Transmission 0: Memory of a Dream

The second album Memory of a Dream from Dutch sludge band Transmission 0 is a curious and interesting example of contrasting extremes. Formed out of the ashes of hardcore band Reveal in 2001 this quintet has no qualms about having thick, doom infused layers of guitar coexisitng alongside ethereal, dream like passages. While the two styles don't always mesh together on the same track, the band deviates from their brutal sonic assault on the senses often enough to offer brief respites such as on the aptly titled "Dream 1" and "Dream 2". The vocals alternate between a throat stripping hardcore delivery to actual moments of 'clean style' serenity and when the splashes of cold sounding synth's are added to these atmospheric passages it makes for interesting results. One minute you feel as if you been bludgeoned over the head by the sheer brutality and weight of the music while the next you're riding a mellow wave of tranquility. Tracks like "Fragments" and "Dying Light" actually incorporate the two quite effectively as the longer drawn out moments of tension building are not only offset by these quieter passages but they often alternate back and forth throughout the course of the song keeping the listener on their toes at all times. Memory of a Dream is a well crafted set of dark and foreboding songs that succeeds by balancing brief moments of light yet while primarily preferring to stay lurking in the dark.

Track Listing
1) Cocoon
2) Condor
3) Paracas
4) Dream 1
5) Fragments
6) Dying Light
7) Dream 2
8) Damn Machines
9) Unrem

Added: May 13th 2007
Reviewer: Ryan Sparks
Score:
Related Link: Candlelight Records
Hits: 2548
Language: english

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