Forever in Transit
A Coming to Terms (2024)
Review
A Coming to Terms is the second full-length studio album released by Progressive Metal band Forever in Transit. The album was released 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 and self-acceptance. It deals with the challenges of navigating the process of self-discovery, the difficulty of separating our concept of “self”, 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". The beginning of the song features ambient keyboards that transport you to another place in space and time. It's very relaxing. Then, when the drums and guitar kick in, it's like an explosion of sound in a quiet universe. The sheer energy alone in the first minute of the song is impressive. When the vocals come in, 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 a very unique composition. It features more amazing keyboard work from Dan Sciolino. The intro keyboard solo as well as the drums are awesome. Overall, I really like this song. It's very mellow and a great change in pace from the energetic album opener "Let Go Your Earthly Tether". The lyrics of the song are thought-provoking as well.
I Cling to Threads is an electronic masterpiece. It starts off with an atmospheric keyboard and clean guitar intro. I love the sound of the drums in this song as well. The song has a great vibe to it and really shows that the band is capable of writing great songs rooted in different styles.
A Coming to Terms is the perfect song to end the album with. It starts immediately with intense, odd time signature conversation between the keyboards and the drums, and it keeps that rhythmic energy going throughout the whole song. The chorus is also very catchy, and I found myself singing the song in my head after listening to the album for the first time.
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" is an experience. The guitars in this song are loud, rhythmically addicting and there are so many awesome guitar moments in this song. The lyrics are deep and the vocals on this song are haunting. The song features both clean vocals and growls/screams which I love. They go perfectly together and give the song added depth. "Enter the Void" is perfect in my opinion.
Artwork
The artwork of A Coming to Terms is 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 definitely pique my interest.
Final thoughts
Overall "A Coming to Terms" is 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 many 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 listen to this amazing album.
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