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Artist: Revelation Project
Label: Independent
Time: 14 tracks/76:37 min
Let me describe a concept album for you. It tells the story of the Biblical book of Revelation, with scripture readings, progressive rock and roll, and lyrics chock full of Biblical references & allusions. This describes both the epic, multi-disc Saviour Machine project, Legend, and the new single-disc, eponymous project from Revelation Project. Saviour Machine's yet-to-conclude set of discs is fabulous. Does Revelation Project hold up to such a strong precedent?
In a word, yes. Revelation Project blends tender ballad-like passages with full-on rock onslaughts. It doesn't have the gothic, orchestral feel that Saviour Machine delivers, but instead gives a sound similar to Symphony X, Dream Theatre, and the heavier side of Neal Morse.
Principal songwriter Graeme Swallow shows great diversity, relying on both keyboards and guitar-work to drive different songs. For an independently released CD, the production is very well done. Sonically diverse, the sounds are distinct and crisp, yet remain cohesive. The instrumentation is well balanced and all of the players are very good on this album.
Lyrically, you know what to expect from the concept. The songs are rooted in the Bible. As we all know, there are many interpretations of Revelation, with this album being typical of the current US beliefs toward the book. It hits all the typical points: false prophets, the rise of the anti-Christ and his "mark," the millennial reign, final judgment. This is balanced with songs of praise & deliverance. There are also several fantastic instrumental pieces.
The only negatives are the terrible band photos (the other design aspects are very good) and an average lead singer. While having a good voice that sings the parts well, it just isn't distinctive enough to stand out in a genre that is full of unique singers. The harmony vocals are well rendered in several places, and I wish there had been a little more of this written into the songs
Definitely recommended, this disc is a great example of the fine work being done away from the mainstream CCM world. I shudder to think how good Revelation Project (and other CProg bands) would be with a label backing them monetarily and pushing the music to radio.
By Jonathan Nelson
5-31-06
