STRANGERS

This album has blown me away. It has the emotional force and instrumental prowess of prog power metal classics like Mind's Eye's A Gentleman's Hurricane or Kamelot's The Black Halo. I'm also reminded of Seventh Wonder's Tiara and Ayreon's The Source. It is well-composed and complex but manages to be cohesive, with tight song structures and incredibly catchy choruses. The band meddles with several musical styles and somehow pull off every single one. Musicianship is top notch. The lead guitar stands out with a wonderfully melodic style akin to Seventh Wonder and of course John Petrucci. The vocals are incredible; forceful and versatile; Noa Gruman is an amazing female metal vocalist.

There are very few week points - the lyrics have been described as a little cheesy by some reviewers (I don't notice). The growling on the song Over isn't for me, but thankfully it is used sparingly. The vocalist has a noticable Israeli accent, but utlimately just sounds exotic and adds to the band's charisma. Her enunciation is clear and, either way, I can't stop listening to her incredible performance.

Top prog metal album of 2020!

Share this SCARDUST review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to alvanx
• Report this review (#2506471)
• Buy SCARDUST music online with PA partners
• Show all SCARDUST MP3/Stream
• Go to SCARDUST page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Strangers page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for SCARDUST related discussions