Winter

Oceans of Slumber's worldwide debut album, Winter, is a deft amalgam of all things melodic, complex, heavy, atmospheric, and forward-thinking. Tracks like powerful "Winter," the introspective "Lullaby," the rockin' "Suffer the Last Bridge," the heartfelt "Turpentine" and Oceans of Slumber's unbelievable cover of The Moody Blues' hit, "Nights in White Satin" are not-so-subtle indicators that the Texans are poised for greatness. Praised for their diversity, celebrated for their instrumental chops, and admired for their ability to out-prog any band in a 1,000 mile radius, the worldwide hype is well-deserved and backed up here. From covering Emperor and Candlemass in the past, covering The Moody Blues on Winter, to writing songs King Crimson and Dream Theater would be proud of, Oceans of Slumber aren't an easy band to peg musically. Certainly, they're progressive in the traditional sense, but they're not limited to Genesis-inspired runs or the instrumental gymnastics of Transatlantic. They have heart and soul. But they're informed by black metal's nefarious note choices just as much as they've intensely read into Wes Montgomery's jazz guitar approach.