Oceans On Orion Redefine Nu-Metal with “Breaking the Habit” Ft. Danny Ly Ziser

Monday, 14 April 2025 06:01

Oceans On Orion Redefine Nu-Metal with “Breaking the Habit” Ft. Danny Ly Ziser ^Featured

Written by Gene Aaron

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Oceans On Orion Redefine Nu-Metal with “Breaking the Habit” Ft. Danny Ly Ziser

Photo: Oceans On Orion

Oceans On Orion, the genre-bending modern metal band based in Tel Aviv, Israel, continues to forge bold new creative paths with their latest release—a striking reimagining of Linkin Park’s emotionally charged anthem, “Breaking the Habit.” Rather than simply recreating the original, the band reconstructs it with intensity and purpose. Featuring the haunting and expressive guest vocals of Israeli singer-songwriter Danny Ly Ziser, this version transforms the song into something deeply personal and sonically powerful.

Layering the original’s emotional depth with crushing djent-style riffs, punchy nu-metal grooves, and a cyberpunk visual aesthetic, Oceans On Orion redefines what it means to honor a classic while reshaping it into something bold and new. From the first frames of the video, viewers are plunged into a dystopian landscape—marked by decaying backdrops and glitch effects—that powerfully mirrors the emotional chaos and introspection at the heart of the song’s lyrics.

This cover stands out not just for its musicianship but for its vision. Where Linkin Park’s original leaned heavily on emotional tension and electronic undertones, Oceans On Orion channels those same themes through a modern lens. Guitars chug with ferocity, drums crash with mechanical precision, and vocalist Lev Kerzhner delivers the verses with raw conviction—before Danny Ly Ziser’s voice emerges in the chorus with soaring beauty, forming a vocal interplay that mirrors a conversation between despair and resolve. It’s not just a new version of “Breaking the Habit”—it’s a conversation between the past and present of metal, bringing together the angst of early-2000s nu-metal with the intricacies of progressive metalcore.

Breaking the Habit ft. Danny Ly Ziser. | Photo courtesy of Oceans On Orion

"Let’s start with a confession. As a kid, I didn’t like Nu-Metal. For me, Linkin Park was one of those bands that "ruined the fun of the ‘80s"—too heavy, too weird, and what was up with all the rap thing?! But everything changed when, right before finishing my military service, I gave Meteora another listen. Needless to say, I fell in love. And ever since, I’ve carried this little dream of doing my own version of one of its tracks," says Lev Kerzhner - Oceans On Orion's frontman. "I chose Breaking the Habit after hearing it during a previous Linkin Park tribute. That’s when I realized this song—with its minimalistic arrangement and flawless writing—was the perfect canvas to experiment with. So, I put together a demo! And then I got called up for reserve duty. Because that’s just how this year has been. Luckily, I had Aviram Ze’evi on drums, my buddy Yadin Moyal laying down some killer session guitars, and the cyberpunk-inspired keys of Tal Galefsky (formerly of Moonskin). On top of that, an incredible guest appearance by my soul sister from the distant north, Danny Ly Ziser. All wrapped up in an Oceans On Orion-style production, mixed by the one and only Yonatan Kossov. And this is the result."

This fusion isn’t accidental. Oceans On Orion has carved out a space in the metal world by blending metalcore-inspired riffing with melodic sensibilities reminiscent of 1980s hard rock and glam. That formula first earned them attention with their debut album, “Start From Nothing,” released in 2023. The album showcased not only the band’s ability to balance melody and aggression but also their fearless approach to songwriting.

Tracks like “Weaponized Misery” and “Killing the Messenger” revealed a band unafraid to confront political, psychological, and personal topics, wrapped in explosive instrumentation and infectious hooks. Critics and fans alike praised the album for its tight production, dynamic range, and the standout vocal performance of Kerzhner, whose voice could transition from guttural screams to melodic wails effortlessly.

Click to enlarge image O_o_O_Live_Web_1.jpg

Oceans On Orion Live. Photo: Afik F. Efrat

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Oceans On Orion Live | Photos: Afik F. Efrat

In that sense, their take on “Breaking the Habit” feels like a natural evolution of their sound. While the original Linkin Park track, written by Mike Shinoda and sung by the late Chester Bennington, explores addiction, inner conflict, and the desire to escape destructive patterns, Oceans On Orion amplifies those emotions with heavier instrumentation and a cinematic flair. The emotionally charged performances by every band member amplify the song’s storytelling, reinforcing themes of fragmentation, self-destruction, and the longing for rebirth.

The addition of Danny Ly Ziser is more than a guest feature—it’s a masterstroke of artistic collaboration. Her voice, rich with emotion and precision, contrasts with Kerzhner’s grit in a way that mirrors the inner duality explored in the lyrics. Her performance breathes new life into lines like “You all assume I'm safe here in my room / Unless I try to start again,” bringing a feminine vulnerability and strength that expands the emotional landscape of the song. Ziser isn’t new to various collaborations, but this performance marks a defining moment in her career, and the chemistry between her and Oceans On Orion is undeniable.

From a production standpoint, the track is meticulous. The guitars, handled by Sergei Metalheart and Uriah Sharon, weave between chugging rhythms and ambient layers, providing both brute force and ethereal space. The bass, courtesy of Michal Hasson—who joined Oceans On Orion in September 2024—adds depth, groove, and a magnetic stage presence, while drummer Eyal Ravid propels the track with explosive fills and thunderous double kicks.

