Domain is
the second release for the dynamic Oceans of Night. Started as a solo project by lead guitarist
and keyboardist Scott Mosher, Oceans of Night is now a full-fledged band after
adding Scott Oliva as the lead vocalist with the drums and percussion being
handled by “the musical enigma” Alan Smithee.
The unique sound is something that will become engrained after a few
listens. With the musical ingredients of
“20 lbs. of crushing heavy metal, 10 lbs. of guitar-driven
hard rock, a progressive approach to rhythmic meter and song composition, mixed
with 32 oz. of ambient/trance music, add a dash of electronic new age, and a
dose of pop music sensibility... shake, stir, and imbibe,” Domain is an album that begs to be experienced.
The
opener “Domain” is first track to end all first tracks. The beginning is
ambient and otherworldly building up anticipation for the rest of the song, and
the rest of the album as well. The bar
is set high with this seventeen minute plus epic. The booming drums work to build up the
excitement before the other instruments jump into the fray. Around the halfway point of the song, the
tempo slows down as if the song is recharging because it starts to build
back-up again. Also, there is a certain
power in the vocals like a majestic quality as if he is singing down and imparting
knowledge to the listener.
The synth
opening with guitar and drums on “Don’t Look to Me” makes for an interesting
melodic sound, one of the many sounds featured on the album. It is musically different from the previous
song, which is a good sign by mixing things up and keeping the music fresh as
the album progresses. “Dreams in
Artificial Sunlight” is heavier on the music than the vocals and the results
are fantastic. At the mid point of the
album, “Divisions in Time” focuses more on the ambient side of the music scale
while mixing with some hard rocking.
“Seven
Days of Rains” keeps the mix of genres coming.
The opening takes the title literally with sounds of life and
nature. It makes one feel like spending
some time in nature and not many songs can give out that feeling. “The View to You” is semi-epic love song
clocking in at over eight minutes, which would usually be considered a long
song, but not on an album where it is only half the running time of the
longest. The beginning sports some nice
hard rock before quieting down and becomes more harmonious. The vocals really shine on this one, as well,
as they soar above the music.
“Instruments
of Fear” is an exciting and invigorating instrumental. The guitars come out blazing and there is definitely
more of the rock/metal vibe from this song. With its surreal sound, “The Future
Remembered” is almost dream-like in quality really. The whole song is like a
dark lullaby. “Ghosts of the Past” is a nice cap-off by demonstrating
everything that has made album a joy to listen to.
Oceans
of Night’s Domain is a triumph of the
imagination and musical ingenuity. It is
one album that certainly should not be passed over, as this is not your usual
progressive band. It is sure to thrill
lovers of rock and progressive sounds from all of the solar system.
4.5/5 Stars
Key
Tracks: Domain, Dreams in Artificial Sunlight, Instruments of Fear, The Future
Remembered
Brian McKinnon
March 8, 2012
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