As their previous album Starlight And Ash got rid of any of the extreme metal machinations Texan prog metal band Oceans Of Slumber had in there music before, you would be forgiven in thinking that they may stay on this more atmospheric, lighter, southern gothic sound. Moving towards a rock direction but no, thankfully for fans of of the quiet loud dynamics of Opeth and others, Oceans Of Slumber bring back the blistering blasts of death metal and growled vocals on Where Gods Fear To Speak.
Not only have they brought it back, but they seem more venomous than it has been before. Much of this due to their conflicting vision with their previous label who wanted more of the same but got them introspective but on Seasons Of Mist now they are able to spread their extreme metal wings again, more aggressively, while also having those Southern gothic, dark romantic notions, putting both together no matter if it's embraced it not,
They have somehow gone more progressive with continuously shifting syncopated riffs from guitarists Chris Jones and Chris Kritikos, blasts of heavy, played in odd time signatures, but they haven't forgotten about their soulful, lighter side blending both better than they have before. I don't say that lightly as I'm constantly astounded but Oceans Of Slumber, consistently giving them high scores but this record I've played it multiple times. There's just something addictive about it. Whether it's the educated blast beats or evocative piano of Dobber Beverley (I Will Break The Pride Of Your Will) or expansive, cantering basswork of Semir Ozerkan, there's such a variation in the rhythm section, as the gothic moments are twisted into black metal, showcasing a band who are near the top in terms of talent but yet still aren't recognised as well as they should be.
I'll get the cover out of the way first as there's always a cover, the band even have an EP of covers. It's Wicked Game, a song that has been attempted by many bands, but here it has an added darkness, a gothic sensuality that's miles better than Tenacious D's recent effort. As far as their own songs go, the record follows a concept of future dystopia, the cinematic sound of the band always evident but again bolstered on this record, it's grandiose and epic, inspired by huge Hans Zimmer soundscapes and given Wall Of Sound production to fully involve the listener. Take something like Don't Come Back From Hell Empty Handed, the introspective Wish and Poem Of Ecstasy they still have the more mainstream, darkly romantic style they highlighted on their last album.
So much of my love for the band comes from Cammie Beverley's incredible vocals, gospel infused brilliance which carries resonance and emotion so well counteracted by her newly acquired guttural stomach churning growls, experienced on the first time on the epic title track. She's in my to five singers list for sure, each note fitting perfectly to make you pay attention. Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquility adds his rasp to the dramatic Prayer, as Fernando Ribeiro of Moonspell features on the gloomy Run From The Light, bulking what is already a fully stocked vocal delivery. Going back to Poem Of Ecstasy, Cammie uses some black metal snarls as they shifted between emotion and explosivity. It's the perfect pairing of the two sides of Oceans Of Slumber's sound.
Each band aspires to make a record better than the one before, bigger than the one before and Where Gods Fear To Speak, feels like a culmination of Oceans Of Slumber's journey so far. Multifaceted and magnificent, it'll be in my AOTY for sure! 10/10
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