California-based progressive power-metal act REDEMPTION, featuring FATES WARNING frontman Ray Alder, have issued the following update from guitarist Nick van Dyk:

"Hello folks, and sorry for the long silence from us. It's been a very busy summer for us away from Redemption, particularly for Ray who as most of you surely know did a reunion tour with the Parallels lineup of Fates Warning to commemorate the 20th anniversary of that fantastic release.

I (Nick) remain in complete remission with no trace of the disease that I announced publicly about a year ago. I remain on three powerful medications to ensure that the cancer does not return. Of the five original active lesions in my bones, none are active for cancer and one of them has resolved (i.e. been completely repaired with new bone). The other four are in the process of being repaired and that is the next big milestone. Patience is required but I believe they will get there. If that happens, it is a good sign that I am well down the road to being cured (according to the very aggressive doctor to whom I entrust my care). However I must remain on these medicines for two more years. They have many unpleasant side effects but I am resolved to stick with the program and beat "incurable" blood cancer. Thank you all very much for your prayers, positive vibes and words of support - they mean a lot.

And so life continues, and with it, a new Redemption CD in the works! We are in the early pre-production stages at this point, still composing and arranging. It's too early to say too much, but I can share that the arrangements vary from short (for us!) hard-hitting songs to at least one and possibly two more sprawling ideas, and that a few of the working titles at this point are 'Noonday Devil', 'Dreams From The Pit' and 'Rain In My Soul'.

We'll have more to post in the coming weeks and months, and hopefully some great new music for you in 2011!

As always, thank you for your support and interest!"

More on Redemption at this location.