ALBUM: The Stranger ARTIST: The Stranger
There must be something epic in the water right now with so many incredible local prog-metal bands kicking around - and this week the long-awaited debut album from Brisbane all round bad-asses The Stranger is finally being unleashed.
True to the unwritten rules of prog, barely any tracks clock in under five minutes - but with epic guitars, smooth yet heaving vocals and some funky as hell basslines (I'm looking at you 'Quantum Entanglement'), there's no time to get bored. The album shreds through with a few little surprise twists and turns, including a few sweet little acoustic intros ('Song for Dad' and 'Patterns') that lead into a labyrinth of hazy guitars and shape-shifting time signatures.
Despite this being their debut LP, The Stranger are no strangers (hah) to audiences - they've captured a solid following thanks in part to sheer talent, and also for their explosive live performances. Having previously shared stages with the likes of Aussie progressive metal kings Caligula's Horse and German heavyweights Helloween, the release of their self-titled debut LP is a result of years of hard work and solid collaborations (including Jens Bogren of Opeth and Devin Townsend fame on final mastering duties).
Ahead of the release, the band have gifted fans who have pre-ordered the album with an "instant gratification track" - single 'The Whip' comes as a free gift with purchase. Of the record, guitarist Kalen Austin said, "We are absolutely proud of our work on the album and what we are about to embark on, the release of our self-titled debut LP - and 'The Whip', we feel, is the epitome of what the record is about - heavy, fun and it's a favourite to play live."
The Stranger's self-titled LP will be available in iTunes and Spotify and all other online outlets on Friday April 21st. In the meantime, check out the one-take music video for single 'The Whip, complete with Aussie bush scenes, lots of hair and cartoon FX.
ALBUM RELEASE DATE: 21st April, 2017 GENRE(S): Prog/Metal
FOR MORE INFO VISIT: https://thestrangerofficial.bandcamp.com/releases BY TIANA SPETER