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Blog Categories promo Balistic Unleash Ambitious Concept Album “The Parson’s Tale”

Balistic Unleash Ambitious Concept Album “The Parson’s Tale” Tuesday December 30 2025, 5:17 PM

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Balistic Unleash Ambitious Concept Album “The Parson’s Tale”
Progressive and Symphonic Metal Journey Through Sin, Virtue, and Lucifer Himself

Release Date: December 1, 2025
Genre: Progressive Metal | Symphonic Metal
For Fans Of: Ayreon, Queensrÿche, Savatage

Pennsylvania based progressive metal outfit Balistic return in full force with their long-awaited concept album “The Parson’s Tale,” a bold, theatrical metal experience that dives headfirst into the seven deadly sins and their corresponding virtues, all hosted by the ultimate master of ceremonies, Lucifer.

“It’s a little complicated…” says bassist and primary songwriter Dave Fox . That understatement barely scratches the surface.

Originally formed in 1992, Balistic reunited in 2018 after years of dormancy. What started as casual conversations during long drives to rehearsals quickly evolved into a four-year creative odyssey. The result is an operatic, genre-bending album that blends traditional heavy metal and prog with funk, hip hop flourishes, piano passages, jazzy chord structures, and fearless tempo changes.

“The Parson’s Tale” is a full-scale rock opera. Each song represents a sin paired with its opposing virtue, delivered through vivid characters and cinematic storytelling. Lyrics were written first, then shaped musically, giving the album its theatrical edge and Broadway-meets-metal personality.

“I shouldn’t be left alone with a laptop and a pen,” Fox jokes. “I ended up writing like a stage play and letting the lyrics guide the music.”

Guitarist Brian Kneasel , who also co-produced the album, immediately grasped the scope of the concept and helped bring the ambitious vision to life. “The stories were already there. That changed everything about how we wrote and recorded,” he explains.

Vocalist Mark McNelley brings the characters to life with dynamic performances, while Angie Pepper adds critical depth with layered harmonies and character driven vocals. The album also marks the return of drummer Don Hosler , whose creative input helped shape the final sound into what he calls “a true blue collaboration.”

Musically, the album moves effortlessly from the Alice Cooper-esque madness of “My Poison” to the playful chaos of “Drowning In It,” featuring guest guitarist Matt ‘Bluesman’ Creter , and into the dramatic heft of “I Am Cain,” highlighted by a soaring solo from Eric Wirsing of Rush tribute band Solar Federation.

Recorded at EQuinox Studios in New Oxford, PA and Lemand Studios in Annville, PA, the album was mixed and mastered by Don Belch , produced by Brian Kneasel and Balistic , with liner notes and band bio by Kira L. Schlechter . The album’s striking visual identity comes courtesy of Brian Durost , who handled the logo, album art, and graphic design. The original concept was developed by Dave Fox and Mark McNelley .

Balistic are already envisioning “The Parson’s Tale” as a complete live experience, complete with visuals, narration, and theatrical elements. No shortcuts. No backing track crutches. Old-school commitment with forward-thinking ambition.

“It’s going to be a wild ride,” Hosler promises.

Balistic Lineup:

Mark McNelley – Lead and backing vocals
Angie Pepper – Lead and backing vocals
Brian Kneasel – Lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, lead vocals on “Drowning In It”
Dave Fox – Bass, piano, rhythm and harmony guitars, Hammond organ, lead vocals on select tracks
Don Hosler – Drums and percussion

“The Parson’s Tale” is available December 1, 2025 on all major streaming platforms.

Complicated? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely.