“'Mist' is the closing song of 'Strangers' and the parallel to 'Break The Ice,’ which opens the album,” explains vocalist Noa Gruman. “Now the protagonist has been through experiences that shaped her to become more confident in a way that is less dependent on others. Every relationship we have has a potential of experiences and memories that may or may not happen if the relationship continues. Even after many years, some sides of those we know best are still unfamiliar to us, so what might happen if we go and part ways?”
In other exciting news, Gruman was recently announced as a lead vocalist on THERION's new record, “Leviathan” (Nuclear Blast). This is just the latest in a list of impressive recent guest vocal appearances, which also include Amorphis' 2018 record “Queen of Time,” Orphaned Land's 2018 album “Unsung Prophets and Dead Messiahs” and Ayreon’s recently released “Transitus.”
“Strangers” – which can be streamed on all major digital platforms or purchased on CD and now on limited-edition gray smoke vinyl HERE – is a unique concept album built of complementary song pairs working from the outside in. Several recently released music videos, which can be seen at SCARDUST's YouTube, further demonstrate the degree to which different tracks from the album are thematically connected.
Mastered by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Devin Townsend, Arch Enemy), “Strangers” – described by by Dead Rhetoric as “captivating from start to finish” – was written and composed jointly by Gruman and composer Orr Didi, who also collaborated with SCARDUST on their full-length debut “Sands of Time” and their 2015 EP “Shadow.” The album features guest appearances by acclaimed German folk musician Patty Gurdy, the Hellscore choir (Orphaned Land, Amorphis, Ayreon) and England’s prestigious Westbrook Hay Prep School Chamber Choir.
Israel’s leading progressive metal group, SCARDUST has performed at such major festivals as Ramblin’ Man Fair (UK), Metaldays (Slovenia) and Midi (China). In addition, the band hosts the annual “Scarfest” event in their home country, where they’ve also appeared alongside the likes of Therion, Epica and Symphony X. The group’s recent “Strangers” record release livestream can be viewed for free HERE.
