Between Oceans – Renaissance
Release Date: 22nd October 2021
Label: Prime Collective
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Genre: Metalcore, Progressive Metal.
FFO: ERRA, Polaris, Crooked Royals, Ghost Iris.
Review By: Tyler Sharkey
Lurking in the Danish metal underground since their formation in 2015, the quintet known as Between Oceans are no strangers to the rollercoaster ride that comes with band life. Over the years they’ve had some major high points like sharing the stage with big names such as Ghost Iris and Cold Black while also celebrating the success of their debut ep, Oxymoron in 2018. However, extreme highs often pair with extreme lows and unfortunately, the group has spent the last two years on hiatus, losing members, replacing one, and spending a lot of time writing and rewriting all new material. Now, Between Oceans are ready to start anew and show the world exactly what they’re all about with their first full length album, appropriately named, Renaissance.
Giving us nine of some of the most exhilarating tracks metalcore has to offer, Between Oceans debut album, Renaissance, proves that while they’re relatively new to the scene, the band have come to play with the very best. The album warms up steadily with an instrumental intro, getting the blood flowing while preparing you for the intensity that’s about to be unleashed. The first tracks with vocals, Legacy and Oblivion, hit hard and fast with bouncy guitar riffs as ferocious screams ensue. Sing-along choruses, as well as some massive breakdowns can also be found here giving you a general idea of the bands overall sound and style. Just as you think you have them all figured out though, Between Oceans switch gears, showing their softer side with the albums single, Signal. Placed perfectly in the middle of the track list, the beautiful melodies and harmonies played here pull you in like a siren’s song before hitting you with arguably the catchiest chorus on the record. Instant earworm. As good as this song is though, in my opinion, Between Oceans saved the absolute best for last. The latter half of Renaissance takes the best of the first and steers it in an even heavier and more technical direction. Songs like, Breaking Point boarder on the edge of deathcore at times with face-smashing breakdowns, technical guitars, and nasty gutturals while tracks like outro, In Your Eyes dance with melody and shred, ending the album strongly and leaving the listener more than satisfied.
I have very little criticism for Between Oceans and Renaissance. I wouldn’t mind hearing them experiment a little bit more on the next release, especially vocally, but in a genre that’s just as oversaturated as the next they do a decent job of standing out. I hear a ton of unlocked potential on this album and the high energy and musicianship won’t be easy for anyone to ignore. I think it will open a lot of doors for the band and I personally can’t wait to hear more from them. See what Renaissance is all about on October 22nd.
(5 / 5)
