In Search of Being by Phase Transition Review

Hail, you celestial mourners of the Black Metal Archives—Sean here, still reeling from the haunting depths of Phase Transition’s latest singles offer a glimpse into their upcoming debut album In Search of Being, set to drop June 6, 2025. I spun this track on YouTube, and this Porto, Portugal quartet has crafted a progressive power metal elegy that’s both heart-wrenching and uplifting. Let’s dissect its sound, instruments, and place in the genre—these single’s are a cosmic lament worth savoring!

Phase Transition formed in Porto, Portugal, born from university jam sessions where Sofia Beco (vocals, violin), Luís Dias (guitars), Fernando Maia (drums), and Zé Pereira (bass) bonded over Dream Theater covers. After their 2020 EP Relatively Speaking, they’ve played venues like HardClub and festivals like Comendatio Music Fest, earning buzz from Prog Magazine for their cosmological narratives. “Shadows of Grief” is a single from their debut full-length, produced with former Anathema member Daniel Cardoso at Öhme Studio.

Let’s dive into the latest offerings off of their YouTube channel!

“Shadows of Grief” opens with a somber violin intro from Sofia Beco, its mournful notes echoing like a lament across a starlit void—immediately setting a tone of cosmic sorrow. Luís Dias’ guitars enter with a slow, melodic riff, carrying a Blind Guardian-esque weight, layered with a progressive complexity that hints at Symphony X. Sofia’s vocals are a revelation here; her operatic soprano, reminiscent of Epica’s Simone Simons, shifts from a haunting whisper to a powerful crescendo, delivering lines about loss and transcendence that hit me right in the chest—I’m swaying, caught in its emotional pull. Fernando Maia’s drumming is dynamic, with a mix of gentle, syncopated beats and thunderous double-bass rolls that build the track’s intensity, while Zé Pereira’s bass adds a warm, resonant depth, especially in the quieter moments where the violin takes center stage.

“Becoming, (R)evolution,” their lead single, hits like a supernova—Sofia’s “super catchy melodies” (as Fernando noted) blend with heavy, galloping riffs and a proggy midsection that’s pure Dream Theater worship. The violin solos elevate the intensity, making my spine tingle with their fiery, rebellious energy.

“Veil of Illusions” explores self-doubt and personal discovery, with Sofia’s voice shifting from haunting to commanding, layered over Luís’ progressive guitar work that dances between Helloween’s melodic clarity and Tesseract’s atmospheric depth. The violin here is somber yet agile, adding a joyous, organic spice—my fists clench, lost in its emotional swells.

The song’s structure is a journey—Luís’ guitar work weaves between melancholic, neo-classical melodies and heavier, galloping riffs, with a midsection that slows into a dreamy, atmospheric break, Sofia’s violin soaring like a comet’s trail. The track then surges back with a triumphant, power metal climax, Sofia’s voice hitting crystalline highs over Fernando’s driving rhythms—I’m clenching my fists, swept up in its cathartic release. The violin is the star instrument here, adding a classical, almost orchestral layer that sets this apart from standard power metal fare; it’s both a mournful cry and a beacon of hope, blending seamlessly with the guitars’ melodic leads. The production, thanks to Daniel Cardoso, is polished yet raw, capturing every emotional nuance—feels like they poured their souls into this under a Porto moon.

In the power metal genre, Phase Transition’s ability to merge European power metal’s melodic tradition—like Kamelot’s emotive ballads or Stratovarius’ soaring anthems—with progressive depth and classical influences. The violin brings a symphonic flair akin to Nightwish, but its folkish, organic tone adds a unique texture, while the prog elements (odd time signatures, dynamic shifts) nod to Dream Theater or Haken. The cosmological themes of grief and rebirth tie into power metal’s love for epic storytelling, but the personal, introspective lyrics make it feel more intimate than a typical fantasy epic. These first few singles from “In Search of Being” rightfully serve as a haunting promise of what’s to come—blast them loud, let it stir your soul, and join me in awaiting In Search of Being.

You star-wept wraiths, drop your takes below—what does this single awaken in your heart? Stream these tracks on YouTube and let’s mourn the cosmos together!

Stay epic, you grief-forged fiends, and keep the stars alive!