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artist: ...And Oceans
title: As in Gardens, so in Tombs
year: 2023
genre: Black Metal
type: Album [Deluxe Edition]
label: Season of Mist
language: English
rel. date: 2023-01-27
source: WEB/MP3
quality: CBR 320kbps / 44.1 kHz / Joint Stereo
runtime: 00:58:25
size: 133.9 MiB / 12 tracks
rip date: 2026-07-19
source url: https://open.qobuz.com/album/zjnm43rojrurc
tracklist:
01. As in Gardens so in Tombs 4:17
02. The Collector and His Construct 4:36
03. Within Fire and Crystal 5:52
04. Carried on Lead Wings 5:14
05. Likt T├╢rnen Genom K├╢tt 5:10
06. Cloud Heads 4:19
07. Wine Into Water 3:57
08. Inverse Magnification Matrix 4:50
09. The Earth Canvas 4:11
10. Ambivalent God 7:44
11. Samlarens Valv (bonus) 3:49
12. Third Eye Catalyst (bonus) 4:27
release notes:
"As above, so below. As in heavens, so on Earth. As in Gardens, so in
Tombs."
The musical legacy of ...and Oceans has hardly been one of conformity.
From the very earliest album, the band has always given their own
distinct and experimental view of Black Metal. Formed in 1995, the band
was the odd one out in the blossoming Finnish scene, with perhaps only
Alghazanth coming close to the symphonic take on Black Metal. But whereas
Alghazanth were always a bit of a cast-out especially in the Finnish
scene, the debut album of ...And Oceans was more widely embraced. And for
a good reason, as to this day the sensational 'The Dynamic Gallery of
Thoughts' is one of the best examples of symphonic Black Metal that's
adventurous, fierce and intense. The band were never going to settle for
a set sound, and the following 'The Symmetry of I, the Circle of O'
introduced a little bit more experiments, although the real change
happened with the release of 2001's 'A.M.G.O.D.'. Shifting heavily to an
electronics-influenced sound, I remember the album was received with very
mixed feelings, logical perhaps considering the band's roots while on the
other hand the band had been pushing for more and more experiments
already. The successor 'Cypher' stuck to the electronic take with a
heavier, straightforward chugging Black Metal base to go with it, but
couldn't quite approach the controversial excitement of its predecessor.
The band then ceased to be, changing name to Havoc Unit after having
moved too far away from their origins.
It was a great surprise that the band returned under the banner of ...and
Oceans, but perhaps even more so that the return came in the shape of the
magnificent 'Cosmic World Mother'. While the electronic escapades were
still somewhat present, the band had mostly turned back to the fast and
heavy symphonic and melodic approach of their first two albums, yet with
a much more modern sound. Logical, since over two decades had passed
since those earliest albums, and the scene had developed quite a lot. And
on top of that, several positions including that of vocalist had been
taken up by new members. Regardless, the album sounded fresh and
recognisable, completing a strong return to form for the band. And to put
an exclamation point on an emphatic return, the band follows it up with
the even better 'As in Gardens, So in Tombs'.
On the latest album, released at the end of January 2023, the vast
majority of the electronic past has been further reduced besides an
occasional sample in a break. Instead, the much heavier blasting sound of
'Cosmic World Mother' has been retained with possibly a bit more emphasis
on the symphonic keyboards and entrancing guitar melodies. But the
biggest difference is increased variation. Variation in moods that range
from dreamy to melancholic and spacey, alternating blasting sections and
more midtempo mood-setting, and a more diverse vocal performance. The
melodies that carry throughout the song are also just a tad more
memorable than on the preceding album, and as a whole the album feels
more consistent.
Highlights include the blasting opening title track, 'The Collector and
His Construct' and 'Cloud Heads' with their strong late 90's feel to it,
the layered and shifting 'Carried on Lead Wings', the intense and ominous
'Inverse Magnification Matrix' or the entrancing 'Ambivalent God'. On the
vinyl version we get two bonus tracks: the less melody-driven and more
rocking 'Samlarens Valv' and the excellent, more old school and catchy
'Third Eye Catalyst'. While I see that these songs feel a bit different
than the rest of the album, they're nice additions as bonus tracks.
Despite a very layered sound with several guitar parts, synthesizer
layers, audible bass, blasting drums and shrieking vocals, the production
of the album is just right, emphasizing the heaviness of the music yet
retaining the intended atmosphere. It has this authentic feel in the
keyboards, yet comes with a powerful overall sound, striking a great
balance between power and frailty.
Powerful, epic, grandiose and catchy; The Finnish have always excelled at
packing symphony, melody, ferocity and intensity in their Black Metal, a
sound that ...and Oceans helped set the template for. And with 'As in
Gardens, So in Tombs' they show that even 25+ years after being formed
and despite an extended break, they still master that craft. A great
return after hibernation is followed up by an even better album in the
shape of 'As in gardens, So in Tombs'.