Valley of Salt didn’t hold anything back with the release of their debut album Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness. Heralded as a progressive rock opera album chronicling the life of John the Baptist, the album is more than a soundtrack: it is a listening experience. And for those drawn to the likes of Jesus Christ Superstar, or Mark D. Conklin’s The Gospel According to Mark, this is a release not to be missed. So put your ear buds in, lean back and let this story wash over you.
Helmed by the guitar stylings and vocals of New Jersey based songwriter Brian Stemetzki, it is clear from track one that this soundtrack is filled with intention. A polymath musician, he utilizes rock, jazz, folk, Spanish and even touch of celtic influence in this cinematic work. Partnered with producer Marty Willson-Piper and world class musicians from Polyphonic Spree, the Fort Smith Symphony and more, the end result is a triumph of musical expertise. Where sound, emotion and lyrics blend to become an immersive experience, placing you at the feet of John the Baptiser as he questioned Jesus and taught in the wilderness of Judea.
We enter the story of John the Baptist with a musical prologue titled, “The Love of God Surrounds us.” At 5 minutes long, this literally sets the stage for a riveting narrative. It is clear that Stemetzki is a tour-de-force on guitar (he played a 1966 Rickenbacker and 1978 Gibson Les Paul), and with it he paints pictures of triumphant underdogs, unexpected miracles, and any epic sequence you love from an 80s classic like Rocky.
It moves easily into “Don’t Be Afraid,” as commanding electric guitar illuminates wars in the heavenlies and impossible prayers from Elizabeth. It is mid track that we hear Stemetzki sing for the first time. This transition could be jarring if you play Voice of the One as a typical album – the expectation that each track starts and stops as a full entity, with the lyrics and vocals being centre stage is incorrect for this project. And part way through this track, I realised that instead, I was being welcomed into a musical experience. In this, Stemetzki acts a voice of key characters in John the Baptist’s life. In this track, he is the voice of Gabriel assuring Zechariah that Elizabeth has conceived a son in her old age.
The “Wilderness Interlude” follows, and this is where your imagination is invited to soar with arid and mystical percussion, a dwindling harmonica and a sense of building urgency. The addition of brass is a welcome surprise, and by the end of track three, the stage is set for John to step fully into his role of prophet, as he prepares the way for Jesus.
Lead single, “What Did You See?” follows this, and captures the juxtaposition of John’s faith. While the instrumental intricacies of earlier tracks cultivate a sense of maturity and depth, in “What Did You See?” John is on the verge of believing that Jesus is Messiah, and is seeking confirmation. In many ways, this track transcends antiquity, echoing our own wrestle with God as we wait in eager expectation for His return to earth. Of all the tracks in this operatic rock musical, this one reads the most like a CCM power ballad. With it, you can envision the lead character, commanding the audience.
The well placed, “I Will Wait For You,” follows, and it acts as an immediate continuation of John’s faith journey. Slightly more stripped back and acoustic, this reflective song could be used for a personal devotion. Or, in this case, as a characterisation of growing spiritual maturity in John, setting us up for the epic part two of the musical.
With the entrance of Christ and his ministry, the latter half of the album carries more experimental sounds and vocalists. “He Walks,” is filled with the sounds of the Mediterranean, and you can almost feel the humidity of the Sea of Gailiee as the band pull in alternating instruments, synth and percussion to communicate a growing excitement. Delightfully, a children’s choir also appear in this track. And with it, Valley of Salt weave in the theology that each of us must come to Christ with the faith of a child. A clever and heart warming addition.
“His Glory,” is the scene stealer, and if you had any doubt this was a rock opera, the epic crescendos and electric guitar will drive it home for you. Percussion expertly portrays moves of the Holy Spirit through Jesus, before the song eases with the promises his miracles are relaying: the fact that “God will wipe away your tears, no pain, no death, no crying.” This is a hopeful track with hints of Americana.
If “His Glory,” was the scene stealer, then follow up “Machaerus,” is the moment your jaw drops to the floor. A solitary, nearly eerie track, It recounts John the Baptist’s inner turmoil at Machaerus, the place where he was beheaded. Mirroring the cries of Paul when he denied Christ three times, the potential in this power ballad is huge. This would be a pivotal moment in a stage show. And if there is a “come to Jesus” moment, this track is it. This is when I realised what Voice Of The One Crying In The Wilderness has in common with Jesus Christ Superstar: absolute power, emotion and a revelation of the human condition.
From here, the narrative gets lighter, celebrating Christ’s victory over death. “Holy Holy Is the Lord,” is fast paced, wth folk rock elements that will get you moving. The best part is a gospel choir, who mirror the cries of the heavenlies. This alone makes it the most feel good song of the musical, and emphasizes the soundtrack’s commitment to authenticity.
Closing with “Receive,” this pulled back acoustic piece is the revelatory moment of the show. In sound and tone, it asks what we will do with the miracle and story we have witnessed. Ultimately, this is a redemptive and hope-filled closing tune, reminding us that Jesus will return and reign again.
I can’t emphasise the musical feat or intricacies shown in Valley of Salt’s debut album. As a musical soundtrack, it carries an arching narrative that will move, convict and propel you towards Christ. Best listened to front to back, let the meticulously chosen instrumentation paint you a picture of John the Baptist. A true cinematic experience, let yourself dwell in this one for awhile. Once you settle into the groove, your mind will be opened wide to what Valley of Salt are working to accomplish.
Buy/stream Voice of The One Crying In The Wilderness
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Watch our interview with Brian Stemetzki here
Connect with Valley of Salt here