From Winter, Oceans of Sleep represented one of metal’s most idiosyncratic entities, and Where the gods are afraid to speak finds that entity at its most mature and refined. The band’s sound is a novel amalgam of progressive metal, black and death metal, and contemplative doom, and within that mold, Cammie Beverly’s singularly soulful vocals and poignant lyrics resonate with unlikely power, bringing a rare emotional depth. Alex Davis and Chris Kritikos wield their axes with aplomb, using fat riffs, transcendent tremolos, and tender pizzicatos in devoted service to Oceans of Sleepmusical mission of . Meanwhile, Semir Özerkan (bass) and Dobber Beverly (drums) push this material with a varied and adaptable rhythmic palette that provides texture and gravitas to even the simplest measures.
Where the band’s previous catalog challenged listeners with an eerie construction (Winter), a crushing emotional weight (The banished heart), exaggerated chords (S/T), or strong deviations from an established style (Starlight and ash), Where the gods are afraid to speak finally finds balance. Death-forward tracks “Where Gods Fear to Speak,” “Don’t Come Back from Hell Empty Handed,” and “The Impermanence of Fate” offer immense weight. Passionate and heartfelt, “Wish,” “Poem of Ecstasy,” and “Prayer” reveal that once-banished heart bleeding in front of listening witnesses. Oceans of SleepThe charming accessibility of, born in part from the detours to the South undertaken in their immediate past, provides an effective structural scaffolding to support “Run from the Light,” “The Given Dream,” and “I Will Break the Pride of Your Will.” However, these compositions are not disjointed, haphazard, or thoughtless. Overall, Oceans of Sleep They take elements from their entire body of work, implementing lessons learned from each effort thus far, and use them to develop each idea into fully realized, impactful pieces that are an integral part of the whole.
In the meantime, Oceans of Sleep instills a family dichotomy within Where the gods are afraid to speakthe narrative of. Among their characteristically ominous, gloomy, and doom-laden soundscapes, a ray of loving light shines. At times, it feels empowering, as if a better place beyond a life spent in darkness and conflict is finally within reach (“The Impermanence of Fate”). However, as seen in all Oceans of Sleep material, these and other nuances acquired presence and liveliness only after I invested a lot of time and attention in the work. Where the gods are afraid to speak it is essentially Oceans of Sleep in this sense. It denies its audience instant gratification, reserving its greatest rewards instead for the patient and dedicated listeners. This strategy is always a double-edged sword. On the one hand, casual listeners may not cross the threshold that separates a passing engagement from a lasting relationship with this record. On the other, committed listeners will find that Where the gods are afraid to speak offers an immersive, engaging and immersive experience that is becoming increasingly difficult to do without.
As I was writing this review, I realized how important it is Oceans of Sleep is in the pantheon of metal. While all of their records have flaws, excellence and originality abound in even greater abundance. With a core sound that cannot be replicated, each new record from these Texans is a celebration of the artist’s art and unique voice. While each Oceans of Sleep the album showcased aspects of that artistic voice, Where the gods are afraid to speak refines everything that came before, turning it into something that stands out as epic and new. Where the gods are afraid to speak it’s the pinnacle of everything Oceans of Sleep It’s all they’ve been and, hopefully, just the beginning of what they’ll become.
Assessment: Great!
DR.: 8 | Revised format: 320kbps mp3
Label: Foggy season
Websites: oceansofslumber.com | oceansofslumber.bandcamp.com
Worldwide Releases: September 13, 2024
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