The Ocean
Precambrian

By Max Deneau

Having established a name for themselves with 2006’s Aeolian, the Ocean have clearly set out to leave a permanent scar on the face of all things metal and/or hardcore affiliated. Separated into two discs, one being a 22-minute slugfest of chaotic noisecore, the other pushing past the hour mark and showcasing a more dynamic approach, there is no shortage of diverse, engaging material. The first disc doesn’t differ all that much from their last effort, although the songs are more stripped-down and focused. It’s the second half where the group’s full range of influences and fearless genre marauding come out to shine. Featuring a broad instrumental palette and the contribution of several vocalists, everything from the grimiest sludge to dreamy, meandering ambient is covered, delivered fluidly and effortlessly. Despite a slightly flat-lined production, particularly on the heavier material, the self-proclaimed “collective” pander to none and are dragging progressive heavy music kicking and screaming into the new year. (Metal Blade)

Tombs - Tombs
The term “prodigious” seems like an understatement when referring to Tombs. Formed in late 2007 (yes, just a few months ago), this project by former Anodyne/Versoma guitarist Mike Hill, the Heuristic drummer Justin Ennis and Speedloader bassist Dominic Seita has already released an eponymous seven-s ...Read More
Ayreon - 01011001
Bless The Fallen - The Eclectic Sounds Of A City Painted Black and White
Brown Jenkins - Dagonite
Burning Witch - Crippled Lucifer
Collapsar - Integers
Denialfiend - They Rise
The Dischrod of a Forgotten Sketch - Improv Session
Dodsfred - Cursing Your Will to Live
Edelveiss - Edelveiss
Electric Wizard - Witchcult Today
Endstille - Endstilles Reich
Enemy of the Sun - Shadows
Envy - Abyssal
Exalted - We Are the Grim Throng
Exit-13 - High Life!
For The Fallen Dreams - Changes
Gamma Ray - Land of the Free II
Gorgoroth - Under The Sign Of Hell
Gwen Stacey - The Life I Know
Helgrind - Fallen Prophet EP
Here I Come Falling - Oh Grave Where Is Thy Victory
The Huguenots - Discography
Impaled - The Last Gasp
Infected Malignity - RE;BEL
Isole - Bliss of Solitude
Jonin - The Secret
Lizzy Borden - Appointment with Death
Memphis May Fire - Memphis May Fire
Memphis May Fire - Memphis May Fire
Mumakil - Customized Warfare
Nifelheim - Envoy of Lucifer
Nightmare - Genetic Disorder
The Ocean - Precambrian
Opeth - The Roundhouse Tapes
Opeth - The Roundhouse Tapes
Orthodox - Amaneer en Puerta Oscura
Pagan's Mind - God's Equation
Paths of Possession - The End of the Hour
Primordial - To The Nameless Dead
Pulling Teeth - Martyr Immortal
Puscifer - V Is For Vagina
Robots And Empire - Omnivore
Satan's Host - Burning The Born Again ( A New Philosophy)
Severe Torture - Sworn Vengeance
Shipwreck A.D. - Abyss
Sodom - The Final Sign Of Evil
Steel Assassin - War Of The Eight Plagues
Sweet Cobra - Forever
Tiles - Fly Paper
Too Pure To Die - Confidence and Consequence
Too Pure To Die - Confidence and Consequence
Wildildlife - Six
Wolfpack Unleashed - Anthems of Resistance
So, picture this: the thinking person's Southern rock band that combine the funk of New Orleans, the musical skills of jazz fusion pioneers Weather Report and the sweetest singing and songwriting this side of Lucinda Williams. Well, that about sums up Little Feat, circa 1977, when this concert was f... Full Review
On his second album, Unbalance, 2562 continues to fuse genres and theories about rhythmic persuasion. Less atmospheric than his highly acclaimed avant-dub-step debut, this new disc further showcases 2562's unerring sense of swing. Though he denies any intentional influences from Africa... Full Review
Gurpreet "The Tabla Guy" Chana combines a deep knowledge of Indian classical music and a lifetime of Canadian musical experiences into a unique approach to percussion. He is both a spellbinding solo performer and a consummate collaborator. Raised in Hamilton, now residing in Toronto, Chana's tabla education began at age three. He relates a time-honoured musical starting point, albeit with specific cultural resonance.... Read More
Social Networking
• Be our friend on MySpace
• Be our fan on Facebook
Tweet us on twitter
Viewing the February 2008 Issue: Contents PageNewsClick Hear • Articles --> On the Cover  •  Front Five  •  Points  •  Questionnaire  •  Readers Poll  •  Release Dates  •  Timeline  •  Videogames  •  Web Exclusives • Music Reviews --> Recently Reviewed  •  Aggressive Tendencies  •  Beats & Rhymes  •  Destination Out  •  Frequencies  •  No Future  •  Pop Rocks  •  Wood, Wires & Whiskey  •  Concert Reviews • Motion Reviews --> Recently Reviewed  •  Dvd Reviews  •  Film Reviews  •  Music DVD Reviews  •  Videogame Reviews • Music School --> Label Life  •  Meet & Greet  •  Need to Know  •  Where I play Contests • Contact --> About Us  • Advertising  • Distribution  • Getting Reviewed  • Getting Published  • Letters To The Editor  • Partnerships  • Subscriptions • Exclaim! Radio --> Aggressive Tendencies Radio  • Beats & Rhymes Radio  • Frequencies Radio  • Destination Out Radio  • Groove Radio  • No Future Radio  • Pop Rocks Radio  • Wood, Wires & Whiskey Radio Exclaim! TV • Home & Latest Issue Browse Issues