Next month excellent prog metal band STRANGER VISION will release their new album “Faust Act I: Prelude To Darkness“, a concept album divided into two parts inspired by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s timeless masterpiece, ‘Faust’. The Japanese edition includes a bonus track.
This narrative delves into the depths of the human soul, exploring the conflict between ambition and morality, and the relentless search for meaning. Each track reflects a different aspect of Faust’s inner journey, featuring powerful riffs, intense vocal sections, and keyboards and synths that amplify the story’s dramatic tension.
STRANGER VISION formed in 2019 and their main characteristics are technical mastery, elaborated melodies and at the time of recording, impressive production and mix. There’s many influences into their sound, being the most noticeable early ’90s Dream Theater.
Well, it’s no surprise to find James LaBrie as guest vocalist in one of the album first singles; (watch the video below).
‘Strive’ is a powerful opening to this conceptual journey, capturing the intense dialogue between God and Mephistopheles about the human condition and the relentless quest for understanding that defines Faust’s character. With its intricate melodies and evocative lyrics, “Strive” sets the tone for an album that possesses impressive songwriting & musicianship.
“Faust Act I: Prelude To Darkness” is a really well done classic prog metal album a splashes of commercial power metal, all time melodic, interesting, with lyrical depth and complex orchestrations.
Highly Recommended
01 – Prologue in Heaven
02 – Strive
03 – Nothing Really Matters (feat. James LaBrie)
04 – Look Into Your Eyes
05 – Two Souls (feat. Angelica Patti)
06 – Prologue of John
07 – In Principium
08 – Dance of Darkness
09 – The Covenant
10 – Carpe Diem
11 – Fly
12 – New Life
JAPAN BONUS TRACK:
13 – Carpe Diem (Orchestral Version)
IVAN ADAMI – Vocals
RICCARDO TONI – Guitars, Keyboards and Orchestrations
DANIELE MORINI – Bass
ALESSIO MONACELLI – Drums
Additional Vocals:
JAMES LA BRIE on “Nothing Really Matters”
ANGELICA PATTI on “Two Souls”
SIMONE BERTOZZI on “Carpe Diem”