Revelation - For the Sake of No One

Revelation started up in the 80s in Baltimore, Maryland releasing what is considered their debut album, Salvation’s Answer in 1991 although earlier this year saw the overdue release of the S/T album that was to have preceded the Salvation’s Answer album. The band has a rich history leading up to 1995 when they released the great Yet So Far CD. They have remained a largely a cult band even though they should be considered one of the greats of the genre. You must keep in mind the same line-up have released a staggering 11 albums under the name Against Nature. This album is the classic line up of Revelation with John Brenner on guitar and vocals, Bert Hall on bass and Steve Branagan on drums. The Release album was a fine return to the Doom scene when it was released last year and this album carries on with the same high quality standard that Release had but this album maybe a little better. "A Matter of Days" kicks the album off in pure Doom Metal fashion with smoking riff work and searing solo work that this band should be famous for. The guitar work is fits in well the adventurous bass work that is wandering in a different direction it seems but they not only make it work, it also sounds fresh although they are on a very traditional Doom Metal path. The band specializes in the pentatonic blues based riff rather than the sustained notes that so many Doom bands focus on these days. Second track "Offset" simply smokes but like most of this album, the track has a kind of restrained vibe but the guitar/bass and drum work serves the songs in magnificent fashion. A lot of bands would really complicate things but Revelation have the knack of finding the perfect groove and vibe for each track.

Brenner has always been a great vocalist and a bit different than your usual doom metal singer with his high and sometimes nasally voice but it is just perfect for carrying the strong melodies, particularly on the epic "Canyons". At nearly 10 minutes long, this track is a stand out piece of old school Doom Rock. The unique about Revelation is they don't follow the Doom Metal rule book too closely and "Canyons" is a classic example of what can be done if you have some finesse and imagination. The song is basically a extended jam highlighted by Brenner’s exciting soloing that is riveting to listen to. "On A Promontory" is more up-tempo than most of the material on here and "The Whisper Stream" shows the band are not afraid to be a little eccentric with their song-writing. This tune heads into a almost "Rush-Like" song but still with old school Doom Metal tendencies. "Vigil" brings the band back into pure Doom Metal style both musically and lyrically, all the elements are there on this one. Haunting melody, interesting and original arrangements and of course a emotional filled vocal. The album ends with the title track "For the Sake of No One" and its delivered with the same power and passion as the rest of the album. A fitting end to a very complete piece of work from the masters.

While this has a very 70’s style of playing, they add a freshness to it which is a pleasure to hear in 2009. A special mention must go to the guitar work that combines simplicity with some exciting open chord flourishes that gives each and every track some serious depth. I did read once that Brenner was described as a cross between Alex Lifeson and Tony Iommi and that is pretty accurate, the guitar work is heavy but extremely colorful at the same time. As usual with this band the lyrics are highly expressive and thoughtful and delivered from a very personal point of view. The interplay between bass and drum work on this album are not to be missed either, the album has many layers and with all good albums like this, a new layer is discovered every time you give it a spin. The only negative aspect of this album is the recording that is well produced but also extremely quiet, you will need to crank your volume up to fully experience the power this band has. I strongly encourage people to buy this CD or head to the Bland Hand Records site and you’ll find the entire Revelation discography available for download as high quality mp3s. The downloads are on a donation based system, pay a few bucks and help the band out. This is proof of what experience and great songwriting brings to a band and Revelation has all that and more. 9/10

Myspace