A while back, Oathbreaker released a new song called “Ease Me” on the Adult Swim Metal Swim 2 compilation. Now, a new EP release featuring the song along with a few different remixes by Jesu, Chelsea Wolfe and others, will be released May 8th (via Deathwish Inc.). Oathbreaker is one of the best bands I’ve heard in a long time and their 2016 album Rheia is an absolute masterpiece. If you’ve never heard it, I urge you to do so. Check out Ease Me and the Ease Me (Jesu Remix) below!
In 2016, there was an album released that was devastatingly beautiful as well as fast becoming one of my all time favorites. I’m referring to the album Rheia by Oathbreaker. If you’ve never heard this album, you are surely missing out on an album that will forever change you. I could seriously (and I probably will) write a whole long article about why that album is so meaningful to me and important to the heavy music landscape. Right now though, I want to focus on the fascinating music video Oathbreaker released for the song(s) “10:56/Second Son Of R.” These two songs kick off the album and are absolutely astounding. The visual aspects of what the video brings takes it to another level. The video is a demonstration of catharsis and poetry in motion. It’s stunning and beautiful and evokes a slew of feeling that will cause chills.
I’ve been working on revamping the Audioeclectica Podcast for a while now. I didn’t want to make the same type of podcast/show that I’ve been hearing so, I went another route. Don’t think of this as a podcast but rather a radio show. Instead of me talking all the time, I’m going to play you all some great music and tell you interesting tidbits about the band, album, song, etc.
This is will also be completely interactive. I will be taking requests about what bands/songs you want to hear as well as topics you’d like for me to discuss and give my take on. I will be having guest on and they will be picking some of their favorite songs to play.
This is all an experiment but totally fun for me. I hope you all enjoy the show and find some great bands, songs, and cool info from listening.
Do you remember that feeling you get when you hear and see a band that leaves you utterly in awe? I’m still in a daze from seeing Oathbreaker last night. I’ve been looking forward to seeing them live since I first heard their masterpiece Rheia, and they were every bit of what I expected and more. Seeing Oathbreaker live is poetry in motion. The true essence of artistry and personal connection seethes through every note played and sung/screamed. The purity of how the music and words come through live is beautiful. This show and band is a perfect example of how to leave a lasting mark.
Kicking off the night was Jaye Jayle. Conceived by Evan Patterson of Young Widows, this group set the night off with a stark mood that was drenched in blues and dreary vibes all the while creating a sense of calm before the storm. I’ll admit when I checked them out before seeing them live I wasn’t sure what to expect but, as they played through their set, I became more and more engrossed in what they were doing. Mixing blues with bits of folk and southern gospel, Jaye Jayle is quite the sight to see live. As good as they sound on their album, seeing them live really makes it stand out.
Direct support came from Khemmis. Their doom metal meets 70’s rock vibe was a wise choice for the evening. Dueling guitar solos and tight rhythms bellowed through the Roxy as Khemmis played through a chunk of songs from their highly touted new album Hunted. At times during their set I kept thinking that Khemmis is what Rush would sound like if they were metal and didn’t have the synths. With that in mind, Khemmis delivered an epic set that left the audience lining up by their merch spot after they played.
The main event of the evening though was Oathbreaker. To say that I’m totally enthralled by this band is an understatement. There is really something special about Oathbreaker. I haven’t been this excited by a new band in a long time. From the moment they started their set with “10:56/Second Son of R,” it was on. Unrelenting and beyond powerful, Caro Tanghe, Gilles Demolder, Lennart Bossu, and Wim Coppers delivered one of the most sonically menacing yet crisp sets I’ve seen in a long time. Other songs like “Being Able To Feel Nothing,” “Immortals,” “Needles In Your Skin,” “Where I Live,” and Where I Leave” each left their own mark. As I mentioned in the beginning of this review, Oathbreaker live is poetry in motion. Instead of the crowd stirring up a pit, everyone in attendance was fully engrossed in what the band was doing on stage. The translation from record to live is seamless and smooth and I’d even go as far as saying that their live sound is even more astounding than their album. Each song played seemed to really conjure up the sense of passion and belief from their band as they delivered their soul to you.
