The Birmingham, UK, technical metal quintet’s second full-length album, Hikari, translates to “Light” in English and represents their current mindset, illuminating major strides in the group’s sonic vocabulary. Following a lyrical and musical theme rooted in Samurai mythology, the 11-track album blends traditional Japanese instruments with Oceans Ate Alaska’s dynamic flare. With the first single “Covert,” the fast drums, fast riffs, heavy sections and catchy sections delivers elements that are quintessentially Oceans Ate Alaska, all the while showcasing new vocalist Jake Noakes' talent with a wide variety of vocal parts. Ultimately, Hikari means both a new “light” for Oceans Ate Alaska and heavy music at large.