Oliver Castillo
Laboratorio V03 (2026)
Review
A Coming to Terms is the second full length studio album released by Progressive Metal band Forever in Transit. The album was released on independently on September 13th, 2024. The album was mixed by Diego Tejeida who is known for previously working with artists like TEMIC, Devin Townsend and Mike Portnoy's Shattered Fortress, and mastered by Andy Vandette who has previously worked with Porcupine Tree, Rush and Dream Theater. The track "Enter the Void" features a guest keyboard solo by Diego Tejeida.
Conceptually A Coming to Terms is rooted in themes of identity, self-acceptance. It deals with challenges of navigating the process of self-discovery, the difficulty of separating our concept of “self” and outside influences and growth as well as the trials we go through to become the best version of ourselves.
"Lyrically, I explored many different perspectives of philosophy and spirituality as reference points. I wanted to find a balance between the positives of self-discovery and growth, but while respecting the trauma that we often have to weather to get there. "
- Drummer and Keyboardist Dan Sciolino in an email to Prog Universe
Music
The album starts off with the song "Let Go Your Earthly Tether" this is the perfect opening track for an album like this.
The beginning of the song features ambient keyboards that transport you to another area of space and time. It's very relaxing. Then when the drums and guitar kick in it's like a explosion of sound in quiet universe. The shear energy alone in the first minute of the song is impressive. When the vocals come in the the timbre is light and thoughtful. The lyrics make you think about your place in society as well as on this planet.
The instrumental sections of the track are also amazing. The technicality of the band is very impressive. My favorite part of the song is what I believe people would label as the chorus. Vocally it features haunting growls on top of angelic clean backing vocals. Forever in Transit really picked the perfect song to open the album with. It is an epic song.
Some other songs I would like to mention are
What Lies Beneath is an
I Cling to Threads is
A Coming to Terms is
Favorite Song
My favorite song on the album is "Enter the Void" just barely beating out "Let Go Your Earthly Tether as my favorite. "Enter the Void"....
Artwork
The artwork of A Coming to Terms beautiful. It was done by Tim Buel and I love the color scheme. The blue, white and orange evoke a sense of one's place in the world around them as well as the fire that burns within each of us. The album artwork is visually appealing and fits the music on the album. If I came across this album in a record store It would peak my interest.
Final thoughts
Overall "A Coming to Terms is a one of the best Progressive Metal albums to come out of the United States in a long time. It blends many different genres and influences together into one sound that is unique and original. The album features songwriting and musicianship that is on the same level as world renowned prog rock and prog metal bands like Haken and Cynic. The album is interesting both conceptually and lyrically and has great production. Forever in Transit made a modern progressive metal masterpiece with this album. If you are into progressive metal, you need to checkout this amazing album by a great band.
Track listing
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Let Go Your Earthly Tether
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What Lies Beneath
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Streams of Thought
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I Cling to Threads
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Enter the Void
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Empty and Become Wind
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A Coming to Terms
Personnel
Dan Sciolino: Keyboards, Drums, Backing Vocals and Sound Design
Jeremy Schroeder: Guitar
Chris Lamendola: Vocals
Daniel Ross: Bass
Listening to their music