Today, US Prog Metal Legends Transcendence are exited to announce the release of his long awaited new studio album “Nothing Etched in Stone – Pt. I”, out now via Cosmic Fire Records.
In addition, Transcendence has also released the focus track, “Voices in the Dark”, alongside a stunning lyric video that you can watch below.
The band comments on the new single:
“‘Voices’ is actually the oldest track on the album. Jeff brought in the main guitar parts right after we had done the ‘3 Stones’ EP. For the chorus, John brought in a string section that he had written back when he was a teenager but had never used. It seemed a natural fit over Jeff’s guitar parts, so we ran with it. We actually played it live when we opened for Dream Theater on the Metropolis tour. Later, we revisited it, and it worked with the theme of ‘Nothing Etched in Stone’, with some obvious tune ups, of course”!
Says the band about the album:
“We’re all excited here with the impending release! We’ve got our friends and family on watch for the moment ‘Nothing Etched in Stone’ becomes a reality! We’re very blessed to have all the support from them and special shout out to Thanos and everyone at Cosmic Fire Records for helping us bring our message to the world”.
The new album weaves a poignant narrative of an artist’s journey through passion, loss, and redemption. The story follows an artist who discovers his creative “stone” and pursues it relentlessly, drawing inspiration from “the edge” near his home. A devastating loss, linked to a global crisis orchestrated by rogue agencies, shatters his world, dimming his creativity and peace. Grappling with grief, he escapes to a foreign land, briefly reigniting his art but spiraling into addiction and obsession. Upon reflecting on his work, he foresees loneliness and returns home, questioning whether his dreams held him back while glimpsing a transcendent future.
Recorded, produced, and mixed by Bart Rose at Fort Worth Sound, with mastering by Derek Taylor (Eniac Requiem), “Nothing Etched in Stone” captures Transcendence’s evolution while staying true to their progressive metal roots. The album features a new vocal powerhouse, Brian Dixon (Resonance Theory, X Opus), who stepped in after the departure of original vocalist Greg Drew. Dixon was recommended by Travis Wills (Crimson Glory), who was unable to join due to prior commitments but recognized Dixon’s ability to carry the band’s vision forward.
FFO: Dream Theater, Crimson Glory, Fates Warning, Queensrÿche, Kamelot, Stratovarius
“Nothing Etched in Stone – Pt. I” is poised to reaffirm Transcendence’s place among prog metal’s elite, delivering a sonic journey that is as thought-provoking as it is musically intricate. Stay tuned for more updates, including tracklists, pre-order details, and news on Pt. II in 2026.
Buy & stream “Nothing Etched in Stone Pt. I” here.
Tracklist:
1. Discovery
2. Take Control
3. One Fear
4. Shades of Winter
5. Last Solstice
6. Infect the Nations
7. The Edge Awaits
8. Voices in the Dark
9. Lost… Dream
10. In… Time
11. Ruins… Before the Dawn
12. Open the Sky (CD bonus track)
Transcendence was formed in the late ‘90s in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area by Kirk Wood (Bass), Jeff Ford (Guitar), Greg Drew (Vocals), John Von Rosenberg (Drums), and John Howser (Keyboards).
“The Meridian Project” was released in 2001 and quickly sprang to #1 on MP3.com for both the album and the song “Alpha Omega”. John Von Roseneberg left the group immediately after “The Meridian Project” release and was very capably replaced by Derrek Edwards.
During that time they also released a three track EP titled “3 Stones” (2003).
Transcendence spent the next 14 years opening for the likes of Dream Theater, Geoff Tate, and countless other national acts in their home town.
Transcendence has been a cornerstone of the US progressive metal scene since their formation. Known for their intricate compositions and emotionally charged performances, the band has garnered a dedicated following over the decades. With “Nothing Etched in Stone”, Transcendence continues to push boundaries, blending technical prowess with profound storytelling.
Line-up:
Brian Dixon – Vocals, vocal harmonies
Jeff Ford – Guitars
Kirk Wood – Bass, vocal harmonies
John Howser – Keys, piano
Derrek Edwards – Drums
Web:
linktr.ee/TranscendenceUS
www.facebook.com/transcendenceusband
