Since forming in 2015, Glaswegian five-piece Halo Tora have developed their own unique brand of prog-rock. This week they’re returning with a second album. ‘Man of Stone: First Chapter’ is a six-track concept record that adds alt-rock melodies to its immersive, layered musical and lyrical journey.
While there are comparisons to Coheed And Cambria, Leprous and Karnivool, ‘Man of Stone: First Chapter’ allows the quintet to create a seamless and compelling record. From the bold riffs on ‘Always The Last To Know’ to the sweet balladic tone of ‘Fracture’ to the sonic grandiose of ‘Unthank’, Halo Tora take you on an absorbing musical journey.
It’s set to be self-released by the band, with support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland, this Friday (6th April). However, Already Heard has been lucky enough to team up with the band for this exclusive album premiere.
“Our first album was an expansive exploration of our many faced genre goblin, so when we came to create ‘Man Of Stone: First Chapter’ we wanted to focus in on particular sounds,” explains vocalist/guitarist Chris Alexander. “The heavy bits are heavier and more aggressive but we’ve managed to weave it through melody and ambience which is something we totally love doing.”
As it’s title suggests, this is only part one of a two part concept. On the deep lyrical context of the album Alexander explained, “topically and lyrically though it has been a difficult record to write as it covers a lot of our own personal experiences. We felt that this story had to be told over two chapters, so we are only half way.”
The Glasgow quintet are set to mark the release of ‘Man of Stone: First Chapter’ with a hometown release show before a run of shows throughout the UK and Europe
“We’re really excited about our tour plans this year. There’s a bit of a buzz about our launch night in Glasgow already and we can’t wait to get back into Europe. It was great to see that some of the European promoters we previously worked with were really keen to book as again, and we are taking in some new cities we’ve never played before too. We’ll definitely be having a party in London after the last show,” says fellow guitarist/vocalist Ian McCall.
‘Man of Stone: First Chapter’ by Halo Tora is released 6th April.
Halo Tora will be touring the UK and Europe in support of ‘Man of Stone: First Chapter’ from April 27th.
April
27 Stereo, Glasgow
28 Mother’s Ruin, Bristol
29 Hope and Ruin, Brighton
30 DIY Cafe, Lille FR
May
01 Studio30, Saarbrücken GER
02 Extase, Tilburg NL
03 La Porte Noire, Brussels BEL
04 Kaffee Vooruit, Poperinge BEL
05 Birthdays, London
Halo Tora links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|BigCartel
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