OCEAN GATES is a band out of Spain that began their formation as early as 2018 and has really taken shape over the last two years. This is an almost "traditional" Rock band with five members in a very common format, two guitarists, drummer, bass player and vocalist. Far from being a worn-out old trope, this is a formula that often leads to maximum output. Their self-titled debut will release October 5, 2020. Vinyl will be available through Boomland Records

First and foremost, OCEAN GATES are not just a Metal band. They are this interesting combination of Rock, Metal, Punk, Groove, Folk and Blues with a Classic Rock vibe thrown in for good measure. Not many bands can channel the past successfully, much less this many different influences at once. They pull it off beautifully. The vocals harken back to some of the female powerhouses of the 60s-80s. I can hear Stevie Nicks, Joan Baez, Marianne Faithful and Ann Wilson at various times. That is one impressive batch of leading ladies right there.

The album begins with a little acoustic intro to the first song, "The Equinox Warriors", a catchy tune with a nice bass line running through it. With the drummer at times holding the pace and other times running wild with the guitar riff, this is a jaunty song that takes three and a half minutes to run you through the wringer. Quick, slow, in sync, slightly offset. It has a variety of tempos that blend together well.

Next is "Snake Circle", a slower song with a plodding riff and some cool guitar fills over the top of the sludgy tone. That bass intro set the tone and pace for this song with precision. "Night Shift" feels like it should have been recorded in the 80s. The opening riff could have been done by SAXON or SCORPIONS with ease. It's heavy in tone but paced for a rock audience. Next is the TRESPASS cover "Stormchild". One of the often-overlooked bands from the NWOBHM in the 80s, the song fits OCEAN GATES' personality well.

"Beyond The Veil" starts with a gentle lilt from the vocals and a folksy guitar piece. Nuria's warble is abundantly noticeable in this section, channeling her inner Stevie Nicks with skill and prowess. At eight minutes, this is the longest song on the record. The song is almost four minutes in when it kicks into a higher gear. The transition is well executed and continues the song in perfect stride. This is impressive for a new band, even when they are all long-time pros in the music business.

The album finishes with "Royal Dockyard" and "The Curse" with a nice outro to end the album much like it started, tying the whole thing together in a nice, neat package. This is a well-made record. The songs are catchy, both lyrically and musically. The tone is consistent, the production is good and the mixing is spot on. The guitars don't compete, they compliment. The drums and bass provide timing and rhythm, but also know how to lead the charge.

This is a band of solid musicians who can cover a lot of ground with their sound, but never feel like they are going outside their comfort zone. It is a modern interpretation of some classic sounds and influences. There are bands who played in that era that can no longer do what they did back then. That makes this all the more impressive. This is an all-around good record that should be enjoyed over and over.