“Your life’s the only price you had to pay.”
Oceano are a band that requires no introduction for seasoned deathcore fans. Bursting into the MySpace deathcore scene with debut album Depths in 2009, the Illinois deathcore veterans are responsible for some of my favorite releases in the genre, such as the infectiously djenty Ascendants and the aforementioned celebrated debut. In 2017, however, following the release of Revelation, no new music would surface under the Oceano flag until 2022’s acclaimed single “Mass Produced”, a track that was as absurdly heavy as it was sonically interesting with a newly renewed focus on technicality and melody that hadn’t been present since the Depths and Contagion era. These elements have become mainstays with the long awaited upcoming full-length Living Chaos, which positions Oceano to reclaim the throne of deathcore’s most formidable driving force.
For Living Chaos, Oceano teamed up with veteran metalcore producer Joey Sturgis, who might seem an unconventional choice for this genre. Nevertheless, Living Chaos features one of the most impressive production efforts I’ve encountered in a modern deathcore release. All elements on display are perfectly balanced, with Sturgis maintaining the band’s signature heaviness through powerful drum production and robust guitar tones. But after all this time, does Oceano’s songwriting ability still hold against their peers? While bands like Lorna Shore have dominated the spotlight in the 2020s, Oceano might be poised to make their mark with Living Chaos.
From the very first minute of the opening track “Wasted Life,” it’s clear that Oceano have returned in earnest. Djent-driven deathcore grooves accompanied by a stellar vocal performance from founding member Adam Warren make for a more than satisfactory opener to Living Chaos. The aforementioned “Mass Produced” returns two years later with a renewed purpose, fitting nicely into the following slot on the record. As we reach “Darkness Rising,” however, the songwriting chops Oceano have developed over the years climax. This masterfully crafted track blends melodicism with Oceano’s signature heaviness in a manner void of flaw. The verses feature guitar work reminiscent of Swedish melodeath bands like Dark Tranquility—an element I never imagined hearing in a deathcore setting in 2024. “Into The Flames” is also one of the most varied tracks on the record, which is impressive given it is also one of the shortest. In just three minutes, it accomplishes a great deal; the opening section features one of the bounciest djent grooves I’ve encountered yet, while the latter parts maintain the dissonance, melody, and signature brutality previously displayed across the record. Overall, the first half of Living Chaos highlights the remarkable progress Oceano have achieved over nearly two decades of refining their craft, to the extent that I struggle to find any valid criticisms. Every era of this band’s discography coalesces perfectly here, making for a quintessential Oceano experience.
“Wounds Never Healed” is another single that showcases the album’s finest qualities, with the addition of some electronic elements in its beginning and end sections, adding to the album’s diversity. After a surprisingly beautiful interlude, “The Price of Pain” contrasts sharply with an intense, brutal assault, featuring some of the most technical drumming to ever grace an Oceano album. Despite its sheer intensity, the track includes several ‘low & slow’ breakdowns which are bound to stir up some action in the pit; in particular, the breakdown that starts around the two-minute mark, featuring its steady chug and kick patterns alongside Warren’s powerful bellows. The penultimate title track continues this approach, effortlessly changing tempos to maintain variety, while incorporating dissonant lead guitars in the background to create an atmospheric ambiance. While “Living Chaos” is undeniably a strong track, it is arguably the least memorable, which is unfortunate given that it carries the album’s title. It doesn’t quite achieve the same impact as some of the other tracks on here. “Broken Curse”, however, is nothing short of a perfect closer. Its first three minutes deliver elements of melodeath with a skill that rivals some of the most experienced bands in that genre; meanwhile, Oceano wrap up the track by showcasing what they do best: intense downtempo breakdowns bring it to a powerful finish, reinforcing that this seasoned band will always stay true to their roots.
Although deathcore is quite saturated these days, Oceano has created something truly exceptional with Living Chaos. They’ve skillfully distilled the essence of every phase of their career into this standout album, representing the culmination of nearly two decades of hard work. In short, it’s their most impressive effort to date, and if you consider yourself a fan of deathcore, you won’t want to overlook it. I’m certainly hopeful the wait for their next release won’t be as daunting.
9/10
Living Chaos drops tomorrow, the 30th August, and can be pre-ordered here.