Their early style was an extension of Converge's chaotic metalcore approach. Although their sound can be identified as "crusty" in parts, they were never an actual crust band, perhaps the closest to that they ever got were some of their Cursed-inspired most metallic moments. Caro's clean vocals approach is reminiscent of fringe post-metaller Julie Christmas. Her harsh vocals became more desperate and unhinged as records progressed. They also slowly began incorporating blast beats and tremolo picking melodies into their sound until even reaching blackgaze moments with the release of Rheia.
The lineup includes guitarists Lennart Bossu and Gilles Demolder, drummer Wim Coppers (who replaced founding member Ivo Debrabandere in 2016), and vocalist Caro Tanghe. They are a part of Amenra's Church of Ra collective. Following a self-titled EP, Oathbreaker have released three studio albums: Mælstrøm (2011), Eros|Anteros (2013) and Rheia (2016). They are currently on indefinite hiatus.
Caro Tanghe - vocals
Gilles Demolder - guitar, bass
Lennart Bossu - guitar
Wim Coppers - drums
Origin
Oathbreaker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Paused at the brink of a precipice
A moral stride inside
Seized up
Careless soil and its trammels had little left to contain me
Wandering these infinite heights unchained me
I survey the distance deep in my mind
Arousing madness
To see beyond sight as I’m eager to know
I’d never taste of death but once no moral stride inside begun
The opening edge on the boundless depth wandering
These lyrics from Oathbreaker's song Origin describe a person standing at the edge of a cliff, reflecting on their existence and contemplating death. The first line, "ambling," suggests that the person is not in a hurry - they are taking their time to reach the edge of the cliff. Once they get there, they pause, taking in the view and the moment. The line "a moral stride inside" suggests that they are looking inward and considering their values and beliefs.
As they stand there, they feel a sense of freedom and release from the constraints of everyday life. The "careless soil and its trammels had little left to contain me" suggests that they are unburdened by the concerns and worries of daily life. They are "unchained" and able to wander the "infinite heights," exploring the possibilities of the world around them.
Despite the dizzying heights and the possibility of death, the person feels a sense of excitement and awe. They are eager to see beyond what is visible and know more about the world. The final line, "the opening edge on the boundless depth wandering," suggests that they are not afraid to take risks and explore the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
Ambling
Casually walking, strolling
Paused at the brink of a precipice
Stopped at the edge of a steep cliff
A moral stride inside
A sense of morality or ethics within oneself
Seized up
Feeling paralyzed or unable to move
Careless soil and its trammels had little left to contain me
The restrictions of mundane life no longer hold any power
Wandering these infinite heights unchained me
Exploring the vastness of the universe freed the mind and spirit
I survey the distance deep in my mind
Mentally observing the vastness of the universe
Arousing madness
Stirring up insanity or madness within oneself
Horizons redefined the sweep of the sky rather than prospects below
The vast expanse of the universe becomes more important than earthly concerns
To see beyond sight as I’m eager to know
Craving divine knowledge that extends beyond what the human senses can perceive
I’d never taste of death but once no moral stride inside begun
Immortality would only be meaningful if one had a sense of morality or purpose
The opening edge on the boundless depth wandering
Gazing into the vastness of the universe and exploring its mysteries
Contributed by Andrew L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ganondorfchampin
One of the dopest bands ever. Black metal, metalcore, post-hardcore, and shoegaze all brutifully mixed.
The Thing
This is so good I actually want to cry...
0i0l0o
Feeling u bro.
氏政北条
What a sad loss to the metal-verse this excellent band is. I wish they'd make more music. I'd literally be front of the queue to buy an LP.
wojciech grzybowski
Definitely Converge influenced, but then well it was released by Deathwish....so it is not much of a surprise really. She is really good at performing live. Great band!
Andrew Sanford
Got this on vinyl, deadly as fuck. Can't wait for new material. These guys are tapping into the blackened reaches of metal, something few hardcore bands have done.
babuschla herold
this is so great, it has much different influences playin in a straight way. and caro oh that angel voice in maelstrom.
Loaded Painted
There are too many awesome bands on Death Wish to keep track of.
neirBO
the leads in this sound like a mix between converge and tragedy. fuckin' sweet!
Zippermouth888
Amen. So much talent.