PRECAMBRIAN

A double concept album relating to one of the earliest period's of the Earth's existence, this double album by Germany's The Ocean is an intriguing listen. The concept is strange in that lyrically, the topics tend to deal with mankind's materialism and is essentially a criticism of modern society, however the song titles are the names of different era's of Earth. Musically, there is quite the division between the two discs, where the first disc is more of a technical metal somewhat similar to Mastodon or Between the Buried and Me and the second disc is more atmospheric post-metal along the lines of isis or Giant Squid. The first disc also is essentially an EP, with five songs taking twenty two minutes. On this one, the aggression never relents, and it signifies the harshness of the Earth in it's formative stages with heavy riffing and screamed vocals. On the second disc, they mix this style with more atmospherics, which I think makes for a more intriguing listen. I do enjoy the first disc however, but I think the second is the perfect combination of styles for this band, where they mix the brutal death metal, post rock, some electronics, and symphonic elements. As a concept album, the tracks do flow together well and it is best to listen to the album as a whole. Not the greatest album ever recorded but it's definitely interesting and The Ocean is definitely doing something worthwhile and making interesting experimental heavy music.

This massive record is AMAZING. Prog Reviewer Moatilliatta suggested them to me and I bought this record. From his word, I was expecting something great, but not this great! The record is basically split in two halves. The heavy side and the not so heavy but the metal element is still there side. I liked the metal side quite a lot, but I'm glad It was as short as it was because it doesnt distract me from the not so heavy side which is absolutely brilliant. It's about three quarters of the record, so it's still taking some time to sink in. But I have the three tracks that should be immediately looked into. Siderian, Rhyacian (which follow each other) and Stenian. These tracks are like Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Isis, and Opeth in a blender. This record is an absolute masterpiece.

'Precambrian' - The Ocean (9/10)

The word 'ocean' can bring deep images to ones mind; a vast expanse of water, stretching for miles upon miles without apparent end. The ocean is a sight of grandeur and overwhelming majesty.

Keeping this in mind, The Ocean's 'Precambrian' works in much the same way. It is a project of brilliant ambition and risk. Melding a very raw, heavy sound with more thoughtful post-rock tendancies, 'Precambrian' is musically contributed to by over 80 musicians, including an orchestra. It took Robin Staps (the composer) 3 years of his life to put together and arrange this monster.

'Precambrian' is composed of two discs; each portraying a different side of the band's musical leanings, and focusing each on different ends of the sonic spectrum. The first disc ('Hadean/Archean') is a 20 minute dose of raw power and energy, and is without a doubt the weaker side of the album. I've always considered the first disc to be a bonus EP of sorts, and not necessarily a representation of the album at all. It's best to think of 'Hadean/Archean' as a decent opening band before the mind-blowing headliner show. The first disc isn't that bad, but there's very little prog here, and the five songs on the EP sound all sound like each other. There are a few highlights in it (the opening riff of 'Neoarchean' for example) but it's not not really worth delegating a bunch of time to it. Based on the first disc alone, I would give 'Precambrian' a three star rating, give or take.

It is however, the second disc that really shines, and gives 'Precambrian' it's fair place in my heart and mind as a true masterpiece. From the first five seconds of the disc onwards, theres a definite feeling that this is not the sort of material that was found on the first disc. This is something different; and a very welcoming change at that. There are so many different instruments being used here, and different styles being thrown into the melting pot. The extended album introduction 'Siderian' has a saxophone solo, whereas the closer 'Cryogenian' is nothing less than an erudite classical composition with piano and cellos. Songs such as the album highlight 'Stenian' and 'Rhyacian' stand out as being the best put- together pieces on the album, being that they have the post-rock 'build-up' sensibility, but don't tarry too long on getting to where they need to go. Other songs like 'Calymmian' opt to take their time, and while it can detract from the song itself, the progression only benefits the work as a whole.

All in all, 'Precambrian' is possibly the most ambitious and shattering post-metal release of all time. It is a challenging, dense piece of music however, and can tak ea good while to completely delve into and explore the sonic landscape completely. The reward for doing so however, is well worth it. Five stars.

