Author: Team Uber

Oceans of Slumber – ‘Oceans of Slumber’ (Century Media Records)

Oceans of Slumber – ‘Oceans of Slumber’ (Century Media Records)

Posted by | Aug 27, 2020 | ,

Almost a full decade on from formation, Oceans of Slumber barely resemble the Mastodon-tinged riffers from Houston all those years ago. That’s not just hyperbole – the only member that remains of the initial line-up is drummer (and creative engine) Dobber Beverly, the band having transformed over the years into the prog-doom tour de force most fans will now be familiar with. A big part of that change can be attributed to vocalist Cammie Gilbert who joined in 2014, lending extra vocal gravitas to the band’s sound, ultimately pushing them further from the sludgier territories they had initially plied and more towards a classic doom sound.

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SkeleToon – ‘Nemesis’ (Scarlet Records)

SkeleToon – ‘Nemesis’ (Scarlet Records)

Posted by | Aug 27, 2020 | ,

“The world needed a hero. Now, you got an unstoppable power metal one!” SkeleToon are an Italian power metal band who are known for their fun, energetic and albums that are full of different concepts. They describe themselves as a “nerd metal”, bringing in different geeky and nerdy themes throughout their albums and songs: cult classic movies, role play games, comic books and fantasy are never far away with this band.

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Honey Joy – ‘II’ (Everything Sucks Music)

Honey Joy – ‘II’ (Everything Sucks Music)

Posted by | Aug 26, 2020 | ,

With a name that pretty accurately describes their effect on the listener, London five-piece hyperactive punks Honey Joy are back with their appropriately titled second album ‘II’. Like being blasted by a ray of sunshine while on a sugar-rush, the band blast out the speakers with ‘Diversion Tactics’ and don’t let up with their infectiously fun brand of brilliance from then on in. Nine tracks clocking in at under 20 minutes, Honey Joy most definitely subscribe to the ethos that less is more – and you can’t argue with the results.

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Dukes Of The Orient – ‘Freakshow’ (Frontiers)

Dukes Of The Orient – ‘Freakshow’ (Frontiers)

Posted by | Aug 25, 2020 | ,

Dukes Of The Orient frontman John Payne will be a talent and a voice well known to fans of that mid-Atlantic prog-meets-AOR style of radio-friendly rock as propounded most especially by the likes of Asia. Which should not be surprising as he also fronted that same band for 15 years, in between John Wetton’s departure and subsequent reunion with Geoff Downes, helming the band through six albums and into increasingly muddied musical waters, beset by the storms brought about by decreasing commercial success. Like many artists from that era, Payne initially soldiered on with the Asia name before, out of respect for Wetton following his death in 2017, deciding to place some clear water between his past and present projects…

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