Review by Adam M on December 21, 2018.

Oceans of Slumber have changed up their sound somewhat from melodic death metal to just atmospheric metal, but have not lost a beat on their progress.  This is simply an improvement over the last album with more ambitious arrangements and a greater amount of feeling present in the songs.  Right from the opening track The Decay of Disregard one has the sense that Oceans of Slumber is pulling out all the stops to make their songs sound more epic and involving than before.  This song has catchy parts, but is also a very fully realized song at the same time. 

The band has evolved into something more interesting and deep than before.  Adding to this depth is the combination of the clean vocals of Cammie Gilbert along with the occasional harsh male one.  The songs are also much more complex and require some time to absorb.  The band is able to find catchy moments amongst the deep sounding songs to make for an album that has accessibility and longevity in equal respects.  It goes to say that the songs are pretty sounding, but in a dark way that is wholly unique.  If there is a flaw to the release it’s that some of the parts don’t always work and drag a bit, but this doesn’t really even change the songs anyways.  There is simply so much wondrous music here that the listener can’t help but be impacted by the music. 

There is no doubt that this is one of the most magnificent albums of the year and needs to be heard by all.  Fans of the band’s previous output will find something to like here, but so will those searching for something more meaningful and profound.  The Banished Heart comes highly recommended to those looking for anything adventurous.

Rating: 8 out of 10