Three LP releases in over a decade might suggest a band like Oceans of Night takes its time to craft and perfect its sonic art. Considering the gap since their last offering, Midnight Rising in 2014, fans have eagerly awaited the arrival of Mindstorm. With a sense that this album reflects a culmination of ongoing growth and experimentation, expectations are undeniably high and, indeed, the album delivers an exhilarating ride through Oceans of Night’s unique blend of progressive metal and ambient soundscapes.
From the very onset, Mindstorm grabs attention with the compelling opening track, “Servants of Shadow/New Dawn”. This introduction serves almost as a manifesto for the album, fusing progressive metal intricacies with synthwave elements. The synthesized rays amplify the cutting-edge guitar riffs, promising a journey through vast musical landscapes.
This album does more than just nod to the giants of progressive metal; it forges its path. On “Before the Fall”, the evocative vocal entry of Scott Oliva layers complexity to the track, making the shift from instrumental to vocal even more thrilling. These transitions, executed with meticulous precision, are a recurring theme throughout Mindstorm, adding to its dynamic essence.
The track “Siren” showcases a different texture with Nina Hirten’s hauntingly beautiful voice, deeply embedded in a synth-soaked backdrop that adds layers of mystery. The call-and-response between her vocals and Scott Mosher’s vigorous guitar plays to a tension that both builds and seamlessly resolves, much like the ebb and flow of the ocean waves that the band’s name suggests.
Among my favorites is the instrumental gem, “Vast and Infinite”. Here, the synergy between the slithering bass lines and expansive guitar work conjures an otherworldly atmosphere. It is moments like these that elevate Mindstorm and highlight Mosher’s prowess not just as a musician but as a composer of formidable talent.
Diverging into a more traditional metal orientation with the track “Closer to the Edge”, featuring Pablo Zuccalá, introduces a conventional tone, yet remains infused with the band’s unique melodic sensibilities. It’s this balance of traditional and avant-garde that sustains the listener’s interest through the album’s near 62-minute runtime.
“Obelisk” is another standout, a title that perhaps hints at the dense and mysterious nature of the music. The track dances through a myriad of sonic shifts, echoing the cinematic influences that pervade the album. It’s a clear demonstration of the band’s ability to amalgamate their influences into something quintessentially unique.
Slowing the pace with “Man Clothed in the Light of the Sun”, the band does not sacrifice intensity. Instead, this track finds its potency in a restrained but mood-rich arrangement. The focus here is on synthesized melodies, creating an introspective divergence that feels serendipitous before the epic ascent in “No Turning Back”.
The titular track, “Mindstorm”, with guest vocalist April Rach, typifies the album’s grand ambition. Rach’s voice adds an ethereal quality that complements Mosher’s intricate guitar work engendering a soundscape that is simultaneously heavy and ethereal.
“No Turning Back” is perhaps the zenith of the album, a sprawling 9-minute journey that takes every element of Oceans of Night’s sound and weaves it into a triumph of progressive metal. With Pablo’s vocals driving the narrative through verses, the mid-section evolves into a surreal odyssey of synthesizers and solos, culminating in a powerful finale that leaves a lasting impression.
Returning to the darker themes, “Miclantecuhtli” derives its name from the Aztec god of death, painting vivid sonic imagery with its skull-rattling assault of guitars and synths. This track is heavy, intense, and layered with symbolic weight.
In contrast, “Distant”, featuring Nina Hirten once again, resonates with a gothic undertone, lending a softer yet equally profound aspect to the album. The haunting quality of Nina’s voice here is compelling, making it a remarkable prelude to the climactic “Event Horizon”. This final track aptly encapsulates the album’s theme, with electronic arrangements underscoring the fiery crescendo of guitars – a fitting conclusion to the cosmic journey that is Mindstorm.
To conclude, Mindstorm is an immersive blend of progressive metal and atmospheric soundscape, where each track brings something novel to the table. Oceans of Night have indeed transcended their previous work, weaving a rich tapestry of sound that is as meticulous as it is emotionally compelling.
Jorge’s Rating: 9/10
01 Servants Of Shadow / New Dawn# / 4:53
02 Before The Fall* / 3:40
03 Siren** / 5:30
04 Vast And Infinite / 6:12
05 Closer To The Edge* / 4:10
06 Obelisk / 5:52
07 Man Clothed In The Light Of The Stars / 4:14
08 Mindstorm* / 5:47
09 No Turning Back / 9:14
10 Mictlantecuhtli / 4:04
11 Distant / 54:07
12 Event Horizon / 4:02
Musical Mastermind of Oceans of Night
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