Music Journalist & Editor of Rockum
(Rockum) - The ocean is as contradictory as it is mysterious. On one hand, it is deep, dangerous, and pitch-black, with parts that remain unexplored, while folklore and mythology fill it with sea monsters like kraken, giant squids, and deadly alluring creatures like sirens or mermaids. On the other hand, it can be calm and quiet, offering silent caves and sheltering shores, populated by beautiful beings and fascinating flora. Metaphorically, the ocean reflects the multiplicity of human emotions and experiences. It is this thematic richness that symphonic metal mermaid and talented singer-songwriter Talia Hoit has drawn inspiration from for her upcoming album Oceans, set for release on November 21, 2024.
In ten captivating songs, Talia Hoit explores masterful highs and depths, supported by a stellar lineup featuring Mat Plekhanov on guitar (DRAGONY), Roland Navratil on drums (ATROCITY, LEAVES' EYES, EDENBRIDGE), and Max Stoner on bass and rhythm guitar. All tracks are produced by Frank Pitters (VISIONS OF ATLANTIS, DEEP SUN, EDENBRIDGE) and Talia Hoit herself, with each song intricately connected to the nautical theme. Oceans offers a symphonic dive into the shifting tides of human emotions, addressing themes like the slow-moving love that crashes upon rocky shores, the vast emptiness of loss, steadfastness amidst turbulent waves, and the triumph of the human spirit. Talia Hoit invites listeners on a journey beneath the waves and into the oceans within. Her sound is dark, introspective, and metaphorical, guaranteed to evoke a range of emotions and prompt reflections on love and loss.
Talia explains, "With this album, I want people to feel the music and the themes of the lyrics deeply, like the depths of the ocean. I want it to be a journey for the listener, one that is both enjoyable and emotionally moving." Whether you’re up for a deep dive or simply seeking a nautical musical adventure, Talia's music has an undeniable impact. So if you’re a metal enthusiast navigating the vast sea of musical options, you’ll definitely enjoy getting caught in her symphonic metal net.
Tracklist for Oceans:
Castaway
Unanchored
Ocean
Beautiful
Stolen
Abyss
VastDeep
Island of Hope
Infinity
Significance
Hailing from Colorado, Talia Hoit has been classically trained on the piano since the age of five. This early musical education laid the foundation for her current career as a singer-songwriter, vocalist, and composer of orchestral scores for symphonic metal. For many years, she has written songs outside of any formal band setting, and is now working with talented producers and musicians to bring her most personal and intimate compositions to life.
For five years, Talia was the keyboardist and a songwriter for the band AnaDies. Currently, she is the lead singer, orchestrator, and co-songwriter for the symphonic metal band BEYOND FORGIVENESS, as well as the keyboardist for the metal band OB NIXILIS. As a solo artist, she recorded two original home studio albums for personal purposes, Fate’s Too Small (2007) and A Little Longer (2012), which had a limited physical CD release, mostly for friends and family. In 2019, she recorded the single "Angel" (produced by Jarek Musil), and after experiencing the process of working with a professional producer, she decided to pursue her solo project to professionally produce and release as many of her personal songs as possible. In 2023, she released two more singles: "Abandon" and "Whispers in the Storm." Talia’s music is a treat for symphonic metal fans and heavy music lovers, showing influences from bands such as WITHIN TEMPTATION, NIGHTWISH, EVANESCENCE, and VISIONS OF ATLANTIS.
