…And Oceans – As In Gardens, So In Tombs
…And Oceans – As In Gardens, So In Tombs
Season Of Mist Records
Release Date: 27/01/2023
Running Time: 58:27
Review by Richard Oliver
8/10
The return of …And Oceans was a big and very pleasant surprise when they reformed in 2017. The Finnish band initially formed in 1995 and released two very well received Melodic and Symphonic Black Metal albums – “The Dynamic Gallery Of Thoughts” in 1998 and “The Symmetry Of I, The Circle Of O” in 1999. When it came to the release of their third album “A.M.G.O.D.” in 2001 the band drastically altered their sound to an Industrial and Electronic style of Metal. This style remained for follow up “Cypher” in 2002 before the band decided to change their name to Havoc Unit and then disbanded after the release of a solitary album under this moniker. Then after a few years of silence, …And Oceans returned with a mix of old and new members but with a return to their original Black Metal sound as heard of their 2020 comeback album “Cosmic World Mother”.
With the difficult comeback album out of the way and with a fantastic response from the Metal community, it was time for a follow-up, and this comes in the form of “As In Gardens, So In Tombs” and sees the band remain with the big, Melodic and Symphonic Black Metal sound that was heard on its predecessor. It is a deft mixture of ferocity and melody, with hints of melancholy. Songs such as ‘Carried On Lead Wings’, ‘Cloud Heads’ and ‘Inverse Magnification Matrix’ see the band perfectly mix that sense of melody and extremity though you also have songs such as ‘Likt Törnen Genom Kött’ and ‘The Earth Canvas’ which are some of the most melodic the band have produced with some absolutely stunning melodies. The Symphonic side of the band is still prevalent though the keyboards are only ever really used in the background or to provide an interlude. There are moments where more electronic keyboard sounds are used, throwing back to the band’s Electronic / Industrial era but again these are not a prevalent part of the album’s sound.
“As In Gardens, So In Tombs” is an album that follows on from its predecessor but builds upon what really worked on “Cosmic World Mother” and surpasses it being a far more well-rounded, organic and melodic record but the extra levels of melody prevalent do not detract from the heavy and extreme sound of the album. If you enjoy melody in your Black Metal then this album is definitely one that should be on your listening list.
‘Likt Törnen Genom Kött’ Official Audio
TRACKLISTING:
01. As In Gardens, So In Tombs
02. The Collector And His Construct
03. Within Fire And Crystal
04. Carried On Lead Wings
05. Likt Törnen Genom Kött
06. Cloud Heads
07. Wine Into Water
08. Inverse Magnification Matrix
09. The Earth Canvas
10. Ambivalent God
11. Samlarens Valv
12. Third Eye Catalyst
LINE-UP:
Timo Kontio – Guitar
Mathias Lillmåns – Vocals
Teemu Saari – Guitar
Pyry Hanski – Bass
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Richard Oliver and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.