Although they started out rather more focused on progressive metal, ONI (formed by Jake Oni in 2014), have opted for a rather more direct approach with The Silver Line, a nine-track collection that deals in a mix of heavy guitars, melodic vocals, and only occasional bursts of full-on metal. Despite a strong presence that has seen the band tour with the likes of Gojira, Max and Igor Cavalera, Death Angel, and Megadeth in the past; the electronic elements and pop hooks on display edge ONI closer to Sempiturnal-era BMTH than anything more traditionally labelled metal. Tracked with Spiritbox bassist Josh Gilbert, along with Joe McQueen (As I lay Dying, Bad Wolves), it is certainly a contemporary-sounding effort, marking a new chapter for this popular band.
The Silver Line kicks off with the shiny riffs and clean vocals of Silhouette. It immediately highlights the strong, modern rock sound the band are employing this time out, treading a fine line between hook-laden pop and heavy riffs, and it makes for an engaging start. However, for those looking for something more savage, second track Spark (featuring Sueco), doesn’t really deliver, with ONI opting for something closer to Linkin Park, complete with elements of r&b floating in the undergrowth. It may build to a heavier conclusion, but it flirts just a little too much with mainstream sounds, as does Underneath My Skin (feat. Kellin Quinn from Sleeping with Sirens), which would slot comfortably onto BMTH’s divisive Amo. Fortunately, things pick up with Silence in A Room Of Lies (feat. Jared Dines), a much heavier track with a ferocious opening riff. Although it still holds melody at its core, it’s a stronger offering, and it’s easy to imagine heads nodding appreciatively in the pit to this one. Next up, the short, sharp Cyanide is a schizophrenic track, driving the album towards the end of its first act with some pile driving riffs on display.
Keeping things at the heavier end of the spectrum, Justin Hill of Sikth drops in to lend a hand on The Dread, arguably the album’s heaviest track, although it’s sweetened with synth elements, and the band once more default to a hooky chorus. The elastic riffing of Aura (feat. Howard Jones and Josh Gilbert) sees Jake and Howard trading lines, the latter making his appearance on the second verse, before everything explodes in a manner reminiscent of Roadrunner United. Similarly, Armageddon (feat Michael Lessard of The Contortionist) sticks to the metalcore trope of bristling verse – clean chorus, unfortunately lessening its power. Strangely, the band save the best for last, with Burns My Soul a hulking great track with Gojira flourishes and a strong vocal performance. Still melodic where it counts, but with a tougher edge to it, it stands out because it breaks the formula found elsewhere, and it’s all the better for it.
With its guest appearances and shiny production, The Silver Line is a strong enough album of its type, and there’s no question that it offers a neat mix of huge choruses, biting riffs, and crushing breakdowns. At the same time, it does little to differentiate itself from any number of acts operating in similar waters, the strong focus on melody frequently neutering some of the heavier moments on display. There’s also the issue that it starts to feel a touch formulaic after a while and, although ONI wisely keep the album pared back to just nine tracks, it still feels a touch samey. I have no doubt that this will prove popular and, for those eagerly anticipating the new album from BMTH, this will surely hit all the right buttons, but it would be good to hear the band jump the rails a little more on their next effort. 6.5/10
THE SILVER LINE
Tracklisting:
1.Silhouette
2.Spark feat. Sueco
3.Underneath My Skin feat. Kellin Quinn (Sleeping With Sirens)
4.Silence In A Room Of Lies feat. Jared Dines
5.Cyanide
6.The Dread feat. Justin Hill (Sikth)
7.Aura feat. Howard Jones (Light The Torch) & Josh Gilbert (Spiritbox)
8.Armageddon feat. Michael Lessard (The Contortionist)
9.Burns My Soul
About ONI
Formed in 2014 by vocalist Jake Oni, ONI quickly became one of Canada’s most promising artists with their distinct amalgam of experimental progressive songwriting, brute metalcore savagery and cathartic melody. The five-piece roared to life with the release of their 2016 debut album, Ironshore (Metal Blade Records), which was produced by Josh Wilbur (Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Dillinger Escape Plan) and featured guest vocals by Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe on the song, ‘The Only Cure.’
ONI followed up with a monstrous Alone EP in 2019, and returned with their critically lauded second full-length, Loathing Light in 2022, that boasted guests Iggy Pop and Blythe on the song ‘Secrets‘ and ‘Heart To Stone,‘ which was featured on Spotify’s Best of Kickass Metal 2022 playlist.
Along their rise in the metal scene, ONI has shared the stage with acts like Megadeth, Gojira, Bullet for My Valentine, Starset, Children of Bodom, Rob Zombie, Death Angel and The Devin Townsend Project.
2023 is already looking to be ONI‘s biggest and most pivotal year yet. Lead single, ‘Silence In A Room Of Lies‘ has been added to dozens of stations across the USA, including Music Choice Rock, KUPD, KJEE, WEDG, WDHA, KXCI among many others.
‘The Silver Line‘ ups the ante once more, adding another full-length chapter to ONI’s ever-expanding songbook.
