In the haze of Carolina dawns, where the air hangs heavy with humidity and hope, a new sound is rising. It’s progressive, it’s unflinching, and it walks the knife-edge between faith and fury. This is TranscendenT, a project born from the vision of guitarist and multi-instrumentalist David Ashe, and sharpened by the powerful vocals of Paul Bowman. Their music is more than just intricate riffs and thunderous drums—it’s the sound of awakening, both spiritual and musical, echoing far beyond North Carolina.
TranscendenT started as a spark in Ashe’s mind—a desire to meld technical mastery with messages that matter. 2023 saw Ashe reach out to Bowman, whose voice would become a pillar of the band’s identity. With Ashe handling guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards, and Bowman on vocals, the two set out to craft something both grand and grounded: music that draws on the epic, technical legacy of bands like Dream Theater and Sardonyx, but speaks with its own voice. Their faith runs through every chord and lyric, giving their sound an unmistakable edge.
Released in 2024 by Roxx Records, TranscendenT’s debut album “Awaken” is a statement of intent. From the opening riff, it’s clear this is not just another progressive metal record. The arrangements are sprawling and symphonic, the riffs as blistering as they are precise. Critics have noted the album’s “heavier and darker” sound, its “traditional metal style rhythm guitar,” and its bold evangelical themes. Yet, what makes “Awaken” stand out is its refusal to sacrifice melody or message for technicality. Through all the labyrinthine solos and thunderous drums, the songs remain accessible—anthemic even.
TranscendenT wears its influences proudly, nodding to progressive titans like Dream Theater and the Christian metal force of True Strength. The result is a sound that’s both technical and heartfelt, where progressive arrangements meet lyrics that interrogate faith, struggle, and redemption. There’s an urgency here, a sense that every note is a prayer and every chorus a call to arms.
Not content to rest on the success of their debut, TranscendenT is already pushing forward. Their upcoming single, “The Letter,” is set to showcase a new dimension of their sound. Recently, the band was spotted filming a music video in Spartanburg, South Carolina, collaborating with Brando Jones Films—a studio known for its raw, cinematic style. The shoot hints at a visual ambition to match their musical one, promising fans something compelling both to hear and to see.
TranscendenT is more than the sum of its influences. It’s a band at the beginning of a journey, unafraid to grapple with big ideas and bold sounds. “Awaken” is their first step—but with “The Letter” on the horizon, it’s clear that TranscendenT’s story is just beginning. For fans of technical metal, soaring vocals, and lyrics that reach for something higher, this is a band to watch.
🎧 Listen to “The Letter” by TranscendenT