Texas prog-metal veterans Transcendence, formed in the late ‘90s, return with their first studio work in 22 years, “Nothing Etched in Stone – Pt. I”, following their 2003 “3 Stones” EP. The band is now led by new vocalist Brian Dixon (Resonance Theory), with Jeff Ford on guitars, Kirk Wood on bass, John Howser on keyboards, and new drummer Derrek Edwards.
“Nothing Etched in Stone” is a concept album that tells the gripping tale of an artist’s journey through passion, loss, and redemption. This is the first release of a 19-song saga that will be released in two parts.
Musically, the album blends prog metal with power metal, melodic metal, and atmospheric passages. The intricate riffs, soaring melodies, and emotional depth hit like a tidal wave and showcase how prog power metal should be played nowadays. The band draws influence from Queensrÿche, Fates Warning, Dream Theater, Crimson Glory, early Kamelot, and Stratovarius, yet they retain their own style and personal sound.
Dixon’s vocals are a revelation of raw power and emotion. Meanwhile, Ford’s guitars shred and soar, Howser’s keyboard adds a cinematic sweep, and the rhythm section, Kirk on bass and Derrek on drums, is a relentless force.
The album was recorded, produced, and mixed by Bart Rose at Fort Worth Sound, and mastered by Derek Taylor (Eniac Requiem). The sound is full, organic, and dynamic.
If you leave aside the instrumentals, all the tracks: “Take Control” gallops with power-metal riffs; “One Fear” builds a haunting, melodic groove; “Shades of Winter” delivers captivating hooks; “Last Solstice” blends soaring vocals and prog complexity; “Infect the Nations” is a rousing song; “The Edge Awaits” is lyrical as heck; “Voices in the Dark” stands out with its memorable melodies and amazing chorus; and “Ruins… Before the Dawn” with its beautiful harmonies and wonderful melodies, bring to mind the late ‘90s and early ‘00s prog metal days. The bonus track, “Open the Sky”, which was recorded after the album and is not part of the story, showcases a contemporary and more melodic side of the band that is equally remarkable. This song was recorded, mixed and mastered by Travis Wills (Crimson Glory, Infidel Rising).
Transcendence captures your love of melodic prog-metal with catchy hooks, impressive vocals by Brian Dixon, and excellent musicianship. This impressive, no-filler album is a must-have for all prog power metal fans. “Nothing Etched in Stone – Pt. I” is a triumphant comeback that’ll blow you away! I consider it to be the best prog power metal album of 2025! Far better than what the big names of the genre have offered so far. Get it, crank it, and lose yourself in the artistic journey!
