Prepare to be engulfed in the murky depths of doom as OCEANLORD, the Australian trio, unleashes their debut album “Kingdom Cold.” Emerging from the southern oceans, this eldritch masterpiece is a testament to their mastery of psych, doom, and stoner music.
From the very first notes, OCEANLORD envelops you in a dense sonic tapestry, where frying guitars and thick fuzz combine to create a delectable doom sound. The album’s songs traverse a spectrum of tempos, ranging from slow and brooding to mid-tempo with occasional bursts of energy. Drawing influences from the American, British, and Swedish schools of thought, their clean vocals add a distinctive touch, leaning towards the haunting melodies of the latter.
However, there’s something more sinister lurking beneath the surface of “Kingdom Cold.” OCEANLORD skillfully infuses an extra layer of darkness into their tracks, evoking a sense of foreboding, madness, and unspeakable horrors. Inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and the horror genre, they carve their own unique path within the doom landscape, setting them apart from their peers.
Formed in 2019 in Melbourne, OCEANLORD’s unlikely union of diverse musical backgrounds creates a potent blend. Bassist Jason Ker, guitarist and singer Peter Willmott, and drummer Jon May channel their collective experiences into crafting primal and ponderous compositions. Their shared passion for slow and heavy music led them to embrace the cathartic embrace of stoner doom.
Recorded during Melbourne’s pandemic lockdown, “Kingdom Cold” unveils a monstrous record that delves into even darker depths. OCEANLORD’s ability to transcend boundaries and explore new territories within the doom genre is truly commendable. Prepare to be captivated by their sludgy riffs, enveloped by their atmospheric melodies, and transported to realms of darkness previously unexplored.
OCEANLORD’s debut album is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of doom music. “Kingdom Cold” is a captivating journey into the abyss, an invitation to embrace the depths of doom and revel in its haunting allure. Open your ears and succumb to the hypnotic power of OCEANLORD’s all-encompassing sound.
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Released by Magnetic Eye Records on May 26, 2023
Music source for review – Bandcamp