stOrk’s latest release Broken Pieces, marks a massive departure from the band’s 2009 self-titled debut. On their sophomore effort, the former mental, instrumental metal trio sheds their “math rock” moniker, adds a badass female singer and becomes a fearsome four-piece. In 2013, founding stOrk members, super drummer Thomas Lang (Paul Gilbert) and former touring Korn guitarist Shane Gibson headed into the studio with new lead singer VK Lynne (Vita Nova/Eve’s Apple) and bassist Kelly LeMieux (Buckcherry/Goldfinger) and emerged with13 relentlessly powerful tracks chock full of hard rock goodness and undeniable melodies and harmonies -- all wrapped around a chewy power metal center. The result is a sweeping, complex-yet-heavy heavy sound that maintains stOrk’s trademark virtuosity and delivers up fierce riffs, fleet-fingered guitar solos, jaw-dropping drums, driving bass and soaring above it all are intense, bluesy vocals that meld into a unique blend of power metal that will leave fans gobsmacked. If Dream Theater and Evanescence mated and hatched a sexy baby bird, it would be the “new” stOrk. Broken Pieces is a natural progression from the band’s self-titled 2009 release. “Our first record was all about exploring where Shane and I could go musically,” says Lang. “For our second record, we wanted to keep the backdrop of stOrk the same – keeping the same style and level of playing -- but we wanted it to have a voice.” Lead singer Lynne serves as the principle lyricist, “I wanted ‘Broken Pieces’ to be as challenging to the listener lyrically as it was sonically,” says Lynne. The CD tells the story of a tortured character, Malena, remembering her life, but in sporadic, jagged flashes. Each song is a scene from her shattered life, but it’s up to the listener to find the beginning and the end, to assemble the ‘broken pieces’ and find the through line…. and take from it what they will.” Broken Pieces serves up an instant avalanche of sound that is almost startling in its intensity. On the lead track, “stOrk,” Lynne marks her territory on this track and there is no doubt that stOrk’s newfound voice is ferocious and formidable counterpart to Gibson’s blistering 8-string Carvin guitar solos and Lang’s merciless and meticulous drumming. “Paper Angels” starts with a deceptively delicate intro that morphs into a throbbing onslaught of drums, guitars and bass. Lynne’s haunting vocals and Gibson’s kick-a** guitar soar over Lang’s monster backbeat. Conversely, “Chainsaw Serenade” launches with Lang’s trademark powerful yet intricate drumming before it morphs into and edgy, complicated metal fest punctuated with gritty, grinding guitars and drums that are guaranteed to inspire some serious head-banging. Melodic and dark, “Overflow” is a powerful, passionate track with an undeniably catchy melody. Complex harmonies and Lynne’s haunting vocals give the track an intense, yet eerie feeling. Lang’s splashy cymbal sounds provide an almost effortless-sounding percussive backdrop for Gibson’s thick, chunky guitar riffs. Mixed by Dan Monte (Guns n’ Roses/Metallica) and mastered by Maor Applebaum (Halford/Adrenaline Mob) and features eye-popping artwork from famed dark artist Sam “Mr. Sam” Shearon. This is easily some of the best metal I’ve heard all year….”- Vince Neilstein, Metal Sucks “With his new band stOrk, super-human Austrian drummer Thomas Lang has more going on than polyrhythmic trickery and ridiculous speed — but there’s still plenty of that too.” – Dave Constantine, Drum! Magazine “If you're down with progressive, mind-blowing shred-rock, then the stOrk just delivered you a beautiful, bouncing baby that boasts some razor-sharp rock chops that could chew off Steve Vai's leg and devour Buckethead's KFC headgear in one satisfied gulp.” – The Word "... Gibson’s ability to emphasize different pulses in each measure has evolved into a monstrous skill for creating compelling riffs. Combined with his penchant for heavy distortion and his love of 7-string guitars, these phrases often retain a pummel-you-in-the- chest feel while having a refreshing “odd meter” sound.” – Jude Gold, Guitar Player