REVIEWS:

TRANSCENDENCE - "The Meridian Project" - LION MUSIC

Looks can be deceiving when you see the artwork for Transcendence, you get the impression these guys may be more alternative.  Making this assumption couldn't be further from the truth.  While these guys take a more modern stance, they are a Progressive Metal outfit that basically is the opposite of anything related to "alternative".

These guys take precision and timing to a new level.  They mesh some tasty guitar hooks with vocal melodies and harmonies and some time changes that should only be tried by professionals.  The song lyrical content is very strong as well which makes you think on a higher level.

I must admit I thought for sure these guys were from Europe, most likely Sweden or Finland, but to my surprise they are American!  A Progressive sound like this is usually found more prevalent overseas, but this proves there is hope for the stagnant music scene in the U.S.A.    I do fear they are going to go over a lot of people's heads with their over-achievements, but why dumb yourself down if you're doing what you love.

Obviously people are going to say they sound like Queensryche and Dream Theater, but I personally don't hear it so much.  I suppose if you listen to a lot of Prog, you realize that each band does have a unique sound.  Having said that, I'm sure fans of these bands are going to appreciate Transcendence.  With such a strong first release, I'm very interested to see where this band goes from here.

Torch, www.rockhardplace.com

Transcendence - The Meridian Project (Lion Music 2002)

Mixing Metal, Progressive and Power Metal, this outfit have come with a great release. Powerfull guitar sound with an very good vocalist. This guy got a great voice! Some songs are really heavy and melodic and some are more soft but my favorite track if definatly 'No Trace', an amazing ballad with killer melodies and emotions. The piano (and keyboard) give something really cool to the songs. But the question is, is this another clone of other power metal band...? I don't think so... they got their own sound and the melodies got something special. A band to check out.

Note: 75%
Patrick www.thedarkesthours.com