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ALBUM REVIEW: "Hikari" by Oceans Ate Alaska

   Hikari is one of a number of metalcore records this year that have intentionally attempted to break new ground in the genre, and for that it is definitely worth a listen. The mix of almost absurd vocals and mechanical riffs with the new found Japanese influence they're going for on this album don't always stick, though; the prime example of this being single "Hansha". The contradictions between the two worlds of extreme and pretty are incredibly jarring across the entire album, shifting from a relatively standard chorus (albeit with Japanese instrumentation underneath) to one of their ridiculous chug fests with almost no warning. I appreciate what they're trying to pull off, there are certainly moments of greatness sprinkled across it, and the introduction of more clean vocals this time around is a huge improvement on earlier albums. But Hikari simply falls into many of the same metalcore cliches once you crack open the veneer and is schizophrenic to the point of distraction.

   Favourite Song: Benzaiten

    Least Favourite Songs: Hansha, Entrapment

   Rating: D

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