Norwegian band Transcending Into the Unknown is an ideal representation of musical diversity, exploration, and family unity. Three generations of the Dahl family are represented in this unusual band, which was formed in 2023. Their individual musical inspirations and styles combine to provide an enthralling auditory experience. The core member of this group is multi-instrumentalist, seasoned songwriter, and former lead guitarist Filip Dahl, who started out in a number of Norwegian rock bands in the 1970s. Deeply rooted in symphonic, blues, and melodic prog rock, Filip’s career in music spans decades, distinguished by his important position as the owner and founder of Trondheim’s storied Brygga Studio in the 1980s and 1990s.
After a self-imposed hiatus, Filip returned to the music scene in recent years, bringing his profound experience and influences from iconic bands like Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and Dream Theater into his current work. Joining Filip is his son, Stian Dahl, a guitarist whose musical journey began at a young age. Initially drawn to blues and rock, Stian’s evolving style now incorporates elements from neoclassical and death metal, inspired by guitar legends like Dimebag Darrell and Paul Gilbert. Throughout the 90s and 00s, Stian played in various punk rock and metal bands, showcasing his versatility and passion for the guitar, which remains a defining feature of his contributions to the band.
The final piece of this trio is Robert Dahl, Filip’s brother, who cut his teeth in the late 80s as the frontman of the punk/metal band Ack-Ack. Known for his raw energy and connection to the underground scene of Trondheim, Robert now performs under the moniker pzyroks. His musical influences span thrash metal, doom, stoner rock, blues, and jazz, with the guitar always at the center of his creative expression. Despite a lengthy break from the music scene, Robert’s return has injected a fresh and gritty dynamic into the band’s sound.
Together, these three musicians, though bonded by family, had never played together before forming Transcending Into the Unknown. Their musical backgrounds—spanning rock, metal, jazz, and blues—seemed divergent, yet they found common ground in a shared desire to explore uncharted musical territories. The band’s name reflects this venture into the unknown, as they blend their diverse influences into a cohesive and innovative sound. Their previous releases, “Transcending Into the Unknown” (2023) and “Giants” (2024), were highly acclaimed, showcasing a blend of styles and an exceptional level of musicianship that transcends conventional genre boundaries.
The most recent track from Transcending Into the Unknown, “Chronos,” which was released on September 20th, 2024, is an amazing voyage through sound and time. This track perfectly encapsulates the band’s exploration of new territory, with an opening that feels like entering a tranquil dreamscape and an explosive turn into hard-hitting, powerful prog rock. Featuring the evocative vocals of Eva Halsetrønning Rambraut, a celebrated Norwegian singer from the 70s, “Chronos” beautifully merges the old with the new, creating a piece that is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable. Each transition in “Chronos” feels like a leap through dimensions, reflecting the band’s ongoing exploration of musical frontiers and their commitment to creating something truly transcendent.
It’s like taking a voyage into uncharted territories where sounds, space, and time all collide when you listen to “Chronos” by Transcending Into the Unknown. This song makes a strong impression on the listener right away from the outset. It transcends traditional musical conventions and transports them to a heavenly environment. Every measure of the song has a sensation of discovery, as though it were the music itself solving the universe’s riddles. It’s evident that “Chronos” is more than just a song as the melodies circle around one another; rather, it’s an experience and a potent, ethereal sound journey.
The track opens with an atmosphere that can only be described as cosmic—a dreamy, almost mystical introduction marked by gentle guitar strings that shimmer like stars against a midnight sky. The interplay of these astral strings with deep, resonant piano notes sets the stage for what feels like a slow, deliberate unveiling of something grand. This celestial ambiance, paired with the delicate touch of percussion, adds a paradisiacal quality to the music, a sound that feels both ancient and futuristic. The composition here is deceptively soothing, lulling you into a sense of calm before it evolves into something even more profound.
At around the 0:22 mark, the song gracefully shifts gears, layering smooth basslines and a gentle drum beat beneath the already enchanting guitar and piano melodies. This seamless transition is a hallmark of the band’s skill, creating a soft rock reverie that speaks directly to the soul. Synths are added to the mix, which enhances the sound even more and gives the tune a surreal, dreamy texture. You get a fuller sense of the song’s embrace as each instrument seems to be speaking with the others through a dialogue of sounds.
The lead vocals enter the song with a calm elegance that blends in perfectly with the mellow beginning of the song. The voice, calm and collected yet powerful, paints beautiful and poetic visions that are yet broad and intimate as it glides over the instrumentation. The song’s emotional heart is carried by this voice, which beckons listeners to immerse themselves in its tranquil tones. However, “Chronos” suddenly takes a daring and surprising turn just as you’ve become used to this lovely quiet.
At the 1:30 mark, the song’s energy dramatically shifts, moving from its soft rock beginnings into an intense, hard rock crescendo. This transformation is electrifying, bringing a surge of energy that completely redefines the track. The same instrumental components are now imbued with a newfound intensity, with the guitars roaring to life and the drums pounding with a newfound urgency. The transition is seamless, yet jarring in the best way possible, providing a perfect contrast to the earlier softness. The sudden burst of high-energy rhythm feels like a release, a powerful exhalation that catapults the song into a new dimension.
The elevated instrumentation is heightened further by the grunge-infused vocal melodies that follow. The once calm vocals now take on a brassy, grittier texture, perfectly mirroring the song’s shift in tone. The speech exudes a raw strength that seems to have been unleashed all at once, along with an obvious eagerness. A dynamic soundscape that keeps you intrigued from beginning to end is created by the skillful contrast between the soft and intense parts. The band’s ability to blend turmoil and peace, bright and dark, inside the same composition is flawlessly demonstrated by this song.
One of the standout moments of “Chronos” is the guitar reverie that follows the cascade of high-energy rhythms. The riffs are clean and precise, but they also have a frenetic energy that is practically palpable. The song’s intricate layers are skillfully and elegantly navigated by each note, which is precisely calibrated. It sounds as though the guitarist is only channeling the music rather than actually creating it because of the seamless smoothness of the playing. These powerful fills give the song a sense of movement and vigor and give it an irresistible pace.
The way “Chronos” continuously reimagines itself without ever losing its essential flavor, however, is what really sets it apart. The song features a sophisticated arrangement, with each section building on the previous one to create a smooth whole that sounds natural and real. More than just tricks, the dynamic shifts in tone and intensity improve the listener’s absorption in the music and keep you guessing about what will happen next. Because of its unpredictable nature, the song feels incredibly new and exciting, which is a credit to the band’s daring songwriting.
Transcending Into the Unknown has created a composition called “Chronos” that not only surpasses musical genres but also defies time itself. This song captures the essence of the universe’s beauty in its ebb and flow, feeling both eternal and utterly current. “Chronos” is a voyage, a mystical experience that envelops you in its expansive, constantly-evolving soundtrack, from its airy beginnings to its intense finale. This song asks you to investigate, experience, and let go of your inhibitions as you surrender to the unbridled force of music.
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