"Valley Of Salt’s debut album, “Voice Of One Crying In The Wilderness” is a stunning piece of work that blends progressive rock with deep, faith-driven storytelling. Led by Brian Stemetzki, this project showcases impressive musicianship and a level of passion and creativity that’s hard to ignore. From start to finish, the album is a journey, one that feels both personal and universal with a sound that’s as expansive as it is intimate."

"Valley of Salt is a project led by Brian Stemetzki. The guitarist and songwriter just released Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness, an ambitious and personal rock opera. Produced by Marty Willson-Piper, the album blends everything you didn’t know you needed: rock, jazz, folk, and even gospel.

The album opens with “The Love of God is All Around Us”, an instrumental track that builds tension with a hypnotic groove of drums and guitar. There’s an expectation of vocals that never arrive but the track remains engaging throughout and I loved it."

"‘Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist’ by Valley of Salt is an awe-inspiring 10-track rock album. Its tracks create a dynamic ambience, with its almost operatic soundscape, that fits with its themes of faith, as it recounts the life of John the Baptist track-by-track. 

Each track leaves an intense impression on the listener, reflecting the narrator’s connection to his faith and his dedication to telling this story."

Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist is an ambitious and transformative rock opera crafted by composer and lyricist Brian Stemetzki, operating under the moniker Valley of Salt. Guided by the seasoned production of Marty Willson-Piper, the album transcends the conventional boundaries of Christian-themed music, presenting a profound and immersive exploration of faith, redemption, and resilience through the lens of John the Baptist’s story. Much like Jesus Christ Superstar, Stemetzki’s work fuses complex melodies, evocative lyrics, and diverse vocal arrangements, offering a contemporary narrative that invites listeners on a spiritual and existential journey. 

"With an audacious vision and a reverence for storytelling, composer and lyricist Brian Stemetzki has carved out a space entirely his own with Valley of Salt. While many artists look to reimagine classic rock conventions, Stemetzki’s approach is deeply immersive, spiritually rich, and entirely unique, elevating his debut project into something more than just a euphoric experience. 'Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist' is a sonic pilgrimage, a rock opera that weaves intricacy, depth, and grandeur into a stunning ten-track journey."

"Heck yeah, I’m interested!

And what else could you possibly hope for when you push play on a debut album, right?  As the rumble of “The Love Of God Is All Around Us” settled into place, and we get our first impression of what Valley Of Salt is creating as the opening track kicks into gear, I think we’d all come to the same conclusion about this band being on completely solid ground, right quick.  The instrumentation isn’t just stellar to listen to, it’s equally inventive and innovative as well.  Like, you’ll range from what actually sounds fairly similar to something like early R.E.M. at the beginning of “The Love Of God Is All Around Us,” into stuff that would relate more closely with Genesis, maybe a little Heart even further down the road, before you end up in terrain along the lines of Blue Oyster Cult, and eventually the Eagles.  Like – are you kidding me?  Do y’all realize how far you’d have to travel through ONE SONG in order to hit all those different gears, let alone how much skill you’d have to possess in order to be able to pull it off?  Credit where credit is due…Brian Stemetzki, the main composer/player at work here…I mean…clearly this man ain’t short on ideas!  Despite any similarities you might find in this piece or that piece, make no mistake, what Valley Of Salt is doing on “The Love Of God Is All Around Us” is refreshingly original. I also think that, for Progressive music, it’s generating more appeal & interest than listeners outside of the genre would expect. And for those of you out there that don’t think you can hear faith-based music that rocks, this one song alone will not only prove that theory incorrect, it will absolutely wow you in the process."

"Valley of Salt’s upcoming concept album, Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness, brings the story of John the Baptist into the sphere of progressive rock, combining vintage instrumentation with timeless themes of faith, resilience, and transformation. In this interview, the artist discusses the creative process behind the album, the influence of prog-rock greats, and the collaborations that shaped its organic sound. From recording with vintage guitars to layering intricate melodies, the conversation explores the personal and artistic ambitions behind the record." 

"Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist is a new rock opera conceived by composer and lyricist Brian Stemetzki. Produced by the illustrious Marty Willson-Piper, it weaves a tale of spiritual awakening, societal upheaval, and the quest for truth in a world shrouded in chaos. Much like "Jesus Christ Superstar" challenged the boundaries of traditional storytelling, this album takes listeners on a transformative journey through intricate melodies, soaring vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. While "Jesus Christ Superstar" delved into the iconic figure of Jesus Christ, "Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness" explores the story of the prophet John the Baptist, grappling with existential questions and seeking redemption amidst a cacophony of doubt and disillusionment."

"Hailing from New Jersey, guitarist and songwriter Brian Stemetzki is the artist behind Valley of Salt, a project that blends the expansive sounds of rock, jazz and folk into a reflective musical output. Known for exploring profound themes like faith, humanity and personal growth, Brian’s work serves as both an artistic statement and a spiritual exploration. With his forthcoming progressive rock concept album, Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist, he realises a lifelong dream by delivering an ambitious and transformative rock opera set for release on February 3. The ten-track album, produced by the legendary Marty Willson-Piper of The Church and All About Eve, is set to be a landmark moment in Brian’s career. Taking inspiration from the story of John the Baptist, Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness distils a tale of spiritual awakening, societal upheaval and the quest for truth."