Seeing a band like Oathbreaker is a great reminder that music is art. And when you truly believe in what you are doing, the chances of making something substantial and great is even higher. My faith in music is alive and well because of Oathbreaker. I haven’t left a show in a while feeling this good and inspired. I truly hope that people recognize all the talent and art that Oathbreaker has to offer. They deserve to be held in the highest regards. Go check them out if they are in your area. You won’t be disappointed in the least.
2016 was a tremendous year for great albums. I’ve mentioned it in previous posts and I stick to my thought, I honestly think that in about 10 years 2016 is going to be a very highly regarded year for music just as, 1994 was (not as poignant obviously). There is one album that I really want to point out as amazing, inspiring, emotional, and most importantly a masterpiece. I’m talking about Oathbreaker‘s album RHEIA. Since I first heard this album I can’t turn it off. It’s on constant repeat. Everything from the music, its depth, production, tones, depth, artwork, lyrics, and performances, especially that of singer/lyricist Caro Tanghe are incredible. I love the whole thing keep finding new things about the album that make me love it even more.
Every song on the album leaves you breathless. Rheia is more than just a masterpiece, it’s a genre defining album, that will inspire a slew of new bands. Taking black metal and mixing it with shoegaze (on a side note, I’ve always hated that term), Oathbreaker takes it further by their added sense of post hardcore, ambience, and acoustic sensibilities. This band emits a sense of honesty and ferocious tenacity that I haven’t heard in many years. Each members every emotion is worn on their sleeves as they deliver performances that will send chills up your spine.
I would go song by song but, I really want you all to hear this album from start to finish, and then we can talk. You have to listen to it. Rheia is an album that has the depth musically and lyrically that makes you remember why music is so powerful. I believe that music saves lives, and this album is one of those. Not only that but, when you listen, you feel it all too. The lyrics are beautifully poetic, dark, and intense. They are also some of the most personal and heartfelt words I’ve heard in a very long time. Caro Tanghe is a revelation as a writer and vocalist. The music is stunningly charasmatic along with heavy and pummeling. The beats of drummer Wim Coppers (and Ivo Debrabandere) help to really accentuate your heartstrings as Caro sings and screams, all the while guitarists (and bassists) Lennart Bossu and Gilles Demolder come at you with an attack of devastation and new life, through the use of their instruments.
Rheia is the true ALBUM OF THE YEAR for 2016. Transcending genres as well as setting the bar for their peers is remarkable. While this may not be for everyone, give this an honest shot. Read the words, and wrap yourselves up in what a masterpiece this album is. I thank you for listening and taking the time to do something for the love of great music that needs to be heard.
The A to Z list continues to find the top ten bands/artists in the alphabet. O is here and needs help to complete the list. As usual your suggestions are wanted in completing this list. These are in no particular order as well.
How do I explain what you are about to hear? Let’s start by telling you that this band, Oathbreaker, is one of the most intelligent, deep, intense, and beautiful bands I’ve heard in a long time. When I first put on their album Rheia, I was completely taken aback by the sheer intensity and absolute beauty in the music, lyrics and vocals. Now, Oathbreaker isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you appreciate music and different genres like I do, then you are in for a treat.
Oathbreaker has been around since 2008. They are from Ghent, Belgium. Their music is best described as post hardcore meets black metal, so I’m going to say they are post black metal. They have released 3 full length albums and 1 EP, each of their releases has seen the band evolve and create their own niche within the heavy music world. Guitarist Lennart Bossu, bassist Gilles Demolder and drummer Wim Coppers (who replaced original drummer Ivo Debrabandere) have created music that transcends the genres they are associated with. There is a clarity to the music and songs that will hit you emotionally just as the vocals and lyrics of singer Caro Tanghe. Caro’s delivery is pure, dark and full of emotion. Lyrically the songs are haunting and honest, all the while being poetic.
Their new album Rheia is a revelation. Easily a top ten album of the year for me. Oathbreaker are the type of band that will leave you speechless and inspired at the same time. I for one am totally enthralled by the way the band captivated me. I can’t wait till their next tour of the states so I can see them perform these songs live.
Check out a truly great band, and give a different genre a shot. You might very well surprise yourself by how much you enjoy it.
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