Oceans of Slumber – Where Gods Fear to Speak (Review)

This is the sixth album from US progressive metallers Oceans of Slumber.

After releasing two very well-received albums of progressive metal in 2018’s The Banished Heart and 2020’s self titled album, Oceans of Slumber surprised many by adopting more of a hard rock approach on 2022’s Starlight and Ash. Although ultimately I naturally prefer their heavier more metallic material, it was still an accomplished album worthy of anyone’s time. With new record Where Gods Fear to Speak now on the horizon, what do Oceans of Slumber bring us in 2024? Let’s find out.

Where Gods Fear to Speak contains 56 minutes of new music, (including a Chris Isaak cover), and finds Oceans of Slumber back using their full sonic range. Across the album the band deliver a feast of progressive metal, ripe with doom, death, black, and Gothic metal influences. Consequently, Where the Gods Fear to Speak is a heavier, more metal album than its predecessor, and in many ways is a more natural successor to Oceans of Slumber than Starlight and Ash was. The songs have a renewed sense of aggression and love of meaty guitars, but without watering down the band’s strengths when it comes to feeling and mood. The latter aspects have been bolstered by the approach taken on Starlight and Ash, making Where Gods Fear to Speak one of the band’s most well-rounded records to date.

Despite the more metallic approach, this is still a collection of songs where deep atmosphere is crafted with ease, and where the band make a point of writing songs with an emphasis on an absorbing emotive presence. The album is diverse and offers up a multifaceted journey, a tapestry of sound and feeling to be explored at length.

Alive and vibrant with progressive flourishes and intricate detailing, the songs are well-written and executed, delivering music that stays with you long after it has finished. It’s not a record of instant catchiness, (although it certainly makes a very positive impression), but rather one with potent hooks that are fully revealed over time. In this way, the melodies, vocals, and depth of songwriting can properly weave their magic to the best effect.

It’s hard to pick a favourite or highlights, but what I will say is that the album ends, (apart from the cover song), on a massive high, with the imposing The Impermanence of Fate. Moving from majestic doom, to blackened fury, to emotive energetic metal, to a gracefully delicate finale, it’s a top song to beat.

All aspects of the music are professionally wrought from high quality materials, but I feel compelled to mention the keyboards and piano in particular. Their contribution is frequently subtle and understated, but absolutely shouldn’t be underestimated.

The singer of Oceans of Slumber has a fantastic voice that once again is used impressively throughout. Her vocals are heartfelt, emotive, powerful, evocative, and richly performed. She also unleashes some daemonic death growls on this record too, which I wasn’t expecting, but are great to hear. She’s occasionally backed by harsh vocals from the band’s bassist, who compliments her voice well. There are also two guest appearances, from the singers of Dark Tranquillity and Moonspell, with the former in particular adding value beyond that of your average token guest slot.

I have to say I’m extremely happy with Where Gods Fear to Speak. It’s a stellar album, packed with the highest quality doom-drenched progressive metal, and rich in depth and feeling. The songs are great, and there’s a lot of longevity here to be had.

Essential listening.