OCEANA is an Italian band originally formed in 1994. After a few years, the band kind of drifted off, but never really went away. Over two decades later, they have re-emerged, and what a glorious re-entry it is! With elements of Progressive, Gothic, Doom and Death metal, this is a fusion if old and new that blends everything to almost perfection. This is OCEANA's first full-length release and it is already a top release for 2021. The record released on Time To Kill Records January 29, 2021.

The first four songs on the records are also listed on previous demo/EP releases. Having not heard the originals, I am assuming these have been re-recorded and updated to fit in with newer production and recording techniques. They certainly don't sound like almost 30-year-old recordings.

"Hiding Lies" starts with some nice clean vocals and a more progressive feel. Then, the growls start, but the song doesn't. The bridge is reminiscent of RUSH and KING'S X with an 80s vibe that just warms my heart. "Violet" is more of the straight Doom Metal song. Darker lyrics, darker tones, darker feel overall, yet somehow still throwing a little Progressive tempo shifting in for good measure.

"Lament" has this almost Stoner metal feel while maintaining its Doom Metal credentials. Some parts of this song really remind me of TYPE O NEGATIVE. The vocals are very different, but the pace and tone just make me think Peter Steele could have done a guest vocal on this tune and crushed it. This is one of the better songs on a record full of good songs.

Before I get to the best song, we have to chat about the cover tune on this record. METALLICA, love them or hate them, are one of the most influential bands in Heavy Metal. Not just thrash, but metal in general. So, for OCEANA to cover "The Unforgiven" is to honor one of the giants of the industry. The tune is instantly recognizable and well done. They don't stray too far from the original, but do spice it up with guttural style vocals instead of clean singing. Adding keyboards gives it an interesting tone. Overall, well done!

Now we have to go for the best song on this record. "Altantidea Suite Part 1" is a 14-minute epic that goes all over the place. Why not? It has the time and the band has the skill. The tempo shifts are excellent and the pace throughout is consistently good. Again, the KING'S X feel with the three-part harmony in a few spots is a Progressive Metal fans dream. This is the most complete song on the record. It is very well written, masterfully played and well produced.

OCEANA is a blend of a lot of different elements that all work together. Italy has a long and proud history of great metal (LUCA TURILLI, DARK LUNACY, VISION DIVINE and LACUNA COIL to name just a few) and OCEANA are staking their claim to join these legendary bands. The ability to write and record a record with so many different tones and textures, rhythm shifts and lyrical themes is amazing. Again, this is an early frontrunner for Top Record of 2021.