There is definitely something in the water in the land down under at the moment. There is such a great modern Prog community releasing some killer records right now. This album from The Stranger came out in 2020, and they have been together since 2013. The obvious comparison would be Dream Theater as there are definitely element of the band’s sound that compare. But take Dream Theater and add more modern djent vibes, those low end grooves, killer keyboard sounds, great vocal melodies and you get the picture.
Opener Eleventh Hour is more traditional Prog metal with the DTisms high in the list, but second track in The Gemini has way more modern grooves and sounds, I love the vocal on this one. Next up is my favourite, Jungles. This one has some awesome djent-style riffage, and I love the effortless transition into the more melodic middle section with a great short solo. Killer tune! What a superb bass groove at the start of Jester with a more laid back vibe, I love the harmonies and that choppy guitar riff is so cool. We close out Side 1 with the beautiful guitar instrumental Coming Home.
Side 2 kicks off with Siren. A killer choppy riff and groove, and a close call for favourite track. Superb tune with a wonderful middle section that even brings the funk. Creatures In The Canopy is next up and that bass groove opens into a very harmonic piece before the huge crunch of guitars dives in. The Devil You Don’t opens with a very eerie guitar before the modern metal riffage rips in, with added growling vocal that gives way to some serious progtastic harmony delights. The album closes out with the title track. The most old school sounding of them all, well until the power is turned anyway. I think it’s the vocal delivery and the slight folk vibe of the vocals that conjure up images of Peter Gabriel.
Well, I’m more than happy for Australia to keep knocking out bands as good as The Stranger, and I can’t wait for their next instalment.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
