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.

'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.

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.