The Norwegian progressive rock quartet OAK will release their fourth studio album called The Third Sleep on April 25th, and it feels like the natural successor of their previous album The Quiet Rebellion Of Compromise (2022, see review) in terms of sound, melodies, style, and lyrical content. The seven new compositions are all beautiful and captivating and are almost a must for fans of Steven Wilson, Opeth and Leprous. The opening track No Such Place is filled with complex musical arrangements and also stands out due to the beautiful vocals of Simen Vallal Johannessen. London, a track about my favourite city in the world, features a rather darker and heavier intro, while Run Into The Sun opens with a very atmospheric piano chord/melody. The first single of this album called Shimmer features a really powerful, almost addictive chorus, while the guitar is definitely more to the fore here. Borders has an up tempo beat and the chorus is again a real beauty, staying in your head for a couple of days. Sensory Overload, the longest song, ends this album and here OAK even "treats" the listener to some growls (awful, by the way). Sensory Overload is a musical journey with lots of twists and turns, classical piano, electronics, hard rock, and progressive musical elements galore. These talented Norwegian prog rockers have returned with a wonderful, atmospheric, and creative album, so check it out. **** Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
