Oceans of Night’s album Domain is an enigma. It did not connect with me on the first listen. Luckily I gave it a couple of spins before I formed an opinion. Part progressive metal, part modern rock, Domain challenges the listener with an opening title track that clocks in at just over 17 minutes long and features beautiful ambient keyboard work over luscious guitar melodies (both courtesy of Scot Mosher) and powerful, yet subtle vocals from singer Scott Oliva.

Listening to each track, I am reminded of classic progressive bands such as Pink Floyd, Marillion and Rush, while also bringing to mind prog metal bands like Fates Warning, Enchant and Zero Hour. Each song on Domain paints a landscape of beauty and complexity without over indulging in over-playing as some prog metal bands are known to do. This is not saying that Domain doesn’t feature some killer chops from Mosher and company. I recommend listening to this album on headphones to fully appreciate the dynamics and subtleties hidden within. Personally, I thought the guitars should be a little higher in the mix, but that’s nitpicking. I am curious to see where Oceans of Night will be in 5 years. If you are a fan of ambient, progressive music, you will enjoy this album immensely. 

Rating: 8.0