Twelve years. That’s how long Paul Shapera has been weaving his intricate tapestries of strange and dark fantasy albums, and he’s back with a new chapter in his epic science fantasy series: “The Puppetshade Chronicles.” The Cryptic Tear is more than just an album; it’s a mid-point milestone in an eight-album space opera that has captivated listeners with its quirky characters, personal tragedies, cosmic implications, and a wildly eclectic mix of musical styles.
Shapera isn’t your typical musician – he’s a world-builder. His fans don’t just listen to his albums but instead, immerse themselves in the meticulously crafted universe where stories interweave and characters reappear across different albums. Think of him as a sci-fi/fantasy author who happens to write music. “I could never choose between my passion for writing and my passion for making music,” Shapera explains. “And in the end, I chose to combine the two.”
With Paul Shapera, the music and the narrative are inseparable—you don’t just listen, you get pulled into the story. His fanbase, drawn from the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, and musical theatre, engages with his characters on a deeply personal level. They dissect plot twists, create fan art, and build communities online to discuss the intricacies of the story. There is even a fan Discord dedicated to his work, and platforms such as Tumblr.
The release of “The Puppetshade Chronicles 4: The Cryptic Tear” is a significant moment for both Shapera and his dedicated fans. It finds our characters facing thrilling cliffhangers and features the largest cast of vocalists Shapera has ever assembled – 17 musicians, each bringing a unique voice to the characters inhabiting his sprawling narrative. Hayley Warner is the Narrator, with Aly O’Keeffe as Paisley Piper, Kerttu Aarnipuu as Cobalt Rose, Abby Holmstrom as Jenna, and L3X as L3X, just to name a few. The ensemble is rounded out by the work of Ilia Skibinsky on sax and the incredible art by Pixelwayve.
https://mochalab.bandcamp.com/album/the-puppetshade-chronicles-4-the-cryptic-tear
Beyond the grand scope of The Puppetshade Chronicles, Shapera’s music is where much of the effort goes. Though there are many characters, the new album introduces new standout characters, like Cindi Lou: “I am very proud of the track Cindi Lou, which introduces a character fans have been waiting for. But the true stand-out track is actually the simplest and most heartfelt: The Story of The Puppetshades 3. We finally see the big reveal of who and what the Puppetshades are and this is a soft, highly emotional song about personal tragedy and struggle.”
To fully understand “The Cryptic Tear,” it helps to venture into the earlier chapters of “The Puppetshade Chronicles”:
The Puppetshade Chronicles 1: The Black Beyond
https://mochalab.bandcamp.com/album/the-puppetshade-chronicles-1-the-black-beyond
The Puppetshade Chronicles 2: The Lost Kingdom
https://mochalab.bandcamp.com/album/the-puppetshade-chronicles-2-the-lost-kingdom
The Puppetshade Chronicles 3: The Foul City
https://mochalab.bandcamp.com/album/the-puppetshade-chronicles-3-the-foul-city
Shapera’s journey into music began with childhood memories of “see and tell” records. Later, as a teen, he found himself enraptured by a mix of psychedelic music, prog, art rock, and musicals, creating stories that linked the seemingly random songs. His early influences have since evolved, as he pulls inspiration from science-fiction authors Peter Hamilton and Adrian Tchaikovsky.
As a galaxy of gratitude, Paul Shapera offers his listeners a captivating escape, a place to feel deeply, and a community to connect with. As you listen to “The Puppetshade Chronicles 4: The Cryptic Tear,” remember the dedication, passion, and artistry poured into every note and every word. It’s a universe waiting to be explored, a symphony of stories longing to be heard. Start listening now, and let The Puppetshade Chronicles take you beyond the stars.
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