I finally got around to purchasing this album (I know, I know, better late than never) and have only had one listen so far. I've been a fan of Everygrey since the Inner Circle came out, going on 15 years, and I consider Tom of metals greatest and unique voices. He's one of my personal favs, so hearing him in Redemption is actually quite an interesting experience. I have nothing negative to say at all. When you think about Tom and Redemption, it sounds as interesting as it actually is, a unique combination and hearing Tom sing here is just wonderful. He's got some different timbres and tones going on in his voice at times which you don't hear so it's great that's he's fully invested cause it shows.
Redemptions sound is Redemption and the similar riffing at times makes no difference to me and I have no issue. I must say I was taken a back a little with Someone Else's Problem and the Echo Chamber being back to back with that riff that's so similar, but that's a minor gripe. Obviously hard to pick up on everything in one listen but I gotta say, Little Men works so well in the context of the album, what an absolute cracker.
New Years Day is wonderful. I LOVE what Tom is doing here, especially in the 'say it's true' section where Tom goes lower instead of the original that goes higher. It's different but beautiful and Tom's note selection and phrasing on the line 'we can be one' just might be my fav point of the album on first listen. Simone's self indulgent shred on this one is actually perfect and works a treat.
Speaking of solos, there is a lot going on. Seems like Nick even took a slight backseat at times for Simone and Chris. Chris is doing some of his most incredible stuff here, there's some amazing solos from him. Simone has a pretty repetitive style but shreds his ass off like I expected. It's great to see Tom fully invest in his vocals here but Nick, next time get him in on the solo action, his solos are so classy and his style is so underrated. His runs, phrasing and note selections are perfect and most of my fav Evergrey solos are his as opposed to Henrik. Tom doing a few solos with Nick, Simone and Chris would just be next level for me.
Looking forward to listening more. I must comment on the production too, it sounds amazing and Tom's vocal mix is possibly the best he's ever had.