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Revelation Project is an album long in the making, distinctive in quality, and objective in goal.

Guitarist and keyboardist Graeme Swallow is the leader of the group and sole writer. RP> was his project from the start, bringing together Dave Jonathan on bass, Tom Bender on vocals, Chelsea Wagner on keys, and Russ Stack on percussion. What the group set out to do was write an accurate (Biblical) depiction of the end times, and spread the "Glorious message of Hope, Forgiveness, and Salvation in Jesus Christ." 

Revelation Project is an album of progressive power metal, conceptual in nature. The story follows one character through the Tribulation and the Thousand-Year Reign, assembled in a rough narrative format. Getting picky, there are a few problems with the concept. One is a very rudimentary story line, based heavily on the actual Bible verses themselves. The lyrics aren't very artful; but, certainly, they accomplish Revelation Project's goal. Biblical accuracy is definitely one of the concept's strong points. What the songs don't achieve is character development. We literally have no idea who this person is, before the End Times or during. We don't know how he came to his faith after the Rapture.  That is one area Swallow should have more thoroughly developed.

Getting back to the music: Revelation Project is, as previously stated, progressive power metal. The songs incorporate banal elements of the power style; the string sound on the keyboard, frequent use of common time, etc. The Dream Theater influence is difficult to miss. Since this is a very widely played style, and the music of Revelation Project can become a bit repetitive and predictable. Still, like with all progressive groups, Revelation Project will leave you scratching your head at times. Unexpected time changes, key changes, and rapid instrumental sections are a core aspect of the music. The writing is very advanced, especially for being their first album.

The players are excellent. Swallow writes fantastic leads, in particular the solo on "Falling." The synth leads are also very well done. Russ Stack is the musician that truly holds Revelation Project together as a group and an album. His tastefully technical drumming, played with restraint and proper discretion, is the key selling point to the album. With Swallow and Stack, it wouldn't be surprising if this group goes far.

Tom MacMillan  5/21/2005
THE BAKER STREET MUSE