A concept album album about the earliest period of earth. This German band doesn't play the "ordinary" Post-Metal, you would expect. I think it doesn't sound like Isis or Neurosis, for example. It is in some way harder and in another way more melodic than the other bands. This album is a double album. The first disc contains quite heavy music, sounding very like modern metal. I don't like it that much. So to speak I mostly listen to that in my car. On the other side, the secound disc contains very special kind of modern music. There are lots of piano parts, melodic guitar leads and great remarkable passages. As a contrast, the band adds growling and metal parts. However, this part of the album is much more easy to get used to it and is a lot better than the first part. Every song is named after a period of earth. So it is a bit difficult to distunguish them. The concept is linked with the development of human society and its problems. A few Nitzsche quotes here and there try to get a deeper meaning of the lyrics. I was definately suprised by this band. It is quite refreshing and one of the innovative Post-Rock bands from Germany. You should check this out, if you are interested in this sort of music.

What a sick album! Yes, this whole record is a ride and it's got some amazing things to offer. It's a long record, just so you know. That doesn't mean it's bad or even better than one that would be shorter. I'm just stating a fact. If you could see yourself liking a raw style that's still coupled with technically proficiency (it has its own rather unique approach), then you'll see this album as a real treat.

From what I've been told, it's a concept album. I haven't read the lyrics, I'll let them just seep into me over time. If it being a concept record appeals to you then more reason to listen to Precambrian.

I am also impressed with the way The Ocean works as more of a collective than a traditional band with a set line-up. There are just so many musicians involved with this work it's really special.

Bottom line, this is a great progressive metal record that doesn't use all the tell-tale progressive metal elements.

Precambrian offers up two distinct musical trips, with an overarching theme concerning the earliest phases of Earth's formation. Hadean/Archaean offers about 20 minutes of direct aggression; Proterozoic offers an hour of more contemplative atmospheric sludge metal veering into progressive rock or New Age music at points. The full 80 minute package is, to be honest, a bit of a chore to listen to - but break it up into its two component parts and select the piece which suits your current mood better, and the overall package is substantially improved. Let's say it's a three star album packaged with a four star album - but which is which will hinge on the tastes of the individual listener.

Germany's The Ocean have established themselves in the upper echelons of modern progressive metal right alongside the likes of Haken and Between the Buried and Me. Their (very) slow ascent to greatness was kicked off with the release of this very record,Precambrian, a sprawling 2-disc epic concept album that establishes many of the musical and lyrical elements that The Ocean would continue to employ in later releases.

Despite formally being a post metal act, The Ocean always had a punchier and groovier edge to their riffs, much in the vein of Lamb of God or Meshuggah but with a sludgy gloss. While the first disc takes this tendency to its brutal and oh so primal extreme, the second disc sees group truly explore their experimental and progressive side with the inclusion of chamber instruments and more ambient passages. Like many of the group's future releases, the record is disguised as a concept album about some high-brow scientific topic when, in reality, the science merely serves as a metaphor for a much deeper explorations of man's nature.

Precambrian deserves its perfect score but, in hind sight, its hard not to see how it could have been even better. At this stage in their development, The Ocean still functioned as a 'collective' with a heavy reliance on guest and revolving door musicians. As such, vocalist Loic Rossetti and his signature blend of heavy, clean, and distorted vocals was not yet apart of group's sound. There is little doubt that side 2's melodic passages would have been significantly enhanced with Loic's contributions.

One of the best Post-Metal albums I've ever heard. The first CD is ok but the second CD is where it all really shines. Heavy riff sections, death metal vocals, trancelike keyboards, all packed into one. Precambrian is a double-CD album that features The Ocean showcasing all the skills (which are many) that they're good at.

Hadean/Archaean is the first CD and features very straightforward progressive metal. It's forty minutes shorter than the second CD. The second CD features more atmospheric, sludge-metal-ish music and it works even better. Highly recommended to all Post-Metal fans. Very solid, very well performed. Five stars for me.