Oceanwake´s debut album “Kingdom” gathered positive, in some cases even raving reviews. It captured very well the essence of their formative years, when they naturally were a new band in search of their own form of expression. In retrospect, “Kingdom” was a compilation of very diverse songs that the band managed to turn into a coherent album. This time around, with their forthcoming album “Sunless”, the songwriting is far more together but not any less adventurous. Its four lengthy and dynamic compositions are performed in an inspired and versatile manner. And when this is combined with the crystal clear, flawless engineering and production - courtesy of Korpiklaani mainman Jonne Järvelä - it is safe to say that anyone who appreciates an organic full-length album should buy a copy, and give it the undivided time and focus it deserves. Oceanwake was established five years ago in a tiny and idyllic Finnish coastal town called Luvia, where all the musicians were born in. Though everyone has since moved away from the town, the somewhat eccentric and unique spirit of Luvia is still strongly present in their music. It is quite apparent that Oceanwake draws from a wide variety of influences, be it the music, the lyrics or the album artwork - not to mention their live show which features a podium for the vocalist, situated upstage next to the drummer. But what’s more important, they have succeeded in mixing all the ingredients so perfectly that it’s almost impossible to find a specific genre to file them under. There is an indescribable twist in their approach to metal music that it keeps the focus on the music instead of “metal”. It’s melodic, fragile and soothing at one moment but raw, relentless and downright frightening at another. Like a hovering mist on a placid shore in contrast with a raging storm that sweeps across the ocean.
