Talia Hoit – Oceans

Talia Hoit
Oceans
Out: November 21^st, 2024
Playing time: 44:56

Talia Hoit aka Carla Hoit (Beyond Forgiveness) is a Symphonic Metal singer from Colorado (USA). She began piano lessons at the tender age of five. Today she writes songs, sings (sang) and plays keyboards in various bands. She has also been going solo since 2019. So far, she seems to have only released three singles. That will change in November. Then ‘Oceans’ will be released, which is her debut album. According to press information, it features influences from bands such as Within Temptation, Nightwish, Evanescence and Visions of Atlantis.

After a short introduction, hard riffs and synth strings dominate ‘Castaway’. But as soon as Talia Hoit’s beguiling soprano voice is heard, the harshness is toned down a little. Later, a full orchestra is backed by epic choruses. ‘Unanchored’ has a very catchy melody. But also hard drumming, at least at the beginning. The keyboard tapestries are omnipresent. The crowning glory is a strong guitar solo. The ballad-like opening title track ‘Ocean’ is later characterised by riffs, subtle and rhythmic. ‘Beautiful’ also has a piano introduction underpinned by cymbals. But later on, the song is much calmer than its predecessors and played less hard. It is a beautiful ballad for long stretches, which is characterised above all by the singer’s clear soprano voice. Towards the end, the balladic area is abandoned a little, also thanks to the double bass. However, a contemplative ballad follows with ‘Stolen’. From about the middle, however, it becomes much faster and more powerful. ‘Abyss’ is a Symphonic Metal anthem. Quieter passages are also included time and again. ‘VastDeep’ picks up the pace again.  The double bass in particular drives things forward. After a keyboard intro, the riffs and drums strike again on ‘Island Of Hope’. The melody is, as often before, very catchy. ‘Infinity’ repeatedly offers a ballad-like introduction. The vocals are accompanied by strings. Later, guitar riffs and drums are added here too. And once again there is a crowning guitar solo. The final song ‘Significance’ also fits into the general song pattern – string carpets and riffs alternate.

Certainly, the influences mentioned above can be recognised. However, the album does not come close to the quality of the protagonists. The outstanding point is Talia Hoit’s vocals. Unfortunately, I miss a bit of variety in the arrangements. It’s not enough just to compose beautiful and catchy melodies. Despite everything, ‘Oceans’ is a solid debut album that the singer can build on. I would like to emphasise the album cover, which fits very well with the nautical themes of the songs.

Talia Hoit – Island of Hope: https://youtu.be/mdCFayZSvEI?si=Q3gKF6ocoESM4E8M

Lineup:

Talia Hoit – Vocals
Frank Pitters – Keyboards, Music Arrangements
Mat Plekhanov – Guitar
Roland Navratil – Drums
Max Stoner – Bass, Rhythm Guitar

Track list:

• Castaway
• Unanchored
• Ocean
• Beautiful
• Stolen
• Abyss
• VastDeep
• Island Of Hope
• Infinity
• Significance