Listen to The Excellent New Absence Song “Oceans”

In early May, perennial MetalSucks favorites The Absence announced a new single by the name of “Oceans” would be coming out in June. The band offered fans who bought a new t-shirt the opportunity to hear the song early, an interesting business model in an ever-changing music retail landscape. How did that approach fare with regards to getting fans to plunk down extra money on the strength of an unheard song? We’re not sure, but we do know this: “Oceans” is finally out for the world to hear, and it’s pretty sweet.

“Oceans” is a bit different than what we’ve heard from The Absence in the past — it’s “more of a mid-tempo snake-charmer” as described by No Clean Singing — but it’s got many of the same base elements that we’ve come to love about this band, namely absolutely gorgeous twin guitarmonies and solos, no doubt in part courtesy new guitarist Per Nilsson (Scar Symmetry), and instantly memorable melodic death metal melodies. It’s a six minute banger that takes a number of twists and turns along the way. Stream “Oceans” below, and buy it via Bandcamp.