1) The Calling Whisper  7:19
2) Through A Conscious State  6:06
3) As the Angels Tread  7:20
4) These Grey Skies  6:20
5) Beside the Mirror  5:18
6) From A Distance  6:44
7) To Wither In…  6:59
8 ) Across the Serene  5:06
9) Tranquil Insights  4:05
10) A Moment  6:40

Beautiful titles, don’t you think so too?

But there is a hidden world of sound here too, that is being presented to us by the band Transcend with Time (TwT). It has the atmosphere of progressive rock and the sound of new age. Now TwT has released a new album entitled A Haunting Presence. Read on, and get to hear about a hidden world of sound!

Transcend with Time is a one-man band by Mark Mendieta from Brownsville, Texas. His previous projects all have thoughtful names, which beautifully show the duality between light and darkness in his music: A Voice of Calmness (2006). Reflections of the Soul (2007) and Through Memory’s Perception (2008). Mark Mendieta also has a progressive rock project called Subject to Thoughts, which is also highly recommended by this reviewer.

The brand new TwT-album, A Haunting Presence, opens with a song that is called Hourglass Falls. It is a perfect introduction to TwT’s music; it is as beautiful as it is eerie, as complicated as it is simple. When listening to it is like stepping into a scary old house, filled with things that belongs in children’s nightmares – stuff that aren’t really scary, but still give you a foreboding feeling. Hourglass Falls is a new hit from TwT. It is Halloween music you can play all year round.

The ingredients in TwT’s music is a mix of piano, analogue sounding synths and drums. Note that the foremost beauty is not in the arrangement, but the atmosphere. Therefore it is too easy dismiss TwT as “synth music” (which I have seen other reviewers do in the past) – but this is not the case at all. Just beneath the sequenced synth are layers of heartfelt musical poetry.

The title song is, as implied, haunting, but in a good way. The songs flows away, like a dark undercurrent, taking you on a 7min18sec long journey.

But there are brighter segments here as well, like the song In Loving Memory, which includes a wonderful vocal by Brandon Strader. It is 11 minute long, and the atmosphere rises and falls naturally, like if it was not a song but a stage play about the loving memories of a now lost family member. One of my favorite songs on the album is A Silent Lullaby. It is like an early Tangerine Dream-song, with its analogue synths, flutes and sharp strings. It is an ambient jewel; very meditative, and filled TwT’s usual mix of melancholy and joy. Another song I would like to mention is the faster Beneath. It could have been the sound track to an action movie.

On A Haunting Presence Mark Mendieta takes everything that is great about new age and adds, what he calls, “a twist of Dark Progressive”. It creates a totally different atmosphere, unlike anything else you are likely to find in this part of the forest. TwT is not easy listening, and that is also the case with the new release. But if you give is some time, you will for sure be amazed of the richness in sound.

After all, a haunting presence is not something you are likely to notice right away. The new chapter in TwT’s history is a very rewarding listen.

You can sample and buy the album on Melodic revolution. Also be sure to check out TwT’s page on MySpace.

Picture copyright Bigstockphoto.com – Dip2000

A haunting atmosphere, perhaps?

Here is a track list:

1) A Haunting Presence 7:18
2) Hourglass Falls 4:12
3) A Silent Lullaby 6:55
4) Through Shifting Lines 6:21
5) As Darkness Prevails 8:36
6) Into A Solace Room 5:15
7) In Loving Memory 10:58
8 ) When the Evening Bleeds 5:49
9) Beneath 4:43
10) In Seclusion 10:21

Check out our reviews of previous TwT albums.

Also be sure to check out other tracks by TwT. This is new age music totally redefined, with a hint of prog rock.

We TwT fans have a lot to look forward to!

Transcend with Time is a one-man band by Mark Mendieta from Brownsville, Texas. His previous albums are called Reflections of the Soul (2007) and A Voice of Calmness (2006). Mark Mendieta also has a progressive rock project called Subject to Thoughts. And the influence from progressive rock is obvious on Through Memory’s Perception. But I think the overall atmosphere is closer to rock or alternative metal, even though the instruments used are the standard ambient/new age setup: dreamy synth pads, strings, piano and light drums. But the real difference is the use of electronic guitar samples, which in true rock style create a rather dark soundscape. Play song no. 7, A Lingering Thought, and you’ll understand. But still the sound is ambient/new age, which makes this into a remarkable album.

The first song, Open Your Eyes, starts with an eerie, high pitched bird-like sound, dark pads and piano. It could have been the soundtrack to a scary movie. After 1min45sec a much brighter piano melody with a gentle tempo. All the songs are long, this one over 8 minutes, so the album is definitely chill out material.

The title track, no. 2, starts with a happy vibe, much thanks to the samples used. It gets a little darker later in the song, when the only instruments used are strings, guitar and a slow drumbeat. It is almost like a walk from light to darkness.

My favorite track is track no. 3, Visions of Premonition, which is a lot more new age than the rest. The last four minutes with a nice analogue synth reminds me of Tangerine Dream. It is powerful and heartfelt at the same time. Two another new age sounding tracks are no. 5, Cognitive Imagery and track no. 7, Reminiscence. They’re slow moving and gently evolving: it’s beautiful beyond words.

