Happy is a fiercely angry follow-up to Oceans’ 2022 album, Hell Is Where The Heart Is. The breakdowns are big and the slavering screams are on point, the band infusing their distinctive nu metal, industrial and post-rock influences with dark, atmospheric samples and spoken word. The emotionally delivered lyrics raise awareness of mental health and address social media’s destructive impact on society, too. While the album favours experimentation and passion over cohesion, it does have personality. Parasite serves as a brutal opener, there are a couple of fun guest appearances from Australian keyboardist Misstiq and Josh Collard of Earth Caller in the mix, and the melancholy title track, Breed Consume Die and Let It Burn all offer up some particularly memorable alt rock melodies. ■■■■■■
FOR FANS OF: Korn, Horizon Ignited, Blind Channel