Legendary guitarist STEVE VAI is featured in a new interview with MetalSymphony.com. An excerpt is available below:

MS: The Story of Light is a varied album, with a wide range of sounds, even with Gospel choirs, like in 'Book on Seven Seals'. Many guitar players are introducing new sounds along with their works as well. For you, as musicians, how do you feel about leaving behind that 100% guitar-issue? Which contributions do you obtain from that?

Vai: "My records have always been diverse with the exception of Alien Love Secrets. I use any means necessary to get the sound that is in my head and sometimes that means using a horn section, an orchestra, a choir etc. I have never felt limited by the expectations of a genre and I believe my fans have come to understand and appreciate that, with the exception of the percentage of people that only want me to do instrumental guitar music. The guitar is my blood and will always have the dominant voice in my music."

MS: The album begins with both a progressive and an athmospherical sound, why did you choose to start with such a cut, instead of choosing more pounding beats as usual? Do you think people would understand that concept or idea, or on the other hand, would they be surprised, even scared once they listen to this new work?

Vai: "I sequence the record based on my instincts. At this point in my career my fans have come to expect the unexpected and I’m very comfortable starting the record out with a challenging piece. It does pound in a way. The opening track to me is beautiful, ethereal, heavy, dense, musical and melodic. I just thought it was a great way to introduce the experience of the whole record."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Vai released his new album, The Story Of Light, on August 14th via Favored Nations Entertainment. A full stream of the album is currently available at this location.

The Story Of Light tracklisting:

'The Story Of Light'

'Velorum'

'John The Revelator'

'Book Of The Seven Seals'

'Creamsicle Sunset'

'Gravity Storm'

'Mullach At Si'

'The Moon And I'

'Weeping China Doll'

'Racing The World'

'No More Amsterdam'

'Sunshine Electric Raindrops'