So earlier this week I created a new rule about the music I listen to during a run. The rule is the music should be more often than not Prog Rock! The reason many-sided. First there’s a lot of music and fewer vocals, so I don’t have to listen and determine what the lyrics are, instead I can just let the music wash over me. Secondly, there are lots of tempo changes that allow me to speed up and slow down at varying points during the run! Thursday night was the first night I implemented the rule, and the run went pretty well, partly because it was a cool night, and the music from a new Progressive Rock band from Chicago – Oceanborn. Their debut release Hidden From The World was the soundtrack for the run and based on what I heard, I think that you’ll be hearing more about the band! The music was a combination of good vocals, outstanding playing and songwriting! When I was first deciding on new music for the run, I read this about the album at New Prog Releases
The album displays technical musicianship, catchy songwriting and polished production in an 11 track/hour-long package. After the first listen, it is clear that the songs appeal to a vast audience. They have moments of technical prog mastery, moments of pop-rock sing-along catchiness and moments of soft ballad-esque moodiness all atop a foundation of heavy metal. The band’s sound incorporates a blend of alternative rock, progressive rock, classical, jazz & latin into their heavy metal compositions. Many songs include strong dynamic shifts in feeling and/or genre blending.
Oceanborn was formed by Christopher Lee, Dominick Camillo & Lance Ferrell in 2010, on their Facebook page they write that their music….
….incorporates a blend of alternative rock, progressive rock, classical, jazz & latin into their heavy metal compositions. Many songs include strong dynamic shifts in feeling and/or genre blending. Thus far, the guitars and piano have been the driving force for the instrumentation, often with strings and synthesizers providing an extra layer. The dramatic nature of the lyrical concepts compliment the musical landscapes very well.
and…
“It was our initial goal to make a record that represented our influences, maintained a modern heavy metal sound and incorporated Lance’s unique vocal style. I believe we definitely accomplished that and more!” – Dominick Camillo (guitarist, producer)
The cool thing the band has done is to release Hidden From The World for streaming online for free!! The reason being, as a new band, the most important thing to them is that future fans hear, enjoy, and share their music with friends!
After you’ve checked out the music, you can visit their merch page and pick up the DIGIPAK CD & Lyric Booklet, oe if you’d rather you can buy the digital downloads at Amazon.com or iTunes! You can also preview the album via the Exclusive Web Comic at the band’s website.
Here’s “Of Despair” from Hidden from the World….