Oceans of Slumber : 's/t"

Not sure why I waited four albums in to check this band out. Right from the first song I like what is going on. When the male death metal growls come in they sound more along the lines of every progressive death metal band, so it's Cammie Gilber's voice that gives it a more distinct sound. "Pray For Fire" wanders more . Yes, her voice is soulful, but they do not lock into melodies that have hooks in them. The vocals are way to far up in the mix by the time we get to what would be the chorus. The guitars need to be louder in the mix and have more punch. The death metal part to this song is more predictable. " A Return to the Earth Below" is more interesting, but the vocal layering still feels like karaoke. Her lyrics and melodies on this song are more upbeat and positive than what I feel makes metal.

They kick into " the Adorned Fathomless Creation" as a death metal band. Her vocals kind of drift in. Not a dramatic change in the formula that seems to be in place. She sings really well on " To the Sea" but is more likea gospel song than any definition of metal . Mick from Antimatter lends his voice to " Colors of Grace" which is well done from every angle with very tasteful guitar playing dancing around their melancholy melodies/. Things eventually get heavier on " I Mourn These Yellowed Leave" . At this point in time I am wondering where the doom comparisons of these guys ever came from . The piano interlude doesn't do much for me. The symphonic death metal kicks in on " Total Failure Apparatus ". Her soulful vocals do break it up a bit , but the rapid double bass flourishes make things feel like atypical dark metal. At that point it does not feel as heavy as death metal. The vocals might be a little to dramatic and Mariah Carey in its acrobatics, that is without the shrill head register. But not focused on a solid melody.

I am always going to be conflicted about Type O Negative covers, as they are one of my favorite bands so its like they are sacred. They do a good job with this. Obviously, she is a totally differ style singer than Peter she can't come close to getting down to him most of his notes . I will give this album a 8.5 , enjoyed the listens I gave it not sure if it is something I will return to much , but if you are into very melodic metal like say Daylight Dies with female vocals then this might be what you are looking for.