Transcend is the name of several different acts, including a progressive metal band based in Montreal, Canada, a British thrash metal band, an American straight edge vegan band active in the early 1990s, and a freeform producer associated with labels such as Smiling Corpse and Watchtower Records.

Montreal progressive metal band

The Montreal group forms in 2001 and releases its first full-length album, The Mind, after several years of work. It is based in the suburbs of Montreal and plays progressive metal with elements drawn from ambient, hardcore, freeform and djent. Its stated approach is to move away from formulaic popular music and to build songs around complex structures, varied dynamics and extended instrumental sections.

The line-up includes Constantine Damoulianos on guitar and vocals, Alexi Lagogianis on keyboards, Nico Damoulianos on bass, and Jake Shamash on drums. The band’s writing draws on progressive metal influences such as Dream Theater, Symphony X, Pain of Salvation, Devin Townsend and Opeth, as well as more expansive or melodic references including Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Elton John and The Tea Party.

The Mind is presented as a concept work that follows a narrative arc from childhood through experiences of life and love to an extended final section. The album includes tracks such as “Moment of Infinity,” “Entity Divine,” “The Love Song” and “Reign Over Me,” followed by a multi-part title suite. The music also incorporates contrasting textures, including heavy riffs, odd-time passages, soft male-female vocal duets and Greek bouzouki parts.

British thrash metal band

Another act named Transcend is a British thrash metal band that starts in January 2008. It is described as a dynamic group combining aggression, power and melody, with songwriting that blends thrash, rock and some classical music elements along with different vocal styles.

The band begins with Andy Phillips and Tony Boyes, with Daniel Eager joining later in March 2008. Danny Ogola becomes the drummer after an audition in April 2008, before Daniel Eager leaves due to family issues. Andrew Phillips then moves from lead guitar to bass, Steve Pullan joins on lead guitar, and later leaves because of college studies. Adeniyi Nedd then takes over as lead guitarist.

Other acts using the name

There is also an American straight edge vegan band called Transcend, active in the early 1990s and described as mid-paced and melodic. In addition, Transcend is the name used by James Kitcher as a freeform producer whose tracks appear on labels including Smiling Corpse and Watchtower Records.