Stockholm, Sweden - Fernando Honorato, the acclaimed singer and songwriter of Swedish post-punk band Principe Valiente (founded in 2005), released his debut solo album "Center of Your World" on June 13th. Released under the new moniker Fernando's Eyes, the album is available digitally as well as on CD and vinyl via Aenaos Records (Germany) and Icy Cold Records (France). “Center of Your World" finds Honorato venturing into a deeply introspective and emotionally stripped-down sound. Drawing on his early musical influences, the album blends elements of dark pop, post-punk and cinematic textures to explore themes of vulnerability, personal growth and the complexity of human experience.
The band's name, meaning "Brave Prince" in Spanish, reflects themes of romanticism and introspection that permeate their music. Over nearly two decades, Fernando has crafted a signature sound that blends post-punk, shoegaze, darkwave, and dream pop, earning the band a loyal following worldwide. Principe Valiente's self-titled debut album (2011) introduced their lush, cinematic sound, which evolved further in "Choirs of Blessed Youth" (2014) and "Oceans" (2017). These albums cemented the band's reputation for haunting melodies, ethereal textures, and deeply emotional songwriting. Their fourth record, "Barricades" (2022), saw them refine their style even further, and with "In This Light" (2024), Principe Valiente - now a duo with Fernando and guitarist, also multi-instrumentalist and co-producer Jimmy Ottosson - embraced a dreamier, more introspective approach. Throughout his career, Fernando Honorato has been praised for his evocative baritone vocals, atmospheric compositions, and ability to convey raw emotion through sound. His work with Principe Valiente has led to international tours, critical acclaim, and a lasting impact on the post-punk and dark pop scenes. Now, stepping into a new creative chapter, Fernando is preparing to release his first solo album. While still infused with the cinematic melancholy and depth he's known for, this record allows him to explore a more personal, intimate, and experimental side of his artistry. This solo project marks an exciting new phase in Fernando's musical evolution - one that promises to captivate both longtime fans of Principe Valiente and new listeners alike.
City Of Strangers starts in a very fragile way (just listen to the vocals), guided by an acoustic guitar. The song sounds like recorded in a cave / Cemetery. This song also shows how good he can sing! Sometimes the song explodes and gets some pathos in it (with a wider sound pallet).
Fire Of The Night gets a more post punk minded approach. Here Fernando proves how high he can go with his voice, empowered by the synth, guitar, drums … I can’t forget to mention the beautiful backings done by: Annika Thorell & Emma Nylén.
Center Of Your World is a special song: filled with pathos, flowers and love. I don’t think you can write a post punk song with such a romantic touch as this one.
A Million Times has a higher tempo, even rocks a bit. It’s Post punk with the right drive and sung with passion. According to me this is one of the best songs on the album! I love it!
Crystal starts slowly lead by the synth followed by his voice and a bit of percussion. The song ends before you notice it.
More Of You is a bit more on fire, filled with pathos and love! Fernando is opening all the gates: taking it all out! This might be a great song to end a regular set with!
Lady In Black: I a romantic and slow one.
The Hell With You is a great title, expecting a bomb track, but it’s not really what we get. There’s passion in the vocals, but nothing aggressive. The breakdown is good as it relaunches the song. The end part is really great and lifts the song to a higher level!
In My Dreams In My Heart is another romantic track, it’s clearly a slow (even tipped as an opening dance for a wedding).
Live To Tell: covering Madonna and not screwing it up? Yes he can! I would have lowered the echo on the vocals a bit, s for the rest there’s nothing to add of to change!
Well: I heard a bit of post punk, a lot of romantic tracks and a good voice! It’s a great start for a first (ahum) solo album!
https://linktr.ee/fernandoseyes_music
