Oceans Ate Alaska – ‘Lost Isles’

Metalcore five-piece Oceans Ate Alaska have done incredibly well in the last few months. Late 2014 saw them sign a record deal with the prestigious Fearless Records, whilst landing tours alongside metalcore heavy weights, such as The Color Morale and The Word Alive – and they’re not quite allowed to rest on their laurels. Not only are they currently getting ready to hit the road again with Chelsea Grin and Veil of Maya, but Oceans Ate Alaska have also found the time to record their upcoming debut album ‘Lost Isles’; a 45 minute album packed with monolithic riffs, it’s going to go down a treat for all fans of progressive, technical metalcore.

‘Fourthirtytwo’ is a rather uncomfortable opening track; various news reports have been mashed together to create a radio-like opener, creating a tense and electric atmosphere, before launching into the furious ‘Blood Brothers’. They blend raw, visceral riffs and frenetic drumwork to create an ear-catching mix of their progressive technicality and infectious metalcore. Tracks like ‘Downstairs’ and ‘Over the Edge’ contain a mash of guttural screams, squeaky clean vocals that wouldn’t look too out of place on a pop-punk album, and gang vocals – all reminiscent of acts such as Memphis May Fire and Alesana.

Oceans Ate Alaska are simply unforgiving, as they continue through with the atmospheric ‘Equinox’ before giving way to ‘Part Of Something’, a brutal track that is absolutely huge. And when you peel away those frantic, fierce riffs, the lyrics are brutally honest, and evoke plenty of emotion. “Where were you?” from ‘Floorboards’ is simple yet effective, giving life to what can be seen as rather painful feelings.

Standout track ‘Sharks and Vultures’ is one that will surely decimate venues across the world. It’s full of sing-along choruses and relentless riffs that make this a solid track, while ‘Mirage’ is a solid end to this album; clocking in at just over 6 minutes, it’s a heart-wrenching opening with “Everything reminds me of you”, and builds into an absolute storming track, ending with plenty of adrenaline and energy.

It’s very easy to tar Oceans Ate Alaska with the same brush of, “They sound like every other metalcore band out there”. And to some extent, yes, it’s true. But on the other hand, they’re a bunch of extremely talented lads that have poured their passion and energy into this creation. So, before you pigeon-hole them, maybe take the time out to actually sit and listen to this band, and what they have to offer.

JESS TAGLIANI