When Oni released Genesis Part I, it was clear the band was caught between two competing impulses: clean, radio-ready accessibility and the raw grit of heavy metalcore. Tracks like “What I’ve Become” leaned toward catchy, melodic territory, while heavier cuts such as “Drug Met to Sleep” hinted at sharper edges but were often muted by overly polished production. The album showed promise, but the tension between shine and substance kept the full impact just out of reach.

Genesis Part II doesn’t entirely erase that tension, but it demonstrates a band starting to strike a more compelling balance. The most immediate change is conviction. Where Part I sometimes felt sterile—even in its heaviest moments—this follow-up delivers riffs with bite, screams with weight, and drums that lock in with dynamic fills, giving the music a sense of motion and urgency rather than mere timekeeping. Tracks inspired by the spirit of Retribution hit harder, and the melodic passages retain accessibility without feeling watered down or restrained.

Oni’s growing ambition first peeked through with Illumination, and on Genesis Part II, that approach is expanded further. Atmosphere and groove are given space to breathe; riffs, synths, and instrumental textures are allowed to carry sections without always snapping back into a “safe” chorus. The songwriting reflects more of the band’s identity, emphasizing mood, dynamics, and personal voice rather than sticking rigidly to formula.

Yet some of the earlier habits linger. In moments reminiscent of Float, a few riffs still feel overly polished, leaning toward “played at you” rather than “played through you.” The bass and drums remain standout elements, providing both depth and punch, but the occasional lack of raw edge reminds listeners that Oni are still navigating the balance between precision and aggression.

Despite these minor missteps, Genesis Part II marks a meaningful evolution. Where Part I felt clean and competent, this follow-up has more bite, heft, and confidence. It shows a band learning to harness their technical skills while letting the music breathe, giving their metalcore sound a sharper, more memorable presence. Genesis Part II builds on Oni’s foundation with greater conviction, ambition, and compositional clarity. Though it remains polished at times, it’s a clear indication that Oni are finding their own weight in the metalcore landscape—and that makes this album worth paying attention to.

Rating: 6/10