Saturday, 4 November 2017

Dark Ocean Society - The Abyss Stares With You (Album Review)


Release date: October 27th 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

The Abyss Stares With You - Tracklisting

1.The Twilight Kingdom 08:31
2.The Doorway 06:01
3.Outer Psych 08:04
4.Clockwork Corridors 05:17
5.Depths Below 07:16
6.Artificial Life 04:12
7.Pieces of Time 08:01

Members

Chirs Tedor - Everything

Review

The Abyss Stares With You is the new album from solo-multi instrumentalist – Chris Tedor under the guise of Dark Ocean Society. This is the 3rd album from Dark Ocean Society and is a more Progressive Doom/Stoner Metal offering compared to the bands previous albums.

Speaking to Chris over the last few weeks, he had this to say about the album - “I was heavily inspired by Cult of Luna's album "Vertikal" and was listening to possibly too much Tool when writing this.

I tried to write an album that reflects the uncertainty of modern living and the social isolation everybody is experiencing despite being so “connected.” People are walking around unhappy and don’t really know why and this album is for them.”

The album is very dark and progressive in places with the Stoner Metal sounds being drowned out by heavy experimental and electronic noises. Opening track - The Twilight Kingdom – does take time to find it's groove and settle into a more confident rhythm. Once it does, the album moves into a more doom and gloom environment. The instrumental work is very good and shows what an accomplished musician Chris actually is.

This is perhaps Chris most confident and daring album to date. As he takes a lot of risks on this album with not only the music but also the dark lyrical content that his held on the album. The album moves into different areas of genres and the album is never dull but keeping you entertained throughout.

As Chris stated he was influenced by Cult Of Luna and Tool when recording this album and you can feel that on different tracks on the album. Especially with The Doorway, Outer Psych, Depths Below and Pieces Of Time.

This album won't be for everyone but if you're in the mood for an experimental style of Doom/Stoner Metal that leaves you with more questions than answers then this album is possibly for you.

The production is to lo-fi at times and that affects the vocals on certain parts of the album. It's on a minor complaint on an otherwise fantastic and thought-provoking album.

Words by Steve Howe

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