Oceano

Originally formed in 2006 as a grindcore band by guitarist Jeremy Carroll, Chicago's Oceano went through a revolving cast of players until settling on a new lineup and a new sound in 2007. The final lineup, consisting of Andrew Mikhail (guitar), Danny Terchin (drums), Adam Warren (vocals), and Kevin Colabuono (bass), would go on to develop the group's current sound. Pushing the limits of extreme music and influenced by Behemoth and the Acacia Strain, the band transitioned into a heavier, more technical death metal sound. This change was helped along by adopting the severely detuned "dropped A" from one of Mikhail's past bands, creating a guitar sound that was as thick and murky as Warren's anguished growls. In 2008, the band signed to Earache Records, and began a heavy touring schedule. That year also saw the departure of Carroll and Colabuono and the arrival of bassist Jason Jones. In 2009, the band released its full-length debut, Depths, on Earache Records.