Album Review: Thomas Carlsen’s Transmission – Clockwork Sky
Band: Thomas Carlsen’s Transmission
Title: Clockwork Sky
Label: independent
Release date: June 6th, 2025
Country: Norway
Format reviewed: High-Quality Digital Recording
Album Review: Thomas Carlsen’s Transmission – Clockwork Sky by Sílvia
Never heard of Thomas Carlsen until out of nowhere I listened to the song “One with the Storm” from his new album. Can’t remember if it was on Spotify, Youtube, Instagram… but it doesn’t matter, thank you social media! The fact is that this song made its way to me and when I realized it was Mike Livas doing vocals there (he sings in Bloodorn, Silent Winter and other bands), my level of interest increased instantly…
“Clockwork Sky” clocks around half an hour of running time, not too long nor really short, built on 8 tracks that blend Power/Heavy Metal with Hard Rock in a classic, even nostalgic way. First time I listened to “One with the Storm” I was blown away by its start: those synths bring reminiscences from the 80s, and the low and pulsating bass confers a big depth to the music. Guitars play melodies that you can easily identify as “classic”, and really catchy; the solo is fresh and clean, highly enjoyable; and Mike Livas’ voice is strong, melodic, a gift for the ears, his characteristic bit of raspiness makes him shine.
Thomas Carlsen plays all instruments, he’s also the songwriter and lyricist. He counts on four guest vocalists in this album: the aforementioned Mike Livas, Arnaud Ménard (Scale of Alkan, ex- Alkemyst), Sebastián “Dragón” Palma (Blizzard Hunter), and Atli Guðlaugsson (Power Paladin). All of them provide strength and beauty to the songs, Thomas chose wisely in my opinion (btw, am I the only one noticing some nods to Blind Guardian in “The Crimson Cross”? Not the entire song, only that part with the choruses… instant brain cell explosion).
Thomas’ guitar playing is excellent, he is brilliant at solos, also bringing to the table melodic lines where there’s a lot of emotion and powerful vibes (some blasts from the past also), and you can fully enjoy all his skills in the two instrumental pieces just before the last song. “Clockwork Sky” is melancholic, almost a sweet instrumental ballad but not cheesy at all, the lead guitar is played with virtuosity and elegance. And in “Chronos Rising” the bass unleashes all its splendor; in the meantime, guitars do a wonderful job full of dynamism, and drums are powerful all the time.
The closing theme, “Midnight Queen”, is like a cheeky anthem with some fantasy keyboards ala Janne Wirman. Maybe it’s the most 80’s sounding song and it’s pure nostalgia for metalheads with “certain” age. Ahhh…
If you want an album full of guitar virtuosity, deep bass and retro synths effects, and all the power and beauty of clean vocals with a high emotional charge , this is for you. Brilliancy and catchiness entwined. 9,5/10
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9,5/10 Epic Storm
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