TRANSMISSION

After two very successful albums in the same style it's not surprising that for this 1997 release they decided to change things up a bit.They really had taken that Middle Eastern flavoured Rock to it's highest level. So on "Transmission" we stiil get that ethnic flavour but it is scaled back somewhat. And they've added electronics and a darker vibe especially on the second half of this album. I've read names like NINE INCH NAILS and terms like gothic and electronica to describe the flavour here.

"Temptation" is all about the killer rhythm section.This song was all over the radio back in the day. A good start. "Army Ants" features some strange instrument that comes and goes. Jeff's vocals are different here as he almost yells at times. Not a fan of this one. "Psychopomp" opens with experimental sounds as intricate guitar then reserved vocals join in. Keyboards too, then a fuller sound before 1 1/2 minutes.The vocals and sound become more passionate after 3 1/2 minutes. "Gyroscope" kicks in quickly with that Eastern flavour and vocals. "Alarum" is dark as the vocals and drums arrive.This is still a catchy mid-paced tune though.

"Release" opens with the synths washing in and out as a beat with vocals join in. "Transmission" is a top two song for me.Vocals, percussion and that ethnic vibe around a minute. A fuller sound kicks in after 2 minutes and the contrasts will continue. "Babylon" has a dark,industrial feel to it. It ends with electronics, a beat and piano. "Pulse" is my favourite track. I just dig that heavy beat with vocals. "Emerald" opens with strummed guitar as reserved vocals and a beat join in just before a minute. It's fuller before 3 minutes. "Aftermath" opens with atmosphere as almost spoken vocals come in. A beat follows in this dark track.

If you want to hear this band i'd strongly suggest "The Edges Of Twilight" as a starting point then come to this one later on just to hear how they had changed.