RADIANT THOUGHT is a musical project formed in 2011 by Valter Abreu. It started as a casual collaboration with composer Stefan Sjöberg, creating video game soundtrack covers and other arrangements. This partnership later evolved into a creative outlet for original music, hugely influenced by artists such as NINE INCH NAILS, TOOL, and PORCUPINE TREE. "Transcendence" represents years of creative exploration and dedication. It's an introduction to the project's vision—music created to evoke emotion, curiosity, and connection. The album's concept explores personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery — a journey through cycles of struggle and renewal.

The album has twelve songs, and "The Opening" is a short instrumental teaser, consisting of mainly somber piano notes. Segueing into the title track, we have some sweet vocal harmonies here, as well as more somber piano. I also get some Alternative influences, mainly in the chorus. "Radiance" has gentle, smooth, and grey tones, and here is where some of the PORCUPINE TREE influences can be heard. The first three songs are slow, not sure what that means, but it's just an observation. "Division" has a sturdier riff, and some nice bass notes to round out the bottom end. This instrumental is well composed…a compendium of both the light and the dark. "Hexagon" is another smooth offering, but there are real emotions in the vocals and the music. The bass work is excellent once again, as are the keyboards that dot the landscape.

"An Endless Cycle" creeps forward with legato vocals and staccato guitars. The two come together like star-crossed lovers finding each other, and don't mistake the gentle tones as emotionless. "Descending" is a short segue instrumental that has tones that sound like they come from outer space. "Prisoner" has an injection of energy, from the hasty guitar tones to the addition of keyboards. The emotion here will creep up on you when you least expect it to, and that is one thing that Valter has full control over and confidence in. "The Aftermath" is a song where you can hear some of the more subtle Progressive elements, especially in the meter shifting and guitar work. "Downside" is the final offering, and it wraps up the tale with a climatic feeling.

This was a solid album. What struck me most was the amount of passion and confidence the trio has in their performances. The music has soul, emotion, and gives the listeners pause to consider their own personal journey through life.