CAMBRIAN

track-list:
What Lies Beneath – Pt. 1
Rules of Engagement
Locked Room Murder Mysteries
Requiem for Innocence
Oceans Away
Shards of a Broken Mirror
Last Man Standing
Requiem for Guilt
What Lies Beneath – Pt. 2

recorded between 5th of November 2023 and 14th of June 2025
mixed and mastered by Erwin Hermsen at Toneshed Music Production, Horst, the Netherlands; www.toneshed.nl
assistant engineering by Fons van Dijk
based on the book ‘Oceans Away: een gesloten kamer mysterie‘ by Ronald Kremers
music written by Ronald Kremers, Lennart van der Leij and Cambrian
lyrics by Freek Rooijakkers (except ‘Oceans Away‘)
lyrics for ‘Rules of Engagement‘, ‘Locked Room Murder Mysteries‘ and ‘What Lies Beneath – Pt. 2‘ by Freek Rooijakkers and Ronald Kremers

Cambrian are:
Cristian Vlemmix – bass
Freek Rooijakkers – vocals, wind controller
Lennart van der Leij – keyboards
Ronald Kremers – guitar
Roos de Kok – drums

discography:

Dutch progressive metal band Cambrian have returned with their second full-length album, ‘Oceans Away‘, an independently released concept record that marks a significant step forward in the band’s creative evolution.
Years in the making, the album reflects a clearer artistic vision while staying true to the dynamic and emotionally driven songwriting that has defined Cambrian since their debut.
Following the independently released ‘Point of Origin‘ in 2017, the Eindhoven-based band spent several years developing new material under challenging circumstances.
Line-up changes and the disruption caused by the pandemic delayed the project, but the additional time also allowed the songs to mature, resulting in an album that presents a more focused and refined musical identity.
At the heart of ‘Oceans Away‘ lies a concept inspired by a book written by guitarist Ronald in 2023.
Rather than serving as a simple collection of songs, the album unfolds as a connected narrative, allowing its musical and lyrical themes to develop naturally from beginning to end.
This storytelling approach fits seamlessly with Cambrian’s progressive foundations, where atmosphere, dynamics, and emotional depth play as important a role as technical musicianship.
Musically, ‘Oceans Away‘ continues the band’s tradition of combining contrasting moods and shifting arrangements.
Powerful metal passages are balanced with more atmospheric and melodic moments, creating a listening experience designed to guide the audience through a wide range of emotions.
Rather than relying solely on technical complexity, the album places equal emphasis on structure, tension, and expressive songwriting.
Originally formed in 2013 from the foundations of the death metal-oriented band Grave Machine, Cambrian gradually moved towards a broader progressive metal sound, leaving behind early cover versions in favour of original compositions.
‘Oceans Away‘ represents the culmination of that musical journey, showcasing a band that has found its own voice after years of steady development.
With the album now released, Cambrian are ready to bring its ambitious concept to the live stage, opening a new chapter with a record that reflects both the band’s growth and its commitment to independent creativity.