Posted on: January 27, 2011 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

While familiarizing oneself with Heliocentric (from April, 2010) would be the best course of action, I am glad to report that the learning curve on Anthropocentric does not require familiarization with Heliocentric. Understanding the overall themes and genre approaches taken by the band on the earlier album would be great, but when the titular opening begins, listeners are brought to an entirely new space.

Topping the scales at nine and a half minutes, “Anthropocentric” is a brief introduction to the different sounds, styles, and philosophical nuances that will be presents to listeners as the disc spins. While themes are weaved through the entirety of the album, listeners will be given intense schooling in guitar, drums, pianos, and strings. The mix-down of Anthropocentric over Heliocentric, and especially during the triad of “Grand Inquisitor” tracks, brings a heaviness that is further tempered by callbacks to classical music. The timeless nature of tracks like the aforementioned “Grand Inquisitor” cuts is matched perfectly by the here and now feel of a “Heaven TV”.

As The Ocean continues on from “Heaven TV”, the gravity of the topics broached on the album truly come to life. While this is brutal, intense metal at its core, there is a burning desire (seen nowhere else aside from Richard Dawkins) to expose Christianity and all crimes committed in its name. “Sewers of the Soul” is absolutely furious, gut-quivering speed metal of the highest caliber, but actually take a minute to consider what is being screamed. A surprisingly heavy album throughout, no matter whether listeners mean the music or the message.

Top Tracks: The Grand Inquisitor I: Karamazov Baseness, For He That Wavereth…

Rating: 9.0/10

The Ocean – Anthropocentric (CD) / 2010 Metal Blade / 10 Tracks / http://www.metalblade.com/theocean / http://www.metalblade.com

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