Track By Tracks: Mad Parish - The Dust Of Forever (2024)

About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

The album is an original story written by Mad Parish that is told through the tapestry of a soundtrack that chronicles the journey of Joe, the protagonist. Through events beyond his control, he discovers that he is immortal and that cataclysmic events are about to take place endangering the universe in which he lives. He also finds out that he has an important role in this process, through an ancient text prophecy hidden for eons. The story is told through the music of Mad Parish, rooted in traditional heavy metal with embellishments in new textures and sounds.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. Prologue:

The prophecy is spelled out in short form, spoken by Cathedron, and the music sounds like Angelo Badalamenti was commissioned to compose the music for the next Zelda game.

2. Defecther:

The 'Lasters' decide to execute the newborn female child (Arla) which is against their religion - however, Bishop Cadfael who is aware of a hidden prophecy steals her away and escapes. Musically it's Van Halen's 'Jump' deciding to gallop instead.

3. Possess The Child:

Cadfael returns to and ancient mining planet (Earth) and performs a ritual on a human female. Musically there is a 'Band On The Run' influence which also includes action such as Cadfael's ship crashing.

4. Outerest In Irisius:

Cadfael's moment of tranquility after the significant events that have just taken place. Musically, right out of Camel's playbook of 70s folk prog.

5. Owen - Formation:

Cadfael settles on planet Owen, and raises Arla at the same time guiding Joe through the transmissions of a sonic blue light. Musically, this has echoes of a classic 80s ballad, with some heavier Metallica-esque elements from 'One'.

6. Astral T.R.A.Z (Tower Reformatory Asteroid Zone):

Joe wakes up in Astrat.R.A.Z, a massive prison constructed on a comet. Musically, its John Carpenter who listened to too much Jethro Tull.

7. Hunted:

Incidental music illustrates the chase that occurs after Joe escapes from Astrat. R.A.Z with the help of Arla. Musically it's pure John Williams a la Empire Strikes Back.

8. Transmission #1 Dream On:

The first of three intercepted transmissions Joe and Arla receive through their makeshift radio, this one coming from Earth. Musically, it sounds like a Jimmy Buffett residency at an old age home.

9. Resistius:

Joe and Arla's radio signal is intercepted by a rogue gang of space pirates who attempt to capture them for a bounty. Musically, it's as if Exodus decided they wanted to be Rush.

10. Aeternal:

Joe feels a moment of despair, knowing he will live forever and cannot bear to be alone. Coincidentally, shortly after Joe and Arla start a physical and emotional relationship, much to Joe's relief. Musically, this is Pet Sounds in space.

11. Transmission #2 - Will Of God:

The second transmission received by Joe and Arla's radio, also from Earth. Musically, this is an apocalyptic cult chanting for the end to come, on top of a Jazz inspired version of Resistius.

12. An Age To Quell:

Joe and Arla are forced to go their separate ways to fulfill their individual quests under impending galactic shifts. Musically, it's Highway Star on steroids.

13. Loched:

Joe finds himself back on Earth being pursued by the Executioner and he must resurrect an ancient Cathedron, hidden in the bottom of a Canadian lake. After witnessing events that reveal the validity of the hidden prophecy, the Executioner decides to help Joe. Musically, Candlemass would have been proud to see Mad Parish's headbanging crowd.

14. Cathedron Wakes:

The Cathedron, a robotic colossus and the last of its kind is awakened by Joe's amulet, and the Executioner has now given the book of rites to him. Musically, this is a thrash song that all robots would love. The music attempts to recreate the machinations of a colossal machine.

15. The Bishop's Rite:

A piano intro foreshadowing the Bishop's Tomb. Musically, it's a solo piano intro.

16. Transmission #3 - Baz Raa Luum:

The third and final transmission received, this comes from deep within the Laster's region. Musically, this is Laster's devotional music.

17. Bishop's Tomb:

The Executioner desires to absolve herself of the crime of killing Bishop Cadfael, and does this by declaring her death site sacred and also his resting place. She also gives Joe the book of rites which is crucial to fulfilling the prophecy. Musically, a cinematic banger.

18. The Experience Hunter:

On the precipice of the climax of the story, Joe has a moment of reflection on the events that have shaped and brought him to this crucial moment in time. Musically, Judas Priest's Point Of Entry.

19. Trajectory: Tantus:

Joe, piloting Cathedron travels through a series of wormholes to arrive at the site of the celestial battle that decides the fate of all. Musically, the Edison Twins dropped acid and plugged all their computers in at the same time.

20. The Dust Of Forever:

The climax and conclusion of the story and the album. A new child is born, and order has been restored to the universe and the Laster's are finally defeated. Musically, a NWOBHM bastard child matures into a power metal adult, in chapter form.

21. Hail To The Hunter:

The victorious chant of the liberated masses heard across the newborn galaxy.