Revelation Project
Revelation Project was formed by Guitarist/Keyboardist Graeme Swallow back in 2001 and existed through 2006. The band was based out of Lockport, New York and produced some fine Metal in the form of Progressive Metal with Symphonic touches. RP reminds me of a newer band called Affector who also happens to write music about the end times. Even more, Revelation Project has also been compared to the likes of Dream Theater who is considered one of the top bands in the Progressive genre.
Revelation Project originally formed in order to do a one time show at Kingdom Bound music festival at the Darien Lake Amusement Park which is now(Six Flags). However, having finished the gig the band wanted to continue on as a more permanent band. Graeme Swallow had a home studio and so the band began to work together on a professional level as they produced music.Then in 2004, the band got a break when the tune "Glory" was chosen for the CPR vol. 1, a Progressive Rock compilation album. Then in 2005, the band released their debut self-titled release "Revelation Project" which is an independent release that coveys 76 minutes of imagery found in Revelations about the end times and is considered a "rock opera" so to speak . Durng the next year the band did various gigs off and on. In 2006 the band split up and went their separate ways with founder and composer Graeme Swallow moving on to Kansas City where he is still composing music.
Revelation Project originally formed in order to do a one time show at Kingdom Bound music festival at the Darien Lake Amusement Park which is now(Six Flags). However, having finished the gig the band wanted to continue on as a more permanent band. Graeme Swallow had a home studio and so the band began to work together on a professional level as they produced music.Then in 2004, the band got a break when the tune "Glory" was chosen for the CPR vol. 1, a Progressive Rock compilation album. Then in 2005, the band released their debut self-titled release "Revelation Project" which is an independent release that coveys 76 minutes of imagery found in Revelations about the end times and is considered a "rock opera" so to speak . Durng the next year the band did various gigs off and on. In 2006 the band split up and went their separate ways with founder and composer Graeme Swallow moving on to Kansas City where he is still composing music.
First of all we must note that on this album you are going to find some cheesy parts which come especially in the in between song narrations. The narration is way over done and not necessary and could of just been an opening to start things off like Deliverance did on the album 'Weapons of our Warfare' which was done with a cool actors voice and not just someone talking behind a mic! Then on a few tracks there are some cheesy lyrics but with that said, there is more than just cheese to be had here as a lot of the tunes offer up some solid metal Meat for the Progressive Metal fan.
Vocalist Tom Bender does a good job behind the mic for the band executing his lines much like other Vocalist of Progressive bands in the form of a singing story-teller if you will. It seems that in this Progressive Metal genre, the vocalist aren't dynamic over the top performers like Rob Rock or Matt Smith(Theocracy), but they are more on the lines of story-tellers or information-givers if you will, that tend to sing more in the mid-vocal range. There are a few moments when Graeme reminds me of Simon Granlund(Northern Flame) which is a pretty high complement. .
Progressive albums can be a bit on the lengthy side because they take more time, than other genres, in developing and building in order to reach their climax with some songs climaxing several times.
You can see the ability and diversity of the band in some of their tunes.The track "Decay" is an instrumental that really kicks things off as it gets after it musically giving us a glimpse of what's in store for us on the rest of the album. Also, Russ Stack lays down some heavy drum lines with his double bass pedal on this track. "Children" offers us healthy doses of Thrash guitar riffs along with keyboards and some 80's inspired guitar riffs. "Liars" offers up some crunchy and Thrash guitar work along with some occasional Power Metal riffage. Also included are some Symphonic touches along with some nice drum work as well. "Marked" has some nice guitar work but the keyboards really stand out and shine on this one along with the drums. "Judgement" opens with attitude as the double bass kicks in with Thrash'n guitars, Power Metal touches, and some epic sounding mixes of guitars & drums. "Promise" Gives us some electric piano work and plenty of atmosphere. "Millennium" Comes across as a Power Ballad that starts out softly with piano and keeps building as it goes along with nice vocals from Tom Bender. "Eternity" Gives us a break as it's an acoustic tune. "Glory" is a smok'n Progressive instrumental featuring the keyboark work of Graeme Swallow along with some accompanying guitars. "Delivered" is a deceptive tune as it starts off very slow then kicks in Epic style.
Lyrics are straight from the Bible and are very thought provoking as you can see in some here:
Vocalist Tom Bender does a good job behind the mic for the band executing his lines much like other Vocalist of Progressive bands in the form of a singing story-teller if you will. It seems that in this Progressive Metal genre, the vocalist aren't dynamic over the top performers like Rob Rock or Matt Smith(Theocracy), but they are more on the lines of story-tellers or information-givers if you will, that tend to sing more in the mid-vocal range. There are a few moments when Graeme reminds me of Simon Granlund(Northern Flame) which is a pretty high complement. .
Progressive albums can be a bit on the lengthy side because they take more time, than other genres, in developing and building in order to reach their climax with some songs climaxing several times.
