Oceano

The guys in Oceano must be a tough group to get along with. Contagion is only their second release since forming in 2006 and they already have five ex-members, one of whom happens to be the band's founder, kicked to the curb last year. Member conflicts aside, Contagion shows a group of talented musicians; through their revolving door of members, the Chicago, IL deathcore band have landed a solid line-up. Tracks like "Viral Re-Animation" and "Weaponized" showcase impressive guitar work, with fast, groovy riffs. Instrumental track "Exist in Confinement" lies midway through the sophomore release, exhibiting a slower, different style and is a much needed break from the chugging riff madness. However, while Oceano excel at musicianship they lack in originality, with the exception of "Exist In Confinement." Many of the tracks on the album blend together and are highly repetitious, with reused song structures and rhythm section parts. As is the case with many bands within the deathcore sub-genre, Oceano fall into the realm of redundancy.