THOMAS CARLSEN'S TRANSMISSION is a one man project from obviously, Thomas Carlsen, a Multi-Instrumentalist from Nordland, Norway. The Norwegian genius has recruited 4 guest singers for this second full-length opus, we have Atli Guolaugsson from POWER PALADIN, Arnaud Ménard from SCALE OF ALKAN, Michalis Livas from PRYDAIN and BLOODORN as well as Sebastian Palma from BLIZZARD WINTER. I have to wholeheartedly admit I have never heard this vocalists before but I am happy to discover fresh new voices from all walks of like, from Europe to South America.

First of all my very favorite album I ever reviewed for Metal Temple back in 2016 was ''Revolution Era'' by DERDIAN, a one man project with a boatload of guest singers from Power Metal and from every country imaginable. It was such a surprise because you did not know what to expect from one singer to another. I love people that take risks and put their faith in singers to deliver their vision and put a spin on it. I do love my concept albums like anything from AYREON or AVANTASIA but I like bands that can do standalone albums like this, like ANCIENT KNIGHTS that I truly enjoyed several years ago. It does not need to be something conceptual to be something original yet organic. I don't know where there are two instrumental songs in a row on this album though, it feels like the pacing and order of songs could have been better but it's a way to showcase in talent in all fronts yet I think the album would be better off with one instrumental in the first part of the album and another in the latter part of the opus but I digress.

The first single ''One With the Storm'' is a prime example of Hard Rock Opera goodness, it feels like you are transported back in the eighties. It's like a mix of WHITESNAKE with ''Jet City Woman'' era QUEENSRYCHE. Thomas Carlsen's guitar work is stellar on this comparisons mixed with the synth heavy song is just a complete throwback to a era long gone. ''Thunderbird'' could have been something from early eighties Yngwie Malmsteen with a little less pageantry and less flash than the mullet driven Swedish maestro. Arnaud Ménard could have been a great singer back then and hell of alot better than that Malmsteen is doing right now obviously.

It's hard to choose any song more than another and it's a solid collection of great Hard Rock/Metal songs with some very capable singers that I never heard before and it's going to give me the chance to discover their bands as well. It's like a celebration of the 80's tinged with nostalgia, musician ship and an all out assault on the senses. Thomas Carlsen's writes all the songs, the lyrics, the orchestrations and plays every instrument and all singers bring forth their unique talent to make an above average album. A definitive Top 5 Metal album of the year already! What this album lacks in length, it has the style and substance that come across grandiose and very multi-faceted. This is the perfect case that quality is often better than quantity.