"Allow me to introduce you to Brian Stemetzki, a mysterious visionary, composer, and artist whose name has already become synonymous with the modern musical avant-garde. His journey led to the creation of the band Valley of Salt, which is currently at the forefront of contemporary rock opera, blending progressive rock with existential poetry. Their music embodies a synthesis of ancient tales and modern expression, vividly showcased in their debut concept album, “Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist.” The theme of the album is life and death, the journey of John the Baptist. This progressive rock opera reimagines themes of faith, redemption, and inner strength through the lens of an innovative approach to composition. The author combines the dramatic narrative of John the Baptist’s life with the dynamics of musical progression, transforming it into a symbolic quest for meaning that teeters between life and death."

"Brian Stemetzki is no ordinary musician. An inspired composer, virtuoso guitarist and trained therapist, he sees music as an initiatory journey carried by audacious arrangements. With his project Valley of Salt, he has established himself today as a figure of modern operatic rock. His new single, “Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness – The Story of John the Baptist”, prefigures an ambitious concept album, exploring the life and message of John the Baptist through a grandiose musical fresco."

"Valley Of Salt, an American project led by visionary musician and composer Brian Stemetzki, presents their debut album, “Voice Of One Crying In The Wilderness – The Story Of John the Baptist”, a progressive rock concept album that fuses biblical narrative with impressive musical production, which will be released on February 3, 2025. Recorded in Dallas, Texas, this work is an authentic rock opera that revives the story of John the Baptist with unparalleled spiritual and artistic depth." (English Translation)

"Brian Stemetzki records as Valley Of Salt. The Gloucester County native—raised in Burlington County—will release a concept album, Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness:  The Story of John the Baptist on February 3. He calls it “a progressive rock opera that celebrates the creativity, resilience and storytelling spirit that defines New Jersey’s music community. “It’s a love letter to the spirit of collaboration, passion and artistry that I learned growing up in New Jersey,” he adds. “It’s also about connecting with audiences through authentic storytelling and rich instrumentation, values that echo the very essence of the Jersey Sound.”"

"With his ambitious debut, Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness, Valley of Salt has delivered a progressive rock opera that feels both timeless and cutting-edge. Helmed by composer, guitarist, and lyricist Brian Stemetzki, this album reinvents the story of John the Baptist in a sweeping, emotional journey that marries intricate storytelling with masterful musicianship."

"It is a great admiration when a work begins in such a way as to instigate different sensations in the listener. In this track, even before it reveals its true emotional nature, it already manages to spread feelings of intriguing discomfort in the viewer. From vulnerability, through fear and the most fearful specter of insecurity, the low sound that resonates through the atmosphere in a trembling manner under its low origin evokes loneliness and need as elements that guide the sensory experience in progress. Surprisingly, what happens is that the sound conjuncture that develops next is configured through a fresh and contagious amenity. Graced by a consistent body due to the striking groove of the bass in the melodic base assuming notable prominence over the other elements, the song experiences a midtempo cadence thanks to a drum that presents itself under choppy phrases. Harmonic thanks to the identification of the keyboard providing a pleasant touch that is simultaneously velvety, sweet and acidic, The Love Of God Is All Around Us explores, in a precise way, the atmospheres of progressive rock while at the same time taking risks with a kind of Irish folk and soft alternative rock." (English Translation)

"Valley of Salt’s Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: A Rock Opera Revelation of Faith, Redemption, and Musical Mastery."

"Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist is the evidence that ‘don’t knock it ‘till you try it’ works out. Being openly rooted to religion, it’s bound to create boundaries to those who don’t adhere to that belief. However, that’s the special part about this record: it’s undeniably religious and spiritual, but undeniably ajar for everyone as it is set out to tell a story and to accompany that story with solid pieces instead of changing minds completely." (PW: 2025)

"In a bold new rock opera highlighting the life, imprisonment, and execution of John the Baptist, Valley of Salt has woven a narrative album aptly titled Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist, set to release February 3rd, 2025.

Much like Jesus Christ Superstar challenged the boundaries of traditional storytelling, Valley of Salt’s album aims to take listeners on a transformative journey through intricate melodies, soaring vocals, and thought-provoking lyrics. It grapples with existential questions and seeks redemption amidst a cacophony of doubt and disillusionment."

"Brian Stemetzki, the mind behind Valley of Salt, is the kind of musician who demands your full attention. His upcoming album, Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist, out on February 3rd, is… well, calling it ambitious would be an understatement. It’s an entire musical universe." 

"Over these last few months, composer and lyricist Brian Stemetzki has been busy crafting a fresh and distinctive direction in which to call his own. Adopting a more spiritual approach to the conventions of classic and contemporary rock music, his Valley of Salt project has looked to inject a broader and more immersive aesthetic into an already oversaturated arena, giving him this bright and distinctive style in which to explore. And with plenty of innovation coursing through him right now, he now delivers the project’s debut venture ‘Voice of One Crying in the Wilderness: The Story of John the Baptist’, a rock opera that adds a dynamic edge to what many would expect from the genre."