Rough Edge: Transient CD Reviews

TRANSIENT

"The Circle" (Self-produced; 2006)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Transient is composed of two guys. The lead singer has a voice that sometimes sounds like James Labrie, Geoff Tate, and Ray Adler. Those guys all sound similar and Tom Engel can add his name to the list. Their music is also in the same arena as the aforementioned bands. It’s got a little darker tone like in the shadowy sound of Otep, but not as heavy.

It’s a slow, brooding sound and really requires your full attention to get out everything these two put into this project. Tom comes from Alchemy–X and Edward Faust (who was with Shadow Image and Neil Rambaldi) come together to create a rare find. It took me a couple of listens to really get into their brand of prog rock.

The guitar is prog 100%, but the solos come late in the disc; that’s one of the reasons why a couple of listens are required to get the full effect. There are some interesting musical statements and I had to let some of the songs unfold before I hit the >> button. "The Circle" also has an old school feel to it; this may be their sound as unpolished as they want it or they are honing their skills and will be light years ahead with the next release.

As I said before, this is a rare find and I’m waiting to see what happens with these two. No cut stands out but like wine I will let this set and open it up in a year to see what it sounds like then.

Transient: Edward Faust - drums, 6 and 7 string guitars, bass, keys; Tom Engel – vocals.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/transientusa.

"Demo 2004" (Self-produced; 2004)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

I've heard Edward Faust's drumming on Rivera/Bomma's "Invisible Force" disc and I remember his name from his drumming contributions to Etheria (disclaimer: I saw Etheria live at the 200 Powermad Festival).

"Demo 2004" is a two-track sampler that showcases Edward Faust's abilities as a songwriter rather than his abilities as a drummer (or guitarist, bassist, or keyboardist for that mater). What I hear in these two tracks is an individual expressing himself in a singular way. However, one could consider Pain Of Salvation, the mellower aspects of Evergrey, and modern Fates Warning to be groups that have inspired Mr. Faust to create music in his own vision. These two tracks exhibit a dark, moody sound that is hard to grasp on one listen; in-depth, focused listening is required to soak in all the elements. While a foreboding atmosphere anchors these two tracks it's the melodies (especially the vocal melodies) that come to the forefront on these recordings.

Progressive metal fans would be wise to keep an eye out for the full-length debut from Transient as it is a rare occurrence when I award more than two-and-a-half chainsaws to a demo recording.

"Demo 2004" was produced by Edward Faust. Of course, this is a demo so the overall sonic presentation of the music is a bit lacking, however, it's the songs that count and these two songs rise to the occasion.

Transient is Tom Engel on vocals and Edward Faust on guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums.

For more information visit http://www.edwardfaust.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home