Released by: Century Media
Release Date: July 21st, 2022
Genre: Doom, Gothic Metal
Links: https://oceansofslumber.com/
Line Up:
Cammie Beverly (vocals)
Xan Fernandez (guitar)
Jessie Santos (guitar)
Mathew Aleman (synth)
Semir Ozerkan (bass)
Dobber Beverly (drums and piano)
Tracklist:
1. The Waters Rising
2. Hearts of Stone
3. The Lighthouse
4. Red Forest Roads
5. The Hanging Tree
6. Salvation
7. Star Altar
8. The Spring of 21
9. Just A Day
10. House of the Rising Sun
11. The Shipbuilders Son
It’s funny how a band can much such an impact on you, in such a short time. Sometimes all it takes is one brief performance to change your life regarding a band. Whether it’s the first time you drop the needle or hit play or perhaps seeing them live, in that brief moment, your life is forever altered. That’s what happened the first time I saw Oceans of Slumber. I’m not going to rehash that story, but the first time I saw them on stage I was entranced by their sound and presence. I honestly can’t recall ever being so lost in a performance like that prior or since. I was so into it that the venue and the audience faded, and it was just the band and me. To say I became a fan that night would be a total understatement. And I only got to see them play one song that evening.
Oceans of Slumber is back with a new album, Starlight, and Ash, and continue to release some of the most compelling music out there. They’re not what you would call your typical Metal band, but honestly, I don’t feel like that was ever their intention. Since The Banished Heart, the band has taken on a much darker, gothic style to their decidedly Progressive sound. There is no denying that the main draw to Oceans of Slumber is without a doubt the stunning voice of Cammie Beverly (congrats on the nuptials to Dobber by the way!) I can think of no singer with as much power and emotion in their voice as Cammie. She can say more with a handful of vocals than most can say within a whole song. She’s got the soulful power to take you to church as well as the demonic power to take you to hell, with equal aplomb. However, Oceans of Slumber isn’t just a voice. The musicianship is as equally powerful as the voice. The musical soundscapes painted are haunting, dark, and evoke emotions as strongly as the voice. Tracks like “The Lighthouse,” “Salvation,” “Just A Day,” “Star Altar,” and the brilliant cover of The Animals “House of the Rising Son (and I promise you will never hear this song the same way again) Oceans of Slumber assure the listener that they must listen to what they have to say.
Starlight and Ash from Oceans of Slumber is not an album that should be stifled by naysayers that are trapped by stupid notions of what is or is not heavy. You will be hard-pressed to find an album as truly heavy emotionally as this one. This is an album that has music that should not be stifled. This is not just an album of glorious music, but a transcendental experience of emotion and passion; of voice and notes that will transport your soul to new places you never thought possible.
Written by: Chris Martin
Ratings: 10/10
Editors Pick 
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