Oceans of Slumber Deliver a Soulful, Crushing Cover of Heart’s “Alone”
Houston’s progressive metal titans, Oceans of Slumber, are closing out 2024 with a stunning rendition of Heart’s timeless power ballad, "Alone." Known for their fearless approach to music, the band has reimagined this classic in a way that balances faithful homage with their signature cinematic heaviness.
Recorded during the same Bogotá, Colombia session that birthed last year’s spellbinding piano medley, "Poem of Fire," Oceans of Slumber’s version of "Alone" is a testament to their versatility and artistry. This release follows a banner year for the band, marked by a North American tour alongside Lacuna Coil and New Years Day, chart-topping success on college radio, and spots on critics' year-end lists for their groundbreaking album, Where Gods Fear to Speak.
Originally penned in 1983 by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, "Alone" gained fame as a cover itself, soaring to the top of the Billboard charts in 1987 through Heart’s iconic interpretation. Now, Oceans of Slumber bring their unique sound to the track, blending elements of metal and classical music for an unforgettable rendition.
Dobber Beverly, the band’s drummer and classically trained pianist, opens the song with a delicate, haunting piano melody that intertwines with vocalist Cammie Beverly’s stirring and solitary call. The subtle opening evolves into a powerful explosion of sound as Chris Kritikos’ roaring power chords, Semir Ozerkan’s driving bass line, and a soaring guitar solo add heavy metal intensity to the mix.
"Dobber heard me sing 'Alone' one night at karaoke and thought it'd be cool for us to cover it," recalls Cammie. "When we got together, we decided to make our version heavier by leaning into Oceans of Slumber's sound. By the time we finished recording, it felt like we'd really transformed the song, giving it new weight and energy while still keeping its heart intact."
The result is a bold yet reverent tribute to Heart’s original—a song that bridges the worlds of classic power ballads and dark, progressive metal. It’s an offering that underscores Oceans of Slumber’s mastery of mood and emotion, leaving listeners spellbound by their ability to reinterpret a beloved classic while making it entirely their own.
Be sure to listen to Oceans of Slumber’s "Alone" and experience the sheer power and artistry of this monumental cover. Whether you’re a fan of the original or discovering the track for the first time, their rendition is sure to captivate.
https://oceansofslumber.bandcamp.com
More praise for Where Gods Fear to Speak
" Another album that firmly deserves its place among the pantheon " - Metal Hammer
" Simultaneously the heaviest and most melodic record they have ever made...Oceans of Slumber have given the best possible reply to those that questioned their vision. Where Gods Fear to Speak is a deeply moving and monstrously heavy next chapter in one of modern metal's most fascinating stories " - Blabbermouth (9/10)
"Where Gods Fear to Speak continues their astonishing streak of encapsulating, rich albums that take you to another plane of reality " - Distorted Sound (8/10)
" Serves as yet another reminder as to why they deserve so much more " - No Clean Singing
" It will confront your will. It will expand your mind. It will pull at your heart " - The Prog Mind (9/10)
" The delicate balance of rhythmic bombast and melodies that keep you wanting more is a chemistry that is hard to find but the collective members in Oceans of Slumber have me stunned " - No Echo
" At the end of the day, this still sounds like an Oceans of Slumber record, it's just a record that has a lot more heaviness while still keeping those nuances alive and well" - A&P Reacts
"Defiant, stronger and better than ever" - Female Fronted Power
"The best progressive metal album of 2024 thus far" - Metal & Coffee
" Another stunning release in a stunning run of albums " - The Razors Edge
" A stellar album, packed with the highest quality doom-drenched progressive metal, and rich in depth and feeling " - Wonder Box Metal
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