So yesterday I decided to continue listening to new (2023) prog rock albums. I again visited the Prog Archives to review their best of 2023 album list. Rather than just work my way down the list I decided to filter the list and search for bands that are included in the Neo-Prog sub-genre. When I first started listening to current Prog I discovered that most of the albums I liked were Neo-Prog bands. A brief review of the list revealed that many of the bands I like released new albums on 2023. I didn’t need to look far down the list to see the name of a band that I like. Redemption from the band Mystery checks in at number to on the list and number 23 on the list unfiltered! Two spots below Karnatanka’s Requiem for a Dream. Anyway, I listened to the album and I liked it. So let’s find out more about Mystery…..
From Prog Archives….
A project of French Canadian guitarist/lyricist/producer Michel St-Père, MYSTERY took form in 1986 as a six-member outfit. They released a self-titled album in 1992 that generated quite some interest across Canada…..
…..Over the years, MYSTERY’s style has evolved from AOR (STYX, ASIA) to more adventurous art rock like that of RUSH and SAGA, but featuring delicate acoustic passages not normally heard from these two. Their music is based on St-Père’s guitar play, which is well executed yet appropriately restrained, while the keyboards remain in the background. MYSTERY won’t dazzle you with technical prowess but you will appreciate their strong melodies, outstanding vocals (Gary Savoie is often compared to JOURNEY’s Steve Perry), elegant arrangements and attention to detail. Their compilation CD “At the Dawn of a New Millenium” is made up of remastered tracks of their three albums and is a fairly good sampler of their répertoire for those wanting to get acquainted with the band. Read More
About Redemption
I first listen to Mystery back in 2016 when they released the album Delusional Rain (my post here)
Once again you can read a more detailed review of the album (here) at Prog Archives. I tend to like albums where I can understand most of the lyrics and this album meets the criteria. Additionally, I also like a little guitar wizardry and there is some of that too.
I really liked the first three tracks “Behind the Mirror”, the title track “Redemption” and the quintessential Prog song “The Beauty and the Least”‘
From Progradar…
Redemption’ is the ninth studio album from Mystery. Produced and mixed by the band’s own Michel St-Père, Mastering by Richard Addison, this album features a mix of classic prog-rock elements and modern production techniques, resulting in a Mysterious sound that’s both timeless and fresh, the MYSTERY sound. Mystery has been forging their way to the top of the Canadian music scene for over three decades, and their latest album is sure to cement their place as one of the most important bands in prog-rock today. With ‘Redemption’ Mystery has created a stunning masterpiece that’s not to be missed
from: Progstock
Line-up for Redemption
Jean Pageau / vocals
Antoine Michaud / keyboards
François Fournier / bass, keyboards
Jean-Sébastien Goyette / drums
Sylvain Moineau / guitarsMichel St-Pere / guitars, keyboards
Te bottom line Redemption is a fantastic album so check it oit!
Links for the Further Exploration of the Music of Mysteryreceived
Artist’s Website
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
ProgArchives
Amazon
Here is the title track from Delusion Rain by Mystery