Disparity (Oceans Ate Alaska album)

Disparity is the third full-length album by British metalcore band Oceans Ate Alaska, released on 1 September 2022 through Fearless Records. It is the last album before the band departed from the record label, and the last one to feature original vocalist James Harrison, who had previously recorded vocals for the band's 2015 album Lost Isles, and longtime lead guitarist Adam Zytkiewicz. Founding rhythm guitarist James Kennedy would later take over lead guitar, and Harrison was replaced by Spitting Teeth vocalist Joel Heywood.

Background and release

After releasing a new single titled "Metamorph" in 2020, on 1 July 2022, the band released the single "New Dawn". On 19 August 2022, they released another single, "Nova", with which they announced their forthcoming album Disparity, which was released on 1 September. According to James Kennedy, the album name came from disparity, meaning 'a great difference;' "There's a lot of 'dystopian world' themes and stories lyrically in this album." On 11 December 2022, the band released a live video for the track "Paradigm". On 20 January 2023, the band released the instrumental edition of the album.

Reception

Disparity has gained mixed reception on the positive side from critics. Distorted Sound Magazine has considered this album "a pretty decent effort from OCEANS ATE ALASKA. Considering it is only their third body of work, their high-energy, impactful metalcore sound is just so addictive throughout the release. Progressive melodies, warped time signatures and insane vocals make Disparity what it is – a solid record." Ghost Cult Magazine mentions that "Disparity isn't a hugely innovative album, but it doesn't set out to be; the diversity it showcases melds sublimely throughout and hints that there should be plenty more from them going forward."

Track listing

All music is composed by Oceans Ate Alaska

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Paradigm"	2:44
2.	"Nova"	3:32
3.	"Metamorph"	2:43
4.	"Shallow Graves"	3:19
5.	"Sol"	3:21
6.	"Dead Behind the Eyes" (featuring Eric Vanlerberghe of I Prevail)	3:01
7.	"Plague Speech"	2:44
8.	"Disparity"	1:32
9.	"Empty Space"	3:15
10.	"New Dawn"	1:49
11.	"Halluciongen"	4:19
Total length:		32:19

Personnel

Oceans Ate Alaska

James Harrison – lead vocals
Adam Zytkiewicz – lead guitar, backing vocals
James "Jibs" Kennedy – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Chris Turner – drums, percussion
Mike Stanton – bass guitar

Additional musicians

Eric Vanlerberghe (I Prevail) - guest vocals on "Dead Behind the Eyes"

References

^ "ALBUM REVIEW: Disparity – Oceans Ate Alaska". 31 August 2022.
^ Tippell, Chris (August 31, 2022). "ALBUM REVIEW: Oceans Ate Alaska – Disparity". Ghost Cult Magazine. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
"Oceans Ate Alaska confirm departure of James Harrison and Adam Zytkiewicz, leave Fearless Records". 31 January 2024.
"This is How Oceans Ate Alaska Created Their Most Crushing & Accomplished Record To Date". rocksound. September 16, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
"OCEANS ATE ALASKA HAVE RELEASED A RIDICULOUSLY HEAVY NEW TRACK 'NEW DAWN'". rocksound. July 1, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
"New Music Friday August 19th 2022". Boolin Tunes. 2022-08-18. Retrieved 2022-08-18.
Eaton, Harry (2022-08-19). "Oceans Ate Alaska announce new album Disparity". Boolin Tunes. Retrieved 2022-08-19.
Eaton, Harry (2022-08-29). "Oceans Ate Alaska Discuss Everything "Disparity"". Boolin Tunes. Retrieved 2022-09-13.
"Oceans Ate Alaska share new live music video off 'Disparity'". 11 December 2022.
"Oceans Ate Alaska releases instrumental version of latest album, 'Disparity'". 20 January 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
"Disparity (Instrumental Edition)". 20 January 2023. Retrieved 30 April 2023.

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