REDEMPTION

This may be the first time I can determine whether a concert DVD actually captures the energy of the live performance. I was in attendance when REDEMPTION played their captivating nine-song set in Atlanta at ProgPower USA in 2007. Practically speaking, no DVD recording can ever truly mimic the experience of being there, but "Frozen in the Moment: Live in Atlanta" does capture the magical aura and incredible songwriting of the Los Angeles melodic/prog metal act.

Who could have ever known that the moment guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist/composer Nicolas van Dyk hatched the idea for REDEMPTION that the progressive music community would be awed for years to come. Across three stellar albums (the self-titled debut, "The Fullness of Time", and "The Origins of Ruin") this superb group of musicians has created music that is exceptionally composed — progressive, yet not technical overkill — and infinitely memorable. Van Dyk, vocalist Ray Alder (FATES WARNING),guitarist Bernie Versailles (AGENT STEEL),bassist Sean Andrews, keyboardist Greg Hosharian, and drummer Christ Quirarte are collectively the definition of "chemistry," creating a synergy matched by few bands, and each musician is individually at the top of his game. Those attributes are glaringly evident when one sees/hears the performance in front of a packed house of 1,200 devoted prog/power fans captured on this DVD.

Led by Alder's heartfelt vocal interpretation of van Dyk's lyrics, the sextet moves as one through songs from all three albums (only standout "Nocturnal" is taken from the debut though). Just like the albums, every song is a climactic moment, but none more so than what is easily one of the greatest prog/melodic metal opuses of all time, "Sapphire". At three-quarters of an hour it is a song that was too long to fit in the band's set opening for DREAM THEATER, but the crowd at ProgPower would have rioted if it weren't played. It is the definitive song of REDEMPTION's career (and probably will be for eternity). The lyrics about a heart wrenching breakup are as engrossing as the main melody, while the arrangement is breathtaking; never once does one think about the length of time that passes. It was the highlight of the set and says so much about what makes REDEMPTION such a special band.

As for the DVD quality as a whole, the sound and camera work are strong; no complaints there. The bonus features really should have included an interview and is the only disappointing part of the disc. A video/photo tour diary is also included and set to the music of a previously unreleased 11-minute instrumental track. The video for "Bleed me Dry" is also included. "Frozen in the Moment: Live in Atlanta" is not exactly jam packed with material, but this one is all about the performance. To that end, the DVD is a success and a mandatory purchase for REDEMPTION fans.