From their EPK, "There are few Progressive Metal bands who command as much admiration from fans and critics alike as REDEMPTION. Their unique blend of an impressive heaviness (not exactly a daily occurrence in this genre), irresistible melodies and great emotional urgency is a global success. The group consists of five highly talented and extremely individual artists who together are renowned for their extraordinary performances. Their new studio album is called "I Am the Storm" and lives up to its programmatic name, sounding haunting, exciting, overwhelming and dramatic all at once." The album has nine songs.

The title track is the first. It rolls out with a heavy and weighted sound, with clear musicianship at their fingertips. Tom's vocals are great, and he can really sing, but I prefer his softer side, like in SILENT SKIES. There is a dark and earnest quality to the music, which is put together very tidily, and Nick absolutely shreds the fretboard on his solo. "Seven Minutes from Sunset" is another fast moving song with leads so dexterously done they jump off the page and into the skies. The music is dark and heavy, for sure. "Remember the Dawn" is nearly twice as long. DREAM THEATER influences come through here, both in the structure of the song, and the musicianship. Here that latter part really shines strongly. The main riff is powerful and commanding. The melodies are strong as well. I like the phrase "emotional urgency," because it really does apply to the sound.

"The Emotional Depiction of Light" begins with a more tender sound. Tom's vocals really accent the sound in the lower ranges. He is so expressive and emotional. The melodies that come after are so bright, they could lighten up a stormy day with a beacon that cuts straight through the clouds. Vikram's keyboards also provide a study supporting role, and one that augments the music, rather than taking it over. This is a wonderful song from start to finish. "Resilience" is a darker and heavier sound. This is more of a straight burner, with a hasty pace and some really thick instrumentation. Again, the leads are wonderful, and it comes as no surprise given that Nick was one of the founding members of the band. "Action at a Distance" is a 14-minute beast. Following some tense opening tones, the main riff slams in with some fantastic drum fills. Melodies are as ardent as the structure, which flows back and forth between technical mastery and more free flowing passages.

"Turn it on Again" is a much more concise song. I like the way the band switches between concise songs and more exploratory ones...it keeps the album surprising. This one is bursting with melody and positive, upbeat tones. "All This Time (And Not Enough)" is another lengthy offering. Heavy and melodic accents open the song, and that beginning sequence is about as good as anything I have heard this year. What follows is a barrage of instruments and emotive vocals. How they don't get lost through a variety of passages is beyond me. Vikram's piano parts are very pleasing as well. The Peter Gabriel cover of "Red Rain" closes the album. Their take is a meaty one, with all of their songwriting prowess.

I feel a bit off as I write this summary, because I have no experience with this band. For a self-proclaimed Prog head, this is a problem. But, it does allow me to be totally objective with the review, and I like everything that I have heard on the album. I can't help but compare the band to DREAM THEATER, and believe me, that is a compliment. They sound like they have been together as a group for years, and the synergy created on the album is stunning. Each member compliments the next, without any one taking over the album. This is an incredibly well-balanced album in terms of songwriting, musicianship, and melody. I can now see why they were given such a grand introduction.