Review by Krys on March 10, 2001.

Another band from Finland? Can I finally get some CDs from other parts of the world? Please. Actually I’m happy with it, so far all the bands I’ve covered are doing really fine job and their latest releases are happily spinning in my CD player. That’s also going to be the case with …And Oceans third opus "Allotropic/Metamorphic Genesis Of Dimorphism".

So what do we have here? It’s a combination of black metal and electro-industrial sound. I have to say that it sounds quite interesting. No dark, atmospheric keyboards, as is found in most black metal bands, but rather very melodic, happy lines that could very easily be used in alternative wave-clubs. Take "Tears Have No Name", give it to any DJ and I can see people going nuts on the floor. OK, maybe after a few re-mixes.

Except keyboards the rest of the music is just aggressive, brutal pounding with Killstar’s shrieking vocals. Tracks like "Odious & Devious" or "Postfuturistika" are blasting black metal with futuristic keyboard parts. All those elements create a very distinctive and unforgettable sound that makes this CD a unique piece out of the plethora of black metal releases. Unfortunately, the last song, "New Model World", is just pure fuckin disco and I have no idea what they were thinking while recording this crap. (That song just cost them a one full grade!)

Bottom Line: As always, the excellent work in famous Abyss Studio and outstanding chop-work by Dark Tranquillity guitarist Niklas Sundin make this CD well worth your money.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review by Jack on July 13, 2001.

Debut solo release from symphonic black metal band ...And Oceans. “The Dynamic Gallery of Thoughts” (“TDGOT”) is a nice keyboard black metal album, with strong production values, and nice guitar riffages throughout. The opening track is a symphonic masterpiece, showcasing the best that ...And Oceans have to offer on “TDGOT”.

It is a real pity that the rest of “TDGOT” pales in comparison to ‘Trollfan’, that’s not to necessarily say the rest of the album is bad, quite on the contrary, its good but doesn’t possess some of the drawing power of later albums that ...And Oceans have produced.
Vocals throughout the album are superb and display some of the best quality black vocals heard throughout the world. This really helps gel the overall feel of the album together along with terrific keyboards.

...And Oceans, along with technologically superior acts like Satyricon and Borknagar, are really going to push the boundaries of what black metal is. They play a soundtrack to a cliched, bleak future and play it with style. Electronic elements that are harsh and unforgiving really set forth the future of black metal and will continue to test and probe the limits of what the consumer market can comprehend in extreme music.

Bottom Line: Interesting, cool modern symphonic black release from these lads. Worth picking up, if just for ‘Trollfan’. The future of black metal WILL be decided by black acts like ...And Oceans.

Rating: 7 out of 10