Oh yes OATH SC, I was wondering if this name would pop up again. Their 2019 album “Computer Warrior” was a pleasant retro release, not life-changing, but something I could easily listen to any time of the day. However, since nowadays bands come and go, projects are created within a couple of hours only to release some songs and then roam purposely in the music world of the Internet, I felt that I wouldn’t listen from them again.
However, the band’s main composer / performer Steven Waddell is back with a new album, this time mastered by Kyle McNeil, the man behind SEVEN SISTERS / PHANTOM SPELL. So not many things have changed since “Computer Warrior” but I wouldn’t actually expect changes.
Waddell keeps his music close to his NWOBHM inspirations, some of them would be ANGEL WITCH, PERSIAN RISK, BLADE RUNNER, early PRAYING MANTIS, early DEF LEPPARD, JAMESON RAID, TRESPASS etc, you know the more melodic ones. That transcribes into mid to fast tunes full of melodic, guitar leads and a hard rockish vibe that makes the album enjoyable.
While most bands that tread the retro path, sound as if they are “too old for this shit” despite being in their early 00s, OATH SC sound is inspired and come up with a couple of interesting ideas. Blending Proto-Metal with Hard Rock, even guitar pop / punk at times, creates sonic delights like “Bedsit Symphonies”, “Looking Back” or “Standing at the End of the World”, not the usual metal tracks but something that fans of good music can actually relate to while songs like “Take this Oath”, “Disposable”, “Heresay” depict a more aggressive side of the band. All of them are guitar driven with catchy choruses and a nostalgic vibe. The crustal clear production empower these elements while Waddell’s vocals, though not exquisite, are perfect both in terms of voice tone and performance.
“Hallowed illusions” is another great album in the band’s arsenal. Though there numerous of cd’s out there each month, I urge you to check them out. You will find something interesting.
You can check some OATH SC airplay on our radio show.