You can see the ability and diversity of the band in some of their tunes.The track "Decay" is an instrumental that really kicks things off as it gets after it musically giving us a glimpse of what's in store for us on the rest of the album. Also, Russ Stack lays down some heavy drum lines with his double bass pedal on this track. "Children" offers us healthy doses of Thrash guitar riffs along with keyboards and some 80's inspired guitar riffs. "Liars" offers up some crunchy and Thrash guitar work along with some occasional Power Metal riffage. Also included are some Symphonic touches along with some nice drum work as well. "Marked" has some nice guitar work but the keyboards really stand out and shine on this one along with the drums. "Judgement" opens with attitude as the double bass kicks in with Thrash'n guitars, Power Metal touches, and some epic sounding mixes of guitars & drums. "Promise" Gives us some electric piano work and plenty of atmosphere. "Millennium" Comes across as a Power Ballad that starts out softly with piano and keeps building as it goes along with nice vocals from Tom Bender. "Eternity" Gives us a break as it's an acoustic tune. "Glory" is a smok'n Progressive instrumental featuring the keyboark work of Graeme Swallow along with some accompanying guitars. "Delivered" is a deceptive tune as it starts off very slow then kicks in Epic style.
Lyrics are straight from the Bible and are very thought provoking as you can see in some here:
"Liars"
The Dragon stood At the edge
Of the sea and called the beast. [Revelation 13:1]
�Your time has come to rule the world.�
And from the earth
Another rose
Another beast, just like a lamb. [Revelation 13:11]
Speaking with the Dragon's voice.
Are you wise?
Will you know their lies?
The seventh kingdom came that day [Revelation 17:10-11]
Under Abomination's reign
His soul controlled by Dragon's will alone. [2 Thessalonians 2:9]
He made false peace with the Chosen land [Daniel 9:27]
He brought the world under his command [Daniel 7:23-25] [Revelation 13:7]
Through demonic powers not his own.
Trampling down all those who dare oppose his power, [Daniel 8:23-24] [Daniel 11:40-44]
Speaking blasphemies against my God each hour, [Revelation 13:5]
Killing many saints in bloody war, [Daniel 11:36]
Persecuting those who won't renounce the Lord. [Revelation 13:6-7]
Fatal wound inflicted through his human head.
Amazed world that saw him rise up from the dead. [Revelation 13:3]
�Who is like the beast?� they cried.
�Who can make war on the one that cannot die?� [Revelation 13:4]
I will stand in faith true.
I will only honor You.
Through Your power I'll defy
Those who spread the Dragon's lie.
Strengthen me. Walk with me.
God help me to stand against the Liars.
"Delivered"
Though I remain confined
Still I have peace of mind.
I'm delivered from darker days which lie ahead.
Through faith I'm saved by grace. [Ephesians 2:8]
No judgment shall I face.
I'm delivered and I will live forever more.
Blessed is the one who hears.
Blessed is the one who understands.
The time is drawing near when all these things shall come to pass
The Dragon stood At the edge
Of the sea and called the beast. [Revelation 13:1]
�Your time has come to rule the world.�
And from the earth
Another rose
Another beast, just like a lamb. [Revelation 13:11]
Speaking with the Dragon's voice.
Are you wise?
Will you know their lies?
The seventh kingdom came that day [Revelation 17:10-11]
Under Abomination's reign
His soul controlled by Dragon's will alone. [2 Thessalonians 2:9]
He made false peace with the Chosen land [Daniel 9:27]
He brought the world under his command [Daniel 7:23-25] [Revelation 13:7]
Through demonic powers not his own.
Trampling down all those who dare oppose his power, [Daniel 8:23-24] [Daniel 11:40-44]
Speaking blasphemies against my God each hour, [Revelation 13:5]
Killing many saints in bloody war, [Daniel 11:36]
Persecuting those who won't renounce the Lord. [Revelation 13:6-7]
Fatal wound inflicted through his human head.
Amazed world that saw him rise up from the dead. [Revelation 13:3]
�Who is like the beast?� they cried.
�Who can make war on the one that cannot die?� [Revelation 13:4]
I will stand in faith true.
I will only honor You.
Through Your power I'll defy
Those who spread the Dragon's lie.
Strengthen me. Walk with me.
God help me to stand against the Liars.
"Delivered"
Though I remain confined
Still I have peace of mind.
I'm delivered from darker days which lie ahead.
Through faith I'm saved by grace. [Ephesians 2:8]
No judgment shall I face.
I'm delivered and I will live forever more.
Blessed is the one who hears.
Blessed is the one who understands.
The time is drawing near when all these things shall come to pass
If you like bands like Affector, 7 Days, or Mehida then I can see you liking Revelation Project as well. If you are into instrumentals on the Progressive side then pick up this debut release and Rock on!
Musicians:
Tom Bender–Lead Vocals
Graeme Swallow–Guitars & Keyboards
Dave Jonathan–Bass
Chelsea Wagner–Keyboards
Russ Stack–Drums & Percussion
Guest Musicians
Charlie Pettit–Guitars
Kari Teno-Vocals
Check out this sick video of Graeme Swallow playing the "Keytar"!!