Album Review: Oceanhoarse - Dead Reckoning
Reviewed by Paul Hutchings
Bringing a savage combination of metalcore, thrash and nu-metal, Finnish outfit Oceanhoarse focus very much on the modern metal style. There are many influences buried within their sound, tipping the nod to Trivium, Whitechapel and even Machine Head in parts.
With their debut album ‘The Damage Is Done - LIVE!’ released in 2020, the Helsinki outfit return with a savage, aggressive and anthemic release that is full of rabid, angry riffs, screaming roars that contrast with clean singing and a thick, heavy groove. I understand that the band have gained traction featured on the soundtrack to the video game ‘Wreckfest’, with some phenomenal streaming figures.
I’ll admit to being impressed by the band’s energetic sound, although their rather generic sound doesn’t really press the buttons for me. It’s heavy alright, with songs including ‘Betrayed by Light’ containing a raw yet well crafted element. Pinching the riff to Madness song ‘Baggy Trousers’ on ‘Reach Skyward’ is no doubt unintentional but it’s there front and centre. Probably the only time the Camden Town Ska funsters will ever feature in a review I write.
In the 44 minutes that comprise ‘Dead Reckoning’, Oceanhorse transcend several genres, although it’s the metalcore that seems to be the dominant force. ‘Fight For Tomorrow’ pulses with passion and power, vocalist Joonas Kosonen at times echoing the late Alexi Laiho circa early noughties Bodom. Being a countryman of Kosonen, it’s unsurprising that the influence is there. Closing track ‘The Damage’ is a huge track, and will no doubt incite much action in the live arena.
It may not be my cup of tea, but if you like the modern metal style which seems to dominate at certain levels these days, this is an album that you’ll want to get your teeth into because it is one meaty beast.
