When you hear the name Oceans of Slumber, you may assume that they are a Doom Metal band from some part of the European region. One heck of a name for a band, interestingly enough, they are not from Finland, Germany, or Sweden… but instead, Houston, Texas. Surprising to learn, their roots date back over a decade now, however, it was not until 2015 (when they signed on with Century Media) that larger audiences began to take notice. Finding themselves touring Europe in 2016 with the likes of Enslaved and Ne Obliviscaris, it has been a steady path of progression forward for Oceans of Slumber since.
In short, the band has put out five studio albums to this point; 2013’s Aetherial independently, leading into four releases with Century Media Records, up into 2022’s Starlight and Ash. Looking at everything as a collective, the band has successfully created some Doom-laden Gothic Metal throughout their journey, but now they look to open another chapter in 2024 with their new album Where Gods Fear to Speak.
Their sixth overall studio album, it also marks their first with Season of Mist; which seems to be a good landing spot for the band. Here, Oceans of Slumber (Dobber Beverly on drums/piano, Semir Özerkan on bass, Alex Davis on guitar, Chris Kritikos on guitar/synth, and Cammie Beverly on vocals) can continue to get the support they need to thrive, and looking at Where Gods Fear to Speak, it seems to be working out pretty well thus far. As mentioned, this band has done exceptionally well with their emotionally-charged brand of Gothic Metal in recent years, and leading the charge through it all has been the powerful voice of Cammie Beverly. Beverly, a member of the band since 2014, has essentially become the face of Oceans of Slumber; having now recorded with them ever since 2015. One of the modern Metal world’s best kept secrets, Beverly’s presence remains equally as important ever on Where Gods Fear to Speak, but we should not overlook many other aspects.
An album where there are some new elements interjected, Where Gods Fear to Speak has the dark vibes, haunting melodies, but there is also a substantially heaviner approach in portions. Featuring more fury, there is a rich cinematic quality to the album, and as a result assist with the calm portions play off the more chaotic ones delightfully.
Rather intense, the opening title-track is truly captatively, and “Run From the Light” is quite surprising with the interjection of Moonspell’s Fernando Ribeiro. From here, there is a clear path for a journey full of twists and turns. With much to discover along the way, be sure to stop and take a closer look at songs like “The Given Dream,” “Prayer,” as well as the epic “The Impermanence of Fate.” However, you should also not overlook the cover of Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” too. Yes, it is a track many have performed by many through the years, but this rendition is well worth the time while showing the more delicate aspects of Beverly’s voice.
Overall, Where Gods Fear to Speak is a great new entry from Oceans of Slumber. It shows the band’s diversity and their forward-thinking vision to try different things. An album that should get your undivided attention, Cryptic Rock gives Where Gods Fear to Speak 4 out of 5 stars.
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