This is the seventh album from Finnish black metallers …And Oceans.
I thoroughly enjoyed 2023’s As in Gardens, so in Tombs, so I’ve been eagerly awaiting The Regeneration Journey. On their new album, …And Oceans deliver 47 minutes, (54 minutes with the bonus tracks), of their compelling black metal. Buckle up, as it’s going to be a furious ride.
The Regeneration Itinerary blends aggressive black metal, symphonic grandeur, melodic might, and an industrial edge. However, this time around the industrial aspects have been increased, as have the avant-garde influences. There’s even a death metal bite that can be felt in a few places. No, the new …And Oceans album is not a repeat of As in Gardens, so in Tombs. It’s a more experimental and avant-garde release than its predecessor, recalling earlier …And Oceans albums like A.M.G.O.D., only blended with the band’s modern capabilities. This is where the past, the present, and the future collide.
The songs are enjoyable and professionally rendered, with passionate performances from the band that lend the music an urgency. The tracks are mostly as aggressive as you would expect, but on occasion …And Oceans unleash such unexpectedly blistering brutality that it’s breathtaking; sometimes the intensity levels are ramped up to the max. Atmosphere is a key component of the album though, and this is felt almost ubiquitously across the songs. Built into the mood-focused hostility are expressive hooks and detailed substance, making for a record that is instantly impressive, but that rewards repeated spins further.
In essence, The Regeneration Itinerary offers a greater diversity than the band’s previous record. Each track takes a different direction, while still adhering to the same overall musical framework, and has strengths and assets all of its own. Across this many songs that’s no mean feat. As with the music, there’s more variation in the vocals to – screams, growls, cleans, and vocal effects, are all used in places, adding to the depth and texture of the songs. The Regeneration Itinerary excels at building absorbing atmosphere-rich soundscapes, yet also skilfully incorporates a scathing fury into this that’s as harsh as a storm.
I love black metal that’s brutal, that’s atmospheric, that takes chances, and that uses symphonic elements well – in this album, I have a collection of songs that do all of this and more.
Well, I expected something big, but I got something huge. The Regeneration Itinerary is a great record. It bridges old and new, allowing …And Oceans to flourish and put their best collective foot forward.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 