Search - Oceana :: Birth Eater

A big statement.

K. Odle | Tampa, FL | 08/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The fact that some downplayed this album because of its lyrical message is vastly disappointing.



Their debut CD The Tide was overrated at best, rehashing the same riffs throughout and recycling a style of heavy music that was innovative seven years ago and done much better by bands like Beloved and Hopesfall.



After losing their vocalist and drummer, everyone thought Oceana were done. I was surprised to see Brennan Taulbee of Comerica replacing Keith Jones' gut-shriek with a more gruff style of screaming, but after putting out a disappointing demo in 'Creations' I started to lose hope altogether.



Enter Birtheater.



This album is a monster. By that I mean it is a lot to take in at once. I came into this album with low expectations, but Oceana absolutely blew me out of the water. Between Taulbee's lyrical imagery and the dirty, grungy sound of the guitars--this album is depressing. Taking a note or two from nu-metal juggernauts like Slipknot and Mudvayne, Oceana took a sound associated with black nail polish and parachute pants and infused it with the new-school metalcore sounds of The Devil Wears Prada and Underoath creating something entirely new.



Bottom line is you need to hear this album.



If anything, this album is a 4 1/2 because of some of the production quality, but the music itself is so astonishing that I couldn't bare to rate it any lower than a 5.



In terms of heavy music, this is the album to beat.

"

Something refreshing.

Ryan Farwell | Orange Park, FL | 05/28/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was never a fan of this band before this album came out. I just stumbled upon them when I was doing some iTunes searches. Man, am I glad I discovered this album.



It's very difficult to explain their musical styling. It's not exactly hardcore, progressive rock, emo, punk, or alternative. It's a beautiful mixture of all five. I love the singers voice. His voice is very elegant, yet still has a level of intensity.



As for the production of the album, nothing to say other than "great". The instruments are all separated clearly from one another, so you can pump it up to full volume and not have one drown out the other.



Now you make ask yourself "why did he give this a 4 star review if the album is so great?" The answer is simple. While this album has tons of great hooks and keeps your attention for the most part, there are some riffs in every song that just make you tap your fingers, waiting for the music to grab your attention again. Something that doesn't happen too often, but happens nonetheless.



Overall, worth the money for the album."

Sigh

Caleb | AL | 06/13/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"It was a great day when I heard Oceana was making a new CD. but even though i was sad that Keith was no longer the front man I kept hope. "Birtheater" is such a step down from "The Tide" it's very clear they needed Keith, I'm OK with some bands growing and slightly changing their sound but this is ridiculous. I shouldnt have to get used to a band's sound, especially after the amazing CD that "The Tide" turned out to be. The new singer (when he screams) sounds as if he's singing the same song through out the entire CD, same rhythm, same pitch. it's crap to say the least. the Old oceana was one of my favorite bands, Ill still listen to "The Tide" but needless to say "Birtheater" will never be played again in my car. atleast Burden of a Day and For Today still knows how to make a CD. Heck even Burden of a Day got a new singer, but they still sound great. RIP Oceana"