Ascension Theory
Regeneration

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Former Aztec Jade members Tim Becker and Leon Ozug combine their various talents to create a concept album with this Release, a musical hybrid of rock, light metal, and epic cinematic moments. Regeneration, was written and recorded by Tim in a spare bedroom in his apartment. Tim programmed the drum, bass and keyboard parts, while Leon played all the guitars and sang vocals. After completion, Tim promoted the new album to the underground prog-metal community. Before mp3.com changed ownership, songs from the album reached as high as #2 on the progressive metal download charts. The album was then picked up by independent label Nightmare Records.  Encouraged by the support of the underground prog-metal community, it was decided to try for a second release.

Musically
Listening to this disc was like watching a metal rock opera in your mind.  The album does have metal influence but seems more of an  progressive industrial/rock feel.  The album begins, "Warriors", with sounds from radio frequencies and a orchestra felt intro with heavy keyboard influence with sounds of a string quartet.  About half way through "Pieces" the song has a great twist with a more metal edge on the guitars.  It made a great transition to a more climactic portion of the song. The album has such major mood changes from song to song that it keeps you unbalanced as though you are watching an evolving sci-fi movie. The song "Lovers" gives a great transition in the story line of the lyrics and two meet and keyboards are center stage and a melodic ballad. The very next song, "Sleeper", is the response to the prior song and takes the keyboards again with a more galactic feel and approach. A great guitar solo is also added toward the end. As the battle begins, "Enemies", the song begins to progress to a more metal feel. Crashing cymbals and hard driving bass lines start attacking until an assumed victory. The final song and end of the story, "Regeneration", combines all forms of metal rock and progressive style into one 8 1/2 minute grand finale.

Vocally/Lyrically
Led by the vocals of Leon Ozug, his vocals give Ascension Theory their cinematic appeal and quality.  It doesn't sound very rock or metal, but more of a theatrical feel as you would see in a Broadway production. That in no way is an insult but a great compliment to the range and control of his vocals. Also on the first and fifth tracks, guest vocals from Jodi St. John appear and she has an absolutely amazing and soothing presence. 
"Two interstellar civilizations are locked in a perpetual war.  A veteran soldier from one side dreams of building a new colony, one far enough away from the fighting to live in peace. On his first attempt, he is dealt a devastating blow. His fleet is ambushed by the enemy and forced to crash on a desolate moon.  There, he encounters a hospitable but previously unknown race of beings who are on the verge of fulfilling a dream of their own. With their help, he must find a way to revive the sleeping colonists, and overcome the despair and guilt of his failure." (from their liner notes) OK, if anyone knows me, you will instantly know I won't be enjoying this.  I mean it is like an invasion of Trekies, which you could not pay me enough to watch one episode.  But, I can give them credit for their originality and imagination but their is not in-between on these types of sci-fi lyrics, yes it is love or hate. The songs show the redemptive and "Regeneration" of a man. One of the  members is a Christian and the songs show a Christian perspective of life and salvation but with a very Star Trek influenced type twist and appeal. 

Fans of sci-fi style progressive rock/metal will love this cinematic type soundtrack to the battle of the ages.