Radiant Thought is a musical project formed in 2011 by Valter Abreu. It started as a result of a casual collaboration with composer Stefan Sjöberg, after both teamed up for some video game soundtrack covers, deciding to channel their chemistry into a project dedicated to original music. This partnership later evolved into a creative outlet for original music, hugely influenced by artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Tool, and Porcupine Tree. The first single, “Transcending”, marked the beginning of the duo’s journey, but the project went through many transformations over the years. After working on a handful of tracks, Valter and Stefan explored different directions, including shifting from instrumental songs to incorporating vocals, while also inviting other musicians to contribute.
In 2015, Radiant Thought took an extended hiatus as both members pursued separate creative paths. Valter embarked on his experimental solo project, SÍLENÍ, releasing his debut record in 2016, and starting his career as a video game sound designer. Meanwhile, Stefan immersed himself in collaborations with other projects, honing his craft as a composer and musician. Although the duo lost touch during this period, their collaboration remained an integral part of Radiant Thought’s foundation. By late 2019, Valter felt the call to revisit Radiant Thought, approaching it with a fresh perspective as a solo endeavor. He began reworking most of the material from the ground up, creating a new body of work while honoring the project’s original vision.
In 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the record’s demos were completed, and Valter brought in Baard Kolstad (Leprous) to record drums. Over the next two years, Miguel Pinto joined to record vocals, and by the end of 2023, Valter finalized the remaining parts, including guitars, bass, and synths. The record was mixed in early 2024 by João Brandão at ARDA Recorders in Porto, Portugal, and mastered by Erik Peabody at Viking Guitar Productions in New York in August of the same year. During the mixing phase, Valter reconnected with Stefan, who offered valuable suggestions and expressed enthusiasm for how the record was shaping up. Their shared history and creative beginnings continued to be an important key to Radiant Thought’s sound. Illustrated by Margarida Tangerina, Radiant Thought’s debut record, Transcendence, represents years of creative exploration and dedication. It’s an introduction to the project’s vision: music created to evoke emotion, curiosity, and connection. The record’s concept explores personal growth, resilience, and self-discovery. It’s journey through cycles of struggle and renewal.
Transcendence will be released on November 7th. Pre-orders are now available here.
Photo credit: Margarida Tangerina
