Album Review : Cries of Redemption “Abstract”
A few days
ago, at Lelahel Metal, we had the pleasure of interviewing Cries of
Redemption and reviewing their compelling single “What Lies Beneath.”
That conversation offered valuable insight into the mindset behind the project
and served as a perfect entry point into Abstract, an album that expands
those ideas into a fully realized, immersive statement. What we heard in that
single now makes complete sense in the broader context of the record: this is a
project built on patience, atmosphere, and emotional honesty rather than
immediacy or trend-chasing.
With Abstract,
Cries of Redemption—helmed by Savannah, Georgia–based songwriter and guitarist Ed
Silva—deliver a bold, genre-defying album that lives up to its name. This
is not a collection of songs designed for instant hooks or passive consumption.
Instead, it’s a slow-burning, mood-driven journey where Modern Rock and
NuMetal aggression intertwines seamlessly with Classic Trance, Cinematic
Trap, and Romanian Deep House textures. The result is a sound that feels
hypnotic, heavy, and deeply introspective. The often-mentioned comparison—David
Gilmour jamming with Carl Cox—feels surprisingly accurate: expressive
guitar work floats over pulsing electronic foundations, merging melody with
movement.
From the
opening moments of “The Return,” Abstract establishes its emotional
framework. Thick, brooding guitars are paired with subtle electronic tension,
setting a reflective and slightly ominous tone. Rather than rushing toward
resolution, the songs linger, allowing ideas to unfold naturally. This sense of
restraint becomes one of the album’s greatest strengths. Tracks like “An Eerie
Feeling” thrive on sustained unease, building atmosphere through texture and
dynamics rather than explosive payoffs. It’s music that trusts the listener to
stay present.
Silva’s guitar work is a clear highlight throughout the album. His playing balances weight and sensitivity, drawing from classic melodic influences while retaining a distinctly modern edge. There’s space in his riffs and leads—notes are allowed to breathe, resonate, and carry emotion. At times, the instrumental passages are genuinely chilling, reinforcing the album’s cinematic quality.
Vocally, Abstract
benefits greatly from its multi-layered approach. The inclusion of session
vocalists Denisse Ferrara and Maria Duque adds an ethereal,
almost spectral dimension to the record, contrasting beautifully with Silva’s
own vocals. Enhanced through modern vocal modeling, his performances remain
grounded and human, conveying vulnerability rather than polish for polish’s
sake. The shifting vocal textures give the album a sense of unpredictability,
making each track feel like a different chapter in the same introspective
narrative.
Production-wise,
Abstract strikes a careful balance between analog grit and digital
precision. Every element—from distorted guitars to electronic pulses—has
its place in the mix, contributing to a sound that feels immersive without
becoming overwhelming. The electronic influences enhance the mood rather than
distract from it, reinforcing the album’s emotional core.
Ultimately,
Abstract is an album that rewards attentive listening. It’s heavy
without excess, experimental without alienation, and atmospheric in a way that
invites repeat plays. Cries of Redemption prove that rock and electronic music
share a common, dark DNA—and Abstract stands as a confident, emotionally
resonant testament to that union.
Post a Comment