RFL Artist Roster
Transmission
Thomas Carlsen — Norway — Solo Heavy Metal Project
A one-man transmission of 80s hard rock and heavy metal — written, performed, and driven by Norwegian multi-instrumentalist Thomas Carlsen.
The Project
Solo force. Full band sound.
Transmission is a solo project by Norwegian multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Thomas Carlsen. Inspired by bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Dokken, his music is rooted in the 80's style of hard rock and heavy metal.
Carlsen is the sole songwriter and performs all instruments on the Transmission project — guitars, bass, drums, and vocals locked into one uncompromising vision.
- Norwegian multi-instrumentalist
- Sole songwriter & performer
- 80s hard rock / heavy metal
- Euro power metal edge
Thomas Carlsen
Transmission
New Single
Love Sting
Anthemic Heavy Metal — Forthcoming EP — Late 2026 / Early 2027
In the vein of
RATT, Dokken, Lillian Axe and Scorpions — mid-80s Heavy Metal with blistering guitars and big hooks.
Thomas Carlsen, the Norwegian multi-instrumentalist and songwriter behind Transmission, is back with a new anthemic track, “Love Sting,” in the vein of mid-80s Heavy Metal (RATT, Dokken, Lillian Axe and Scorpions). It is also the theme of his upcoming EP, slated for a late 2026 / early 2027 release. Following up the April single “Starchaser,” “Love Sting” continues exploring the same soundscapes, with blistering guitars and big hooks.
“I never thought I would write a song with the word ‘Love’ in the title. As this was taking shape, I realized it had the potential for a massive, arena-type chorus, with a stomping rhythm and big guitar chords. With Halloween approaching, I decided to blend in some mysterious chords and make the lyrics a little creepier than usual. I am so happy with ‘Love Sting,’ and I cannot wait for you all to hear it!”— Thomas Carlsen
The new song features Chilean vocalist Lukky N., his first time working with Transmission.
“I knew I needed a voice who could convey the story with a little snarl, much like Stephen Pearcy or Don Dokken. When I heard Lukky singing, I knew he was the man for the job. I am ecstatic about his delivery on ‘Love Sting!’”— Thomas Carlsen
The artwork was once again designed by Mina Lynum, Carlsen’s long-time collaborator.
Credits
- “Love Sting” written by Thomas & Pål Carlsen
- All instruments performed by Thomas Carlsen
- Vocals performed by Lukky N.
- Produced by Thomas Carlsen
- Mastering by Njål Frode Lie at NFL-Produksjoner
- Artwork by Mina Lynum
Latest Album
Clockwork Sky
Sophomore LP — Melodic Heavy Metal — Norway
The central theme
Each track is built around the relentless passage of Time — another sonic journey from the powerhouse behind A Brave Horizon.
Clockwork Sky picks up where A Brave Horizon left off. Thomas Carlsen pushes Transmission into a bigger, more anthemic world, blending the arena rock of the 80s with modern-age Power Metal while adding new elements as a songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer.
“I was unsure of what direction Transmission would take after ‘A Brave Horizon’, which was a blend of several different styles. The writing sessions for ‘Clockwork Sky’ resulted in my most anthemic and hooky tunes yet. It blends the arena rock of the 80s with modern-age Power Metal, in a big way. And — as I evolve as a songwriter, instrumentalist and producer, I couldn’t help but add some new elements to the music. I’ve never been more excited to release an album!”— Thomas Carlsen
Lead Single
Thunderbird
The empowering Power Metal anthem about the mythological bird-spirit of the Native Americans kickstarted the album's release. With its huge chorus performed by Arnaud Ménard, Thunderbird sets the tone for the record.
The voices behind the album
Carlsen recruited four vocalists to complement the new songs. Three voices return from A Brave Horizon, while Greek powerhouse Mike Livas makes his first Transmission appearance on the power ballad One with the Storm.
Sebastian Palma
Blizzard Hunter · returning
Atli Guðlaugsson
Power Paladin · returning
Arnaud Ménard
Ecclesia · returning
Mike Livas
Silent Winter · first appearance
All instrumental performances and mixing were handled by Carlsen himself. Norwegian graphic designer Mina Lynum returns with another stunning artwork for the album cover.
Track Listing
Eight Songs. One Passage of Time.
Clockwork Sky
- 01Hourglassfeat. Atli Guðlaugsson
- 02Thunderbirdfeat. Arnaud Ménard
- 03One with the Stormfeat. Mike Livas
- 04The Crimson Crossfeat. Sebastian Palma
- 05Defiant Heartfeat. Arnaud Ménard
- 06Clockwork Sky
- 07Chronos Rising
- 08Midnight Queenfeat. Sebastian Palma
From the shred-fest of the lead single, through the 80s arena chorus of One with the Storm, to the cinematic theme of the title track, Clockwork Sky is built to satisfy every Heavy Metal craving — and more.
Debut Release
Redemption
EP — 2022 — RFL Records
Carlsen's first EP “Redemption” was released in 2022 via RFL Records and combines Euro Power Metal with the melodicism of the 80's and early 90's hard rock — played with drive and conviction.
Style
Euro Power Metal
Roots
80s / Early 90s HR
Label
RFL Records
On the RFL roster
Booking, press, and partnership inquiries for Transmission go through RFL Music Entertainment.