Transient Demo 2004
Self-released 2004
By Jason Jordan
As with all demo releases, a problematic production is the first thing to be recognized and subsequently criticized. More often than not, the latter is a result of lack of funding, or in special cases a result of a quibble between a record label and band. Example? Nevermores budget was cut in half prior to the recording of Enemies of Reality, because they chose to remain ambiguous about the renewal of their contract. Still, the point of the preceding paragraph is that Transients production is far above average. The material, on a lesser note, isnt going to turn many heads at this juncture.
The Circle likes utilizing organic-sounding guitars, and the vocals are seemingly clean and unprocessed. Transient cites Evergrey, Pain of Salvation, and such as inspiration, so I guess they sound vaguely alike (I dont have extensive experience with either). The use of vibrato is impressive, but the wailer falters into the off-key range in scant instances. Enter the Grey (coincidence?) is a spunkier tune; theres more crunch to be felt and vestiges of the polar opposite are present too. What Lies Within is best of the lot as it commences with a doom vibe that seamlessly segues in to the prog rock/metal paradigm. About the 2:55 minute mark, youll swear youre listening to James LaBrie of Dream Theater fame. Sadly, the opus doesnt return to its melancholic inception. Three tracks form the entirety of Demo 2004, and theyre all of considerable length. In other words, you wont get short-changed here.
To finish, Transient have qualities working in their favor such as great production, confident vox, and a mature sound but I wouldnt pick this up just yet. Id wait to see what the group unveils in the future. A for effort, though.
5.5/10
Official Transient website
Self-released 2004
By Jason Jordan
As with all demo releases, a problematic production is the first thing to be recognized and subsequently criticized. More often than not, the latter is a result of lack of funding, or in special cases a result of a quibble between a record label and band. Example? Nevermores budget was cut in half prior to the recording of Enemies of Reality, because they chose to remain ambiguous about the renewal of their contract. Still, the point of the preceding paragraph is that Transients production is far above average. The material, on a lesser note, isnt going to turn many heads at this juncture.
The Circle likes utilizing organic-sounding guitars, and the vocals are seemingly clean and unprocessed. Transient cites Evergrey, Pain of Salvation, and such as inspiration, so I guess they sound vaguely alike (I dont have extensive experience with either). The use of vibrato is impressive, but the wailer falters into the off-key range in scant instances. Enter the Grey (coincidence?) is a spunkier tune; theres more crunch to be felt and vestiges of the polar opposite are present too. What Lies Within is best of the lot as it commences with a doom vibe that seamlessly segues in to the prog rock/metal paradigm. About the 2:55 minute mark, youll swear youre listening to James LaBrie of Dream Theater fame. Sadly, the opus doesnt return to its melancholic inception. Three tracks form the entirety of Demo 2004, and theyre all of considerable length. In other words, you wont get short-changed here.
To finish, Transient have qualities working in their favor such as great production, confident vox, and a mature sound but I wouldnt pick this up just yet. Id wait to see what the group unveils in the future. A for effort, though.
5.5/10
Official Transient website
