20 seconds in) that early Swedish Death Metal is an important influence, especially in the vocals and guitars, which reminds me a lot of early DISMEMBER. As mentioned, however, the group does well in putting their own spin on it, mixing in highly technical and speedy drumming with Metalcore-esque breakdowns.

The playing of guitarists Anto and Albo is lightning-fast throughout while maintaining a decent level of melodic sensibility. A good example of this comes in the form of "I Despise", which begins with a short melodic line that quickly gives way to some serious thrashing. "Rot of Nations" is another standout track that absolutely pummels the listener, the sound of a band firing on all cylinders.

While I am mentioning impressive performances, which all of the band members give track-after-track, it is definitely worth mentioning how much Tommy's vocals contribute to the sound of this album. The music would still be pretty heavy without him, but his raw, energetic, and downright angry vocals/yells are what help keep things brutal, even during the more melodic sections. He is the brutal glue (so to speak) that holds this album together, but again, that is not to take away at all from the other band members.

The band also have the good sense to tone down the technicality of the backing riffs during lead guitar section. There is definitely a time and place for complicated riffs, which are just cool in general, but they understand that their melodicism is a strength worth highlighting, and simple backing riffs help this cause for sure. "Departed Designs" illustrates this very well. Complaints are few here, as the band's tight musicianship and solid songwriting, combined with their sheer aggression keep things interesting from beginning to end. "Burn the Sky" sounds somewhat similar to "Rot of Nations", though it's not really that bothersome as late as it is in the album (track # 7) and, as the saying goes, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." "Define Redemption" finishes strong with the last two songs, "Hypocrisy Breeds Hatred" and the title track, capping things off in impressive fashion.

"Define Redemption" is a good effort, showcasing the band's impressive chops and solid songwriting abilities. It is pretty catchy as far as Death Metal of this variety goes, with very little filler throughout, and fans of the genre who can appreciate a good mix of melody and mosh would do well to give it a listen.