The Norwegian rockers Transcending Into the Unknown are back again with their debut album, The Journey. The album was released last month and showcases marvellous 80s vibes that I believe you cannot find anywhere else in such a rapidly digitised era! Let’s get into the time capsule and start our ‘journey.’
Transcending Into the Unknown, founded in 2023 by related musicians Filip Dahl, Stian Dahl, and Robert “pzyroks” Dahl, debuted with the single “Transcending Into the Unknown” in April 2023. To expand their sound, they added vocalist Eva Halsetrønning Rambraut in September 2024, whose clear voice complements Robert’s growling and Filip’s traditional vocals. Despite differing musical backgrounds, their unique guitar styles contribute to a distinctive sound, blending relaxed blues, heavy metal, and melodic prog-rock.
The album features five tracks, plus a bonus remastered song titled “Transcending Into the Unknown,” which shares the band’s name. You can check out our review of it here. The vocals are truly outstanding! I appreciate how the raw and harsh male vocals beautifully harmonize with the emotive female vocals, creating a stunning blend. The guitar work is exceptional, showcasing melodic riffs that keep the music engaging while maintaining a tight connection with the bass and drums for a cohesive structure.
Back to the music and from the opening notes, each track unfolds like a mysterious adventure, taking the listener through a kaleidoscope of soundscapes. The band’s fusion of styles is evident in every chord and lyric, seamlessly intertwining influences from different genres to craft a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. The energetic guitar riffs, combined with the rhythmic backbone of the bass and drums, create a pulsating heartbeat that propels each song forward.
⇒ Oh! Side note – Don’t miss the solo on the song “The Valley” 😉
The contrasting vocals add layers of depth and emotion, with Eva’s ethereal voice soaring above the intricate melodies while Robert’s growls provide a grounded, intense counterbalance. This dynamic interplay between light and dark, soft and hard, encapsulates the essence of their music—an exploration of contrasts and harmonies.
I believe that listeners will find themselves swept away by the storytelling embedded within each track, as the lyrics paint vivid pictures of introspection, adventure, and transcendence. The album’s closing track, a remastered rendition of their titular single, serves as both a nod to their origins and a testament to their evolution. It’s a fitting conclusion to an album that dares to push boundaries and redefine what rock can be in the modern age.
To sum up… with ‘The Journey’, Transcending Into the Unknown invites listeners to embark on a sonic voyage that promises discovery at every turn, leaving them eager for what lies beyond the horizon.
