It seems that STRAY have always been there – and these stalwarts of heavy prog have been influencing the likes of IRON MAIDEN ever since 1966 – so it’s almost impossible to believe that the Del Bromham-led ensemble’s last studio offering was first out in 2008 and that in the fifteen years after "Valhalla" just one album, a concert document saw the light of day. Still, September 15th is the day when the veteran’s new record will finally be issued.
Called “About Time” and arriving between the publishing of Del’s autobiography and the forthcoming release of his joint live effort with John Verity, its title evokes the band’s classic “Time Machine” – thus delving into the collective’s own mythology – while the titles of its songs, “Sword Of Damocles” and “Blood From A Stone” above all, hark back to apocryphal sources, which alone is alluring. However, its origins are different.
That’s what Del has to say about “About Time”: “At the time of writing and recording this album the world was in a very strange place. Particularly with the arrival of the Corona Virus, no-one was certain of what tomorrow would bring. With the fear of the unknown, it seemed unable to predict if the future would ever get back to normality. With all the imposed restrictions, people like myself had an opportunity to reflect on life as it was, as it is and how it could be. I hope the songs will show that even through the dark times, the optimism of the human race will win through and see a ‘Better Day’.”
About Time
1. I Am
2. Living The Dream
3. Black Sun
4. Blood From A Stone
5. Shout
6. Better Day
7. Sword Of Damocles
8. That Is Not Enough
9. Raise Your Hands
10. Dust In Your Pocket
