“Now I’m left with a sense of uncertainty. Is this all that’s meant for me?”
Hailing from Manchester, Where Oceans Burn join the wave of exciting newcomer bands to hit the UK metalcore scene. The quartet consists of lead vocalist Alex Wilkinson, guitarist-vocalist Ross Coey, guitarist Ben Charleston, and drummer Calum Osbaldiston. Making their foray into the scene from 2019-2020 before entering a state of absence, they made their return mid-2022, paving the road to their upcoming EP, The Faces We Portray.
Where Oceans Burn put their own spin on the current wave of drop-tuned, djenty style of progressive metalcore, taking hold of their niches to rise above the turgid oversaturation of the style in recent years. Dark synths usher in the EP on opener “AI”, evolving into a set of groovy chugs. “Dysmorphia” follows, led by an infectiously bouncy main riff as Wilkinson’s ferocious screams channel a sense of despair. As the track title suggests, themes of loss of identity and self-loathing are brazenly on display. The drum tone utilized by Osbaldiston is sharp and punchy, providing a sweet spot contrast to the lower-tuned guitars. With an atmosphere and polish quite reminiscent of George Lever’s usual style, it is impressive that the EP is self-produced.
With ten56.’s Aaron Matts as a feature on “Static”, one might assume that this is the heavy-hitter of the record. While it has a hefty chunk to it and Matts’ signature aggressive vocals add a lot to its aggression, the track is remarkably balanced with its soaring chorus, provided by Coey, proving, as with “Dysmorphia“, that the band can tackle both melodic and assaultive soundscapes with equal capability; they blend provides a tasteful dichotomy, helping each track to stand out.
Employing a filthy, djenty riff on a 6/8 time signature, “Manifest” is a menacing track. With open, spacey sections in the verses, the track is a satisfying ebb and flow, eventually culminating into a show-stopping breakdown. Follow-up track “Euphoria” returns the EP to a more melodic route, with Charleston displaying his prowess in the intro with an ambient tremolo lead paired with djent chugs. Coey’s vocals smoothly carry the verses and chorus, with Wilkinson’s harsh vocals punctuating the track at the right times. Although constructed on the same foundation, the group are able to vary the elements of the sound; from the groovy riffs to the more melodic leads, and crafting ambient and electronic soundscapes, the emotions on display across the EP are far from one-note.
Closer “Caught Between The Grave And Yesterday” concludes The Faces We Portray on its most cinematic and melancholic note. The longest of all the tracks, it lays heavily into the ambience in a solemn reflection on regret. Detailing the loss of a complicated relationship, there is a conflicted sorrow in the words on the song, and Mirza Radonjica‘s (of Siamese fame) delivery of the second verse is an excellent inclusion to push the melodic nature of the track. As the EP ends on a bendy, groovy breakdown, Wilkinson desperately cries out, “Haunt me till the day I die, say you’ll always be by side.”
There’s a certain vulnerability on display, as the release touches on rather personal topics, and these are achieved with an array of explored and delicately handled emotions, matching the rather poetic quality to its title. The Faces We Portray is a satisfying and exciting new beginning for Where Oceans Burn, and they have an exciting tenure ahead as they continue to develop their already steady foundation.
8/10
The Faces We Portray releases on the 9th of February via Prime Collective, and pre-order merch for the EP can be found here.