There is a brilliant and slightly unexpected element at work in the sound of Transcending Into The Unknown, something that is perhaps the equivalent of that grain of sand in an oyster shell, the caustic element which is the catalyst for a pearl to grow. And I’m a big fan of such sonic twists.
“Giants” is a finely wrought track, and right from the first note, you can tell that this is the product of technical and talented musicians. Twin guitars bring together progressive rock deftness and masterfully crafted metallic weight in the same way the likes of Rush did so well, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed that one of this family-orientated band is sporting a Dream Theatre t-shirt in the video. Nice!
And then, having been treated to some sublime, smooth, and harmonious playing, a swathe of growling, demonic, death-metal vocals break through, like a stone being dropped on the surface of a still lake, rippling out, adding dark waves and unexpected, rough textures to this once mellifluous sound. These are soon tempered by vocals that fall into the more usual sonic range, but that rough vocal sound is the perfect element to add intrigue and a menacing edge to the proceedings.
This contrast between raw, underworld vocals and the more refined music around them ,gets to the heart of Transcending Into The Unknown. Theirs is music made from opposites – from taut and technical playing but which lands with a sonic weight that belies its deftness. It is both poised playing yet powerful and poignant. There is a symphonic quality that is ramped up into Wagnerian grandeur and intensity, or at least the modern complex rock equivalent of it. There is a classical grace yet a more contemporary groove—muscle, and melody dancing in harmony.
It is because of all of these contrasting elements, not in spite of them, that “Giants” works so brilliantly. Creative conflict has always been a great way to create tension and excitement, and that is exactly what we have here.
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