Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
The Ocean
Title
Aeolian
Type
LP/EP
Company
Metal Blade
YOR
2006
Style
Heavy/Extreme
6/2/2006 - Review by: Veritas
The Ocean - Aeolian - 2006 - Metal Blade Records

Track Listing
1. The City in the Sea
2. Dead Serious & Highly Professional
3. Austerity
4. Killing the Flies
5. Une Saison En Efer
6. Necrobabes.com
7. One with the Ocean
8. Swoon
9. Queen of the Food Chain
10.Inertia
Hailing from Germany, The Ocean is probably one of the most unique bands in the metal world today. They combine the sludgy/hardcore riffs of groups like Cult of Luna with innovative and sometimes bizarre ambient and symphonic effects. Anchored around songwriter/guitarist Robin Staps, the band uses an array of different musicians, both in the studio and live. For example, on “Aeolian,” no less than six different vocalists are used. Most notable among these is Nate Newton of Converge and Thomas Hallbom of Breach. Together the six provide a great variety in aggressive vocals from song to song, ranging from the deepest of growls to the highest of shrieks. Vocal variety, however, is only one of the many factors that make “Aeolian” a great album.

The best term to describe The Ocean’s music is chaos – but chaos with a surprising amount of planning, order, and organization. While on the first few listen it may seem that riffs are thrown almost randomly together like, say, Between the Buried and Me operate, after getting to know each song intimately distinct patterns emerge. The fact that most of the songs on “Aeolian” take a while to figure out makes them that much more enjoyable once the mind can fully wrap around them. In addition, vocal variety completes an already potent formula. I keep mentioning this factor, but it really contributes a lot of “Aeolian.” On “Une Saison En Efer,” for example, almost spoken shouts introduce the song, to be almost instantly replaces by harsh, bellowing screams. This kind of contrast keeps the listener at the edge of their seat – they never know what to expect next.

Fans of extreme and non-extreme metal alike must check out “Aeolian.” Their musical creativity is almost, but not quite, overshadowed by the vast array of vocalists found on the disc. I can’t possibly imagine any human being not being entertained by The Ocean’s unique approach to music.

8.5/10


--Veritas 05.26.06
  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: THE OCEAN
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Aeolian
2006
Metal Blade
Veritas6/2/2006
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: THE OCEAN
INTERVIEW INTERVIEWER DATE TAGLINE


<< back >>