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"Oceans Of Slumber still lacks almost nothing to reach the summits of atmospheric progressive metal, a domain where its qualities of composition and interpretation are marvelous."
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4/5
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The meteoric rise of the Americans of Oceans Of Slumber is surprising but as soon as you listen to their music, it tends to put everyone in agreement. To the rhythm of an album every two years, the Texan combo imposes its style, so personal that it forces respect. Released two years after the excellent "The Banished Heart", this eponymous album is its perfect sequel.
Since Cammie Gilbert has been at the mike, the Oceans Of Slumber style has strongly asserted itself. The progressive metal tinged with death of the Yanks is dark and bewitching. 'Total Failure Apparatus', 'Soundtrack To My Last Day' and 'To The Sea' take up the usual codes of the combo and depict cold and melancholic atmospheres on a background of anti-racist and pro-integration struggle. Released at the heart of the events that spawned the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States, the album engages the band in a noble struggle that is symptomatic of American society. However, don't see it as a recuperation, because the writing of "Oceans Of Slumber" (the album) predates the events that marked its release.
While fans will abandon themselves in this new ocean of emotions, it is appropriate to balance enthusiasm by pointing out that the object has some notable flaws. Starting with a colossal duration of more than 70 minutes that is difficult to justify musically. Another downside is that the risk taking is minimal and the Houston natives are complacent in a somewhat predictable pattern in the construction of the tracks. It remains quite varied, but certain sequences between the melancholic and the more upbeat phases seem to come out of nowhere, sometimes losing the listener within a song.
However, the strength of the Americans lies in the permanent duality between the softness of Cammie Gilbert's timbre and the dark and brutal phases of their music, be it in the deep death metal of 'I Mourned Thèse Yellow Leaves' and 'Soundtrack To My Last Day' or in the darkness of the subject and the dramaturgy of the interpretation. The progressive aspect is even more present on almost all the titles and the breaths represented by the very cinematic instrumentals 'Imperfect Divinity' and 'September' can give ideas for the future realizations of the band because he shines in the exercise. Just like on the magnificent ballad 'The Color Of Grace' featuring with a Mick Moss (Antimatter)/ Cammie vocal association of the most beautiful effect.
Based on a unique vocal identity and a dark and melancholic music, "Oceans Of Slumber" is a very good progressive metal album despite of some flaws. You have to feel strong to take the decibel surge for more than an hour, but the variety of themes will help. And for the brave who ask for more, the pleasure of discovering new subtleties with each listening will be their reward. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. The Soundtrack to My Last Day
02. Pray for Fire
03. A Return To The Earth Below
04. Imperfect Divinity
05. The Adorned Fathomless Creation
06. To The Sea (a Tolling Of The Bells)
07. The Colors Of Grace
08. I Mourn These Yellowed Leaves
09. September (Momentaria)
10. Total Failure Apparatus
11. The Red Flower
12. Wolf Moon (cover version)
LINEUP:
Alexander Lucian: Guitares
Cammie Gilbert: Chant
Dobber Beverly: Claviers / Batterie
Jessie Santos: Guitares
Mat Aleman: Claviers
Semir Ozerkan: Basse
Mick Moss: Invité / (vocals On 7)
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(1) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
4.3/5 (6 view(s))
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STAFF:
3.5/5 (4 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH OCEANS OF SLUMBER
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT OCEANS OF SLUMBER
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