Oceans Of Night, The Shadowheart Mirror, 2009
Multi-instrumentalist Scott Mosher is becoming a regular here on YourMusicBlog. Not so long ago I wrote about the second Oceans Of Night album, which I liked very much. So with some help from Scott I completed his whole discography. His older solo albums are already signposts of what Oceans Of Night is. The combination of ambient keyboards and progressive metal is already showing it’s face there. But with help from singer Scott Oliva he has raised the bar.
Yet in all honesty I feel this album is a stepping stone for the Scotts. While it still holds the ideas and music Mosher stands for, it does not rival it´s successor in every department. Partly because the drums are programmed, and sound like it. Partly because in some tracks the guitars and keyboards are fighting each other, instead of adding value. This is a equalizing thing I think.
If we listen past that, we again find an album full of original ideas, competently written and performed. Variety is key, yet the guys know they need melodies and creative instrumental ideas to hold the listeners attention. And succeed, as everyone into progressive metal accepts numerous listens and not expects every track to be instant.
So another good album, and if the progression from album 1 to album 2 is a promise for the future, I personally cannot wait for the next CD to get finished.
Oceans Of Night, Domain, 2011
Domain is the second album by Oceans Of Night, the band that consists of Scott Mosher (instruments and songs) and Scott Oliva (vocals) with Alan Smithee on drums. Scott number 1 has graced these pages before and being the principal songwriter it is of little wonder that Oceans Of Night continues his solo work.
The music is best described as a hybrid of progressive metal with ambient music. And though it may sound strange, this actually works very well. In fact, the result is pretty unique and that is no mean feat in this time!
Opening with the 17 + minute epic title track, we hear everything that makes me like this CD so much: spine tingling spheres, brooding synthesiser arrangements with delicate vocal melodies in the choruses, and still enough metal guitars to satisfy that lust for riffs and fretboard pyrotechnics. Singer Scott reminds me a bit of Zak Stevens (Savatage, Circle II Circle), so rest assured that is a voice to love.
The other 9 tracks are 4 to 8 minutes long, and all display the qualities involved. The combination of styles really creates a tension that I love in music. Great playing and interesting ideas in all departments do the rest. I am quite confident that everyone into progressive metal will dig this stuff. Highly recommended!
Good thing the boys are already confident there will be a next CD in 2012, I will be looking forward to that…
New Oceans Of Night album
Aloha folks!
Just thought I’d let you know, the NEW CD by Oceans of Night (Domain) is now available through CDBABY here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/oceansofnight2
You can also drop by and surf on over to the Oceans of Night website and check it out/order it there to: http://www.oceansofnight.com.
Thanks for your time, attention and support!
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Scott Mosher | Artist. Musician. Allroundniceguy.
