Oceans of Time – Trust

Perhaps one of the most diverse albums I’ve listened to this year, Norwegians, Oceans of Time, brings the latest chapter in their successful career titled Trust. After hearing the tumultuous journey from start to end, I myself also have built trust for the band with this latest solid release. 

Touchstone – Oceans Of Time

I was introduced to a band I had never heard of, for I have heard of many, many rock, hard rock, and metal acts. UK Progressive Rockers/Metallers, Touchstone, have just released their latest album entitled, Oceans Of Time. Now, what would one think of with that title? Unique solos? Addicting tunes? Long songs? Well, all of the above are true for this album encompasses many aspects of the world of progressive music. Formed over a decade ago, Touchstone have also released a few other albums, which some of those albums are connected to their latest release. The Shadow Trilogy, as it is called, is a three song story, with the first song, Shadow, first appearing in their 2007 album, Discordant Dreams. The final Shadow Trilogy song appears on the new album, song titled, Shadow’s End. Also, the final track off the new album closes the “Wintercoast” story with the sequals in their 2011 album, The City Sleeps and their 2007 album as well. This is quite rare when an artist connects albums together, I cannot recall the last time I heard an artist do that.

Upon the kickstart of the album, I immediately shifted my thoughts to a tribal atmosphere. The first beats of the opening song, Flux, definitely give way for some metal fist pumping and lead singer, Kim Seviour, with her enchanting vocals, carved the smooth path into the opening track. It is a catchy song I will admit, definitely a song I can listen to a few times over and over. The song also slows down with a very awesome ambient atmosphere I definitely enjoyed a lot, for keys are a definite underrated instrument, it most certainly brought me a sense of euphoria. The next track, Contact, starts slow but slowly escalates to a heavier song than initially thought. The guitars coinciding with Kim’s vocals definitely intertwine very well, I really liked this combination. A double whammy! Track 4, Fragments, starts off with some tribal drumming then 30 seconds later the charming chorus with Kim and Rob Cottingham come into play. It was really pleasing to hear both of their voices work together in the chorus, it’s quite the great bit. This song features somewhat of a breakdown snippet as well as familiar tunes a snake charmer would play, with a metal twist of course. Spirit of the Age, the next track is one of the slower ones, for most of the song is quite relaxing but that does not mean they can’t put in a nice heavy bit in here. There’s a part in the song that is quite heavy and something one could possibly headbang to and then after that, the song slows down again to something ambient and then the unique and somewhat psychedelic solo kicks in, which I will admit was a solo I definitely did not expect. It is definitely my favorite solo off this whole album. Shadows End, in my opinion is the ballad off Oceans of Time. This song has great emotion to it, both vocally and instrumentally, which I tend to lean toward more powerful songs in terms of emotion. Its just a satisfying song and the ending is just great, for the keyboard and guitar work together to bring the song to a close. Solace was a track who’s guitar solo caught my attention and caught me offguard. I was starting to get distracted but once the solo kicked in, my attention was diverted back. The final two tracks off the album are definitely a proper close to an album I underestimated. Thunder & Crickets is a short, just over one minute instrumental prelude that takes us into the depths of the final track, Oceans Of Time. What can I say about this final song? It’s one that’s I am able to lightly move my head to, definite signs of keys and advanced guitar work are present full of sweeps and arpeggios and of course lead vocal Kim with her tone perfect vocals take us down the journey. Some headbanging double bass and keys arrive last moment to close this near 1 hour album.

Beginning October 18, Touchstone, will embark on a mini 6-date tour in the UK to support the recent release of the album. The tour will be co-headlined by Finnish act, Von Hertzen Brothers. Please check them out if you are in the area. This album for me was definitely more guitar oriented than I initially thought. After hearing this album, I am most certainly going to check out their earlier works. This album and probably the band is recommended for people who are fans of Pink Floyd, Muse, Genesis and Yes. I am glad I heard this album, I can definitely dig deeper into the genre of progressive rock/metal. Hopefully we hear of bigger things from Touchstone. Stay Metal. m/

UK Tour Dates (with Von Hertzen Brothers)

Oct 18 King Tut’s, Glasgow

Oct 19 The Duchess, York

Oct 20 The Globe, Cardiff

Oct 25 The Garage, London

Oct 26 Eric’s Live, Liverpool

Oct 27 The Robin , Bilston

More information about the band can be found on their Official Website and Facebook Page.