Album Reviews

Oceans of Slumber “Where Gods Fear to Speak” Album Review by Jorge Pozo

Jorge Pozo

September 10, 2024

Oceans of Slumber has been carving their unique sonic path for over a decade, and their latest release, “Where Gods Fear to Speak,” continues to push the boundaries of their sound. This album arrives two years after their critically acclaimed yet commercially misunderstood venture, “Starlight & Ash.” While the melancholic and gothic overtones of the 2022 release marked a departure from their heavier roots, the band now seems to blend both worlds effortlessly in their newest offering.

The album opens with the thunderous self-titled track, “Where Gods Fear to Speak,” setting the tone with its blend of doom, death, and progressive metal elements. Cammie Beverly’s introduction to harsh vocals adds a fresh, aggressive edge to their sound, which pairs intriguingly with her clean, soulful singing. The production quality is impeccable, thanks to the seasoned expertise of Joel Hamilton at Audiovision Studios in Bogota, Colombia. Each instrument and vocal nuance leaps from the speakers with striking clarity and power.

Moving into the second track, “Run From the Light,” the guest appearance by Moonspell’s Fernando Ribeiro adds an additional layer of depth and variety. Ribeiro’s aggressive delivery contrasts brilliantly against Beverly’s melodic lines, creating a track that’s both haunting and powerful. This theme of duality continues through the album, manifesting both musically and lyrically.

The sprawling, eight-and-a-half-minute epic “Don’t Come Back From Hell Empty Handed” is another highlight. It captures the essence of Oceans of Slumber’s approach – combining dynamic shifts with a cinematic scope that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The meticulous craftsmanship in this track showcases the band’s ability to merge intense metal with more delicate, emotive moments.

“Wish,” with its catchy, doom-laden riff, harkens back to the band’s earlier works while embedding a modern touch. Beverly’s vocal performance here is exceptional, capturing the perfect blend of sorrow and strength. The more subdued “Poem of Ecstasy” follows suit, wrapping emotional lyrics within layers of intricate instrumentation.

The album’s second half contains some of its most compelling work. “The Given Dream” and “I Will Break the Pride of Your Will” are standouts, marrying gothic and progressive elements with lush, cinematic soundscapes. The appearance of Dark Tranquillity’s Mikael Stanne on “Prayer” provides one of the album’s most chillingly beautiful moments. His distinct growls and poignant harmonies complement Beverly’s voice wonderfully, resulting in a song that is as heavy as it is moving.

The final run of tracks, especially “The Impermanence of Fate,” encapsulates the album’s thematic and sonic journey. It transitions between haunting melodies and brutal metal sections, weaving a narrative that feels both apocalyptic and redemptive. Their rendition of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” brings a familiar yet uniquely Oceans of Slumber twist, closing the album on an unexpectedly soulful note. The subtle backing vocals and atmospheric touches make this cover a standout, impressively different from the original.

“Where Gods Fear to Speak” is an album that demands and rewards repeated listens. It challenges and comforts, blending genres and emotions into a cohesive and compelling whole. Oceans of Slumber has proven once again that they are unafraid to evolve and experiment, pushing their creative limits to deliver what may be their most sophisticated and engaging record to date.

Favorite tracks include “Where Gods Fear to Speak,” “Run From the Light,” “Don’t Come Back From Hell Empty Handed,” and “The Impermanence of Fate.” Each of these songs encapsulates the album’s varied yet unified sound, showcasing the band at their creative peak.

Final Rating: 9/10

Pre-order & Pre-save: https://orcd.co/oceansofslumberwheregodsfeartospeakalbum

Tracklist
1. Where Gods Fear to Speak (6:25) [WATCH]
2. Run From the Light (5:15)
3. Don’t Come Back From Hell Empty Handed (8:28)
4. Wish (3:53)
5. Poem of Ecstasy (6:33) [WATCH]
6. The Given Dream (3:36)
7. I Will Break the Pride of Your Will (5:27)
8. Prayer (5:03)
9. The Impermanence of Fate (6:20)
10. Wicked Game (5:26)