OCEANO Guitarist Quits

Guitarist Andrew Mikhail has left the Chicago deathcore outfit OCEANO. He tells Lambgoat.com, "From day one, I've had a vision of being in a 'band of brothers' to play aggressive music with all across the globe. Whether it was fast, heavy, dark, whatever, I just didn't care. My concerns were if we did it, it was from the heart, and if it got the point across to the world."

Mikhail continues, "Music is an art form and an expression of self and surroundings. I, over time, simply felt like I wasn't getting either out of OCEANO. That's possibly the simplest way I can say why I quit without doing the typical bashing and such. I will say this, I took many 'for the team' personally and for all the people that dug what we did. But, the line has to be drawn somewhere for my own well being and creativity."

Mikhail goes on to thank "anyone and everyone who has supported/hated my work and endeavors with the band. You all will be seeing me soon whether you like it or not."

Berlin, Germany's PitCam Production conducted an interview with Andrew Mikhail when OCEANO played in Berlin on November 18, 2009. Watch the chat below.

A year after completing the recording of their successful 2009 debut, "Depths", OCEANO is heading back into the studio to record their follow-up effort. Set for release later this year, the new album will tell a story that promises to open eyes and deliver a more mature experience than many might normally expect. "Expect us to go DEEPER than 'Depths' this time around, and NOT just meaning heavier," says vocalist Adam Warren. "This is more than just our sophomore album. It is a great vision to be accomplished when all of the pieces we've worked so hard to create — art, music, lyrics and overall atmosphere — come together."

In order to make OCEANO's vision a reality, the band has enlisted the help of Chris "Zeuss" Harris to helm the record. Zeuss, one of the most respected producers in metal today, has worked with such acts as MUNICIPAL WASTE, THE ACACIA STRAIN, HATEBREED and SHADOWS FALL. Known for exponentially increasing an act's natural abilities while in the studio, Zeuss is enthusiastic at the chance to take OCEANO to the next level. "I'm really excited to be working on the new OCEANO record," says the Springfield, Massachusetts-based producer. "I see this as a great opportunity to work with one of the truly talented up and coming bands in the metal genre." Knowing how important it is to extend the band's reach from within their already dominant grasp on the deathcore scene, Zeuss adds, "I look forward to pushing the band to their full potential and making them stand above the rest."

"Depths" sold 2,500 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at No. 16 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Depths" was recorded with producer Joey Sturgis (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, MY CHILDREN MY BRIDE) at The Foundation Studios in Connersville, Indiana, and features artwork from Colin Marks (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, ABORTED, WHITECHAPEL). The CD contains 13 tracks of the angriest deathcore cuts ever committed to record, alongside a limited-edition bonus DVD, and is also available as a limited-edition version with two exclusive bonus tracks.