This will probably be my least favorite article I've ever had to write for Music Scene Media because it means the end of an era for one of the most influential and important bands to ever grace this planet. Making waves ever since their inception over 20 years ago while inspiring a new generation, getting death threats for their out-spoken views of politics, and never letting greed or influence get in front of their message, there will never be another band like Stray From The Path. I won't lie and say I've been a "Day One" fan of the band, but ever since watching the music video for "Black Friday" over 10 years ago, I've been a fan of the band and that dedication has grown with every release. The band's final release, Clockworked, is sure to take the crown as the best release of the band's career and give them the send off they so rightfully deserve.
While it is such a cliche to say "each song on this album is a banger", there are no truer words to speak when talking about Clockworked. I've lost track of the amount of times I've found myself picking my jaw off the ground after every insane drum fill that seems to transcend a singular genre from Craig Reynolds, each terrifying horror movie like riff from guitarist Tom Williams, each and every chunky bass line from Anthony "Dragon Neck" Alamura, and the electric vocal range of vocalist Andrew "Drew York" Dijorio. This album has the sense of freshness while staying true to the message of Stray From The Path and keeping the components of what has made this band great.
I think one of the components that makes this album so intense is the eerie sounds and tones present on almost every song. From the terrifying guitar intro that bounces around the speakers on "Kubrick Stare" that makes you feel as though you're slowly losing your mind to the how beautifully the drums and vocals balance each other in that end breakdown of "Shot Caller", the album is full of these little things that have you making the stank face while listening. My personal favorite would have to be a tie between the title track, "Clockworked", due to that incredible sample intro as well as a killer feature from LANDMVRKS or "Can I Have Your Autograph?" due to how unapologetically raw the band is throughout the entire song.
I'm sure I speak for a lot of Stray fans when I say that this album is incredible in every way, shape, and form and because of that, it is saddening to know that this will be the last new music we hear from Stray From The Path.
