Review by JD on November 19, 2013.

I must admit that I was a little perplexed with seeing this bands name right off – seemed a little more than odd. I thought that this might be a Progressive band in the vein of Porcupine Tree by its rather unique moniker. Man, was I ever wrong here. Let me now have the pleasure of introducing you to a Swedish act called Ocean Chief.

Playing what could be explained as Traditional Doom with elements of Sludge and Drone – Ocean Chief is perhaps one of the most surprising acts. With riffs heavier than a woolly Mammoth’s gate and vocals that are more melancholy than anyone, this four-piece seems to be at home in the slow ponderous world of Doom Metal.

Sung completely in Swedish, this bands message still comes across loud and clear through the power and slow majesty of every note given. Throughout the entire 71 minutes Ocean Chief has painstakingly crafted, you are pulled effortlessly into the rapturous maelstrom of heaviness where even the language barrier does not hamper its force. I actually love the brutal slow motion hammer of 'Oden', where every riff and note seems to move and twist as if alive and feeding on the unexpected who stray too close to its gaping maw.

I was thrilled to hear this band, and revel in its power and slow motion explosion. This is not Candlemass… this is in some ways more than that. Ocean Chief is not the normal Death Metal that has been pouring out of Sweden and I for one thank any of the Gods out there listening for this slab of metal. This is one hell of an album from an amazing band.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 9
Originality: 9.5
Overall: 9

Rating: 9.1 out of 10