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One of the most anticipated album releases this year is from California’s very own Being As An Ocean. Last year they released ‘How We Both Wondrously Perish’, an album that furthered the bands reputation for being one of the most heartfelt and passionate bands in the worldwide metal scene. Providing a stunning vocal performance from Joel Quartuccio, both with his hardcore screams, and his inspiring spoken word, whilst being supported by a host of stunning instrumental parts. This next release was going to have to be special to blow that out of the water. Challenge accepted.
I’m going to put it out there. I think this album is one of the best that we will hear this year, hands down. For those of you that have never heard of Being As An Ocean, you will be stunned. Being classed as a hardcore and metal core band, they take it to a whole new level, and one that has stunning originality. There’s nothing else like them, which is what works so well. You cannot compare, and nor should you.
Like their previous releases, Quartuccio’s vocals play a vital role in the bands originality. A stunning lyricist, whose spoken word leaves you gasping for more. On this album, we hear a lot from Michael Mcgough, lead guitar and backing vocals. His cleans throughout the album give the vocals on this album an added depth that is a level up from their previous work. Unlike their previous releases, I think this partnership between Mcgough and Quartuccio has developed to give them a much more balanced presence across their vocal roles.
Instrumentally this album seems to be a fitting step in the bands ever-developing individuality. It sounds far from what we have heard before, but it still sounds undoubtedly like Being As An Ocean. I’d say it is definitely more progressive compared to what we have heard before. A lot of riffs, and plenty of variety throughout. Something that I think they have focused on since the release of ‘Dear G-D’.
This album is frustratingly good. I had intended on suggesting a few of the top tracks from this album, but I can’t. Each holds their own, and I think they will be the sound of the summer over this year’s festival season. The album surrounds you with soundscapes, and leaves you feeling passionate and whole-hearted. It is a great listen and should definitely be listened to in its entirety, and not as singles.
Being As An Ocean… soon to be a household name, and possibly the best hardcore/metal core band around? I’d say so. This is so far from the ‘norm’ that you associate with hardcore and metal core bands, but I think it’s fair to say that they are making huge steps in separating themselves… a level above the rest.
Being As An Ocean are currently out on the Vans Warped Tour, and will be covering it in its entirety. However, for fans in the UK and Europe, they will be back later this year on the Impericon Tour 2015, alongside the mighty The Amity Affliction, Defeater, and many more. Being As An Ocean will be released in the UK on the 6th July. Whereever you are on that day, find it, buy it, stream it. Just get hold of it. You will not want to wait another second.
Review by Siôn Roe.
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