The track Signs of Existence is a good example of how a combination new age and rock sounds like. There is this mystical element here, like in many new age songs. Yet it has rock’s in-your-face quality and atmosphere.

Through Memory’s Perception is self released, but is still a professional recording. Some might argue that many of the songs are too long, but I think this make them perfect for relaxation. It is not easy to mix rock and new age, and in this respect Transcend with Time has done a magnificent job. I will also credit Mark Mendieta for the thoughtful and inspired song titles.

The next time a rock fan tells me that he hates new age music, I know of a record that for sure will change his mind: it’s all about memory’s perception. Right?

You can sample and buy the album on Tarniusmusic.com.

Mark: Yes, I do have to change my approach when writing the music for both projects. When writing for Subject to Thoughts, it just depends on the mood I’m in that particular day when I’m writing either the music or lyrics. For example, if I’m in a miserable mood, then the music or lyrics will take that avenue. If I’m in a happier mood, then they will take that shape. Writing the music & lyrics this way helps me create different moods that help the band sound more unique.

When I write the music for Transcend with Time, I like to be in a more calm & relaxed state of mind. This helps me create my music with more emotion and atmosphere which is something I always strive for. For both projects, I always strive to make the music thought-provoking. I enjoy making music that has purpose because this allows me to challenge the listeners, and that is what music is all about for me.

* I find that the most interesting aspect with Through Memory’s Perception is the atmosphere, which is in my opinion unique. The mood reminds of rock and perhaps even metal, but still it is 100 % ambient new age. Was it a goal for you to make something truly different, or did it just happen?

Mark: When I started Transcend with Time, my goal was that I wanted to make New Age/Ambient music that was totally different from the typical New Age music out there. To tell you the truth, I’m not that into New Age music (well, only a few). I’m more into Progressive Metal/Rock and Doom Metal, so that’s why my music probably sounds so unique.

* How has the feedback from your audience been? Do rock music fans like your music?

Mark: To tell you the truth, since the inception of this project (2006), it’s been a rough road with not much fan support. I’m not going to lie, probably not many people know what this project is all about to this day, but that’s okay. To the people that have listened to my music, I thank you. It was not until probably the end of 2008 that people finally started responding to my music. I guess it helps that my music has received reviews, and it is being played on Internet radio stations worldwide. Probably one of the biggest misconceptions is that when people see or read independent artist, some assume that the music is not worth listening too. Oh well. So far, the feedback off my latest album Through Memory’s Perceptionis turning out great. It seems that I am finally starting to make a dent.

To answer your other question, most of my fans are into Rock or Metal. That’s nice to know that people can listen to music with an open mind even though it’s a different genre.

* You have released three albums in two years, and all songs have a personal touch and high quality. How do you find inspiration to so much music?

Mark: Well, first of all, thank you for the compliment. To answer your question, music is something that I’ve always wanted to do and have been doing (in some degree) since the age of 5. It’s my passion, so for me the songwriting process comes out naturally. Usually, a song for me develops from a certain melody, beat or mood I have circling in my head.

In releasing three albums in two years, for me, music is a constant flow of emotions, so I have no problem finding motivation. I have always believed that there is no need in having to wait for 2 or 3 years in between for albums to be released.

With all three albums, before I start writing the music, I actually sit down and think of a theme. After I’m content with the specific theme I have selected then I start writing the music. All three albums have a personal touch because I have been through a lot during these past years. Throughout the years, music has definitely helped me through some very difficult times in my life. This is how I cope with my feelings.

* Tell us about the equipment you use (hardware synths, sequencers, VSTs ect). Have you had any help with the recording and mastering, or have you done all yourself?

Mark: Well, I don’t have a very elaborate studio, and I go through a fairly simple process to get my music done. I use my Yamaha PSR-GX76 (it’s an old keyboard, but it still gets the job done). As far as sequencers goes, I use the one built in to my keyboard and record all the instruments onto different tracks then I transfer all of the music to my Adobe Audition 3.0 music program that I use to edit & master my music. As far as VST’s go, I usually do not use many, but one that I do like to add to all of my songs is a Plate reverb. This gives the instruments a nice echo feel. Sometimes, I might use a Chorus effect, a transpose effect to change the sound or add a pan effect, but not much. I like my music to have more of an organic sound instead of adding a lot of effects. It will then just sound to overproduced.

Since Brandon introduced me to Adobe Audition 1.5 first then 3.0, he gave me some pointers on how to work these programs, but other than that, I have always done all the recording and mastering by myself.

* Do you have any new albums under way? More new age or more progressive rock – or both?

Mark: Yes, hopefully by late February or March, we will be releasing our new Subject to Thoughts CD entitled The Culmination. Right now, Brandon (my bandmate) is finishing mastering the disc. If you want to check us out, you can visit us at Subject to Thoughts or on MySpace or Soundclick. If you like what you hear, you can go to Tarniusmusic and purchase our latest CD/downloads From Sunrise to Sunset.

As far as Transcend with Time goes, I have nothing at this moment. Hopefully by summer, I’ll start working on new material for a new album. Right now, I’m just promoting Through Memory’s Perception as much as I can.

* Thank you Mark for the interview! Check out our review of Through Memory’s Perception. You can buy it on Tarniusmusic.com.

Picture copyright BigStockPhoto – U.P. images