The year was 1999. Metalcore was only a few years old, but was now in full swing. Led by pioneers like Zao, ArkAngel, Disembodied and a handful of others. Hailing from New Jersey, Redeem were early adopters of the sound, influenced as much or more by death metal (especially in the vocal department) as by hardcore. Whereas their secular counterparts seemed to be developing a lyrical inspiration in subjects like evil and the occult (perhaps borrowed from metal), Redeem followed their older brothers in Zao by adopting poetic lyrics filled with worshipful overtones.
The band had only one official release, 1999’s Diadem of Beauty on the short-lived but much-loved Philadelphia label Sofa Records (Serving Our Father Always). Additionally, Redeem songs appeared on a handful of underground compilations from 1999 to 2001. Unfortunately, the band was short-lived and disappeared not long after the album came out. Some members turned up in Hallow Legacy, another metalcore band, but no recordings were issued other than one song on another hardcore compilation. I was privileged to see the band live once, having helped book them for a show in Atlanta, GA.
If anyone has any information on the members of Redeem, let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!
