The Jaunt by Ophelion

Tracklist:

1. Transference (10:22)
2. Voice of Thought (10:26)
3. Emergence (1:56)
4. Artefact (11:38)
5. Exodus (14:02)

Total Runtime: 48:24

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Inspired by Stephen King’s short-form horror story "The Jaunt", this progressive metal concept album is set in a future where teleportation is instantaneous, but only safe under sedation.

The tale follows a traveller who defies the rules and remains conscious during the Jaunt, to find themselves cast into a formless void beyond time, space, and sensation.

Only their consciousness endures, fracturing over untold time, and their thoughts slowly splinter into distinct and unrelenting voices.

Through eternity, a spark emerges, and a universe unfolds. They exist as a passive God: cursed with omniscience over trillions of worlds, yet powerless to control anything, and unable to end their existence.

By a twist of cosmic fate, one of these worlds creates its own Jaunt, and a familiar scene unfolds: another traveller feigns sleep, just as they once did. A terrible recognition dawns that they are witnessing their own past.

As they watch their former selves enter the Jaunt, the cycle completes, and their consciousness exits the Jaunt.

Though their body remains as it was, their mind bears the weight of eternity and a terrible knowledge: reality is a facade, and they are the source of their own creation.

Cursed by a truth no one was meant to bear, they tear out their eyes and claw mercilessly at their mind, finally fulfilling their desperate wish to die.