OAK – The Third Sleep

RELEASE YEAR: 2025
BAND URL: https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com/album/the-third-sleep

It seems like only yesterday that I had the great pleasure of reviewing the previous album by these talented prog rockers, namely the stately The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise (2022). With its deep-seated melancholy, genuine sense of yearning, and utterly captivating songs, said output was something to be admired and a rewarding listening experience unlike anything else, and OAK’s upcoming opus titled The Third Sleep feels like the natural successor to the aforementioned record in terms of its overall tone, melodic flair, style, and lyrical content.

The compositions are beautiful and haunting, dark and contemplative, uplifting and unshakable. A modern-sounding affair in many respects, the production is crisp and bright, and the musicianship is outstanding, but more importantly, the richly layered and emotive tunes tug at the heartstrings and offer food for thought in terms of their exploration of the struggle of the individual in a world in which everything has been amplified. Exquisite piano melodies, strong and addictive vocals, sophisticated arrangements, memorable riffs, and a Porcupine Tree-esque vigor are only a handful of its many remarkable qualities, and The Third Sleep is simply put an interior journey that you ought to embark on once it is launched in late April via Karisma Records.

OAK continue their upward trajectory with this fourth full-length of theirs, which is an inspiring thing in and of itself, and fans of Steven Wilson and latter-day Opeth should make a note of this reflective and touching gem.