The soundscape is both massive and intimate, capturing the chaos of mental disarray and the clarity of catharsis. As the song builds toward its climax, the instrumentation falls away to leave only vocals and sparse electronics, drawing attention to the lyrics' emotional core: “I’ll paint it on the walls ‘cause I’m the one that falls.” Moments like these demonstrate the band’s keen understanding of dynamic range and narrative pacing.

OCEANS ON ORION ft.Danny Ly Ziser - Breaking the Habit (Linkin Park Cover)

The video’s visual language deserves further recognition. Its post-apocalyptic setting, coupled with stylized lighting and symbolic imagery, amplifies the track’s themes without overshadowing them. The music video, directed with stylized dystopian visuals, features the band performing in a long, narrow, dark tunnel with graffiti-painted concrete walls, symbolizing the feeling of being stranded in a confined, claustrophobic place. The bright light at the end of the tunnel gives a hint of hope to break through from internal struggles. Where the original music video for “Breaking the Habit” used anime-style animation to convey psychological turmoil, Oceans On Orion takes a live-action approach rooted in cyberpunk dystopia. The result is a visual experience that feels urgent, dynamic, and unforgettable.

Yet, despite the ambitious scope of this project, Oceans On Orion stays grounded in their core identity. They are, at their heart, a band that writes music about struggle, identity, and defiance. Their sound may be wrapped in distortion and fury, but their message is deeply human. Covering “Breaking the Habit” is not just an homage—it’s a declaration. It says: We know where we come from, we respect those who paved the way, and we’re here to carry the torch forward. In a musical landscape that often trends toward the superficial, this kind of intention matters.

Looking ahead, this release raises the bar for what fans can expect from Oceans On Orion. It’s a signal that the band is entering a new phase—one marked by bolder choices, deeper collaborations, and a willingness to step outside the confines of their previous work. They aren’t content to simply reproduce familiar formulas; they want to reshape them, inject them with fresh blood, and deliver something that feels simultaneously nostalgic and revolutionary.

For fans of Linkin Park, this cover will hit a tender nerve. It resurrects the aching emotion of Chester Bennington’s performance while showing that the song’s message is still as relevant today as it was 20 years ago. For fans of Oceans On Orion, it’s a thrilling confirmation of the band’s versatility and ambition. And for those just discovering the group through this track, it’s a compelling invitation to explore their growing catalog of music that challenges the norm while embracing melody, meaning, and mayhem.

In conclusion, “Breaking the Habit” by Oceans On Orion ft. Danny Ly Ziser is more than a cover—it’s a reinterpretation that honors the past while forging ahead into the future. With cinematic production, emotionally resonant performances, and a powerful visual narrative, the band proves once again that they are not just participants in the metal scene—they are innovators within it. Whether you're drawn in by the thunderous riffs, the haunting vocals, or the layered symbolism of the video, one thing is clear: Oceans On Orion is a band with vision, heart, and a voice that refuses to be silenced.

More Oceans On Orion on SULÉY ERA | Music Life & SULÉY TV

Start From Nothing
All rights reserved to Oceans On Orion, 2023

Oceans On Orion: Start From Nothing

Oceans on Orion: Weaponized Misery

Oceans on Orion: LOVE

Oceans on Orion: Tomorrow's Rain

Oceans On Orion - Тame ft. Aliki Katriou

Oceans On Orion - Killing The Messenger

Oceans On Orion - Tomorrow's Rain

ABOUT Oceans On Orion

Oceans on Orion is a Modern Metal band from Tel Aviv, delivering a unique blend of metalcore-inspired riffing, 80’s golden era vocal harmonies, solid songwriting, and powerful lead vocals. Known for their energetic live performances and video productions.

Oceans on Orion released multiple videos as singles including: Tomorrow’s Rain, LOVE, Start from Nothing, Weaponized Misery, Killing the Messenger, leading up to their debut album which was released early 23′ to great reviews.

After the release, Oceans on Orion released a follow up video and single, “Tame”. The song featuring 8 Lives down Singer Aliki Katriou and also received positive reviews and extensive airplay.

The band has been nominated for band of the year as well as song of the year for “Tame” in by Israel’s leading Rock radio station, ZeRock. Oceans on Orion regularly perform in Israel, headlining shows and participating in many of the local festivals.

Oceans on Orion Line-Up:

Lev Kerzhner - Vocals & Guitars

Sergei Metalheart - Guitars & Vocals

Michal Hasson - Bass

Uriah Sharon - Guitars & Vocals

Breaking the Habit

Originally performed by: Linkin Park

Lyrics by: Mike Shinoda, Linkin Park

Music by: Mike Shinoda, Linkin Park

Listen & Watch:

Follow Oceans On Orion:

About Danny Ly Ziser

Follow Danny Ly Ziser

Danny Ly Ziser is a multifaceted Israeli entertainer, best known as a dynamic voice in the local pop culture and gaming scene. She serves as the Chief Content Editor and a Host at IGN Israel, where she covers everything from gaming and tech to comics and geek culture with charisma and depth. Danny is also the official announcer for the Israeli Wrestling League (IWL), combining her love for storytelling and high-energy entertainment. Her passion for gaming and wrestling shines through on her social platforms, where she describes herself simply as “Just a gamer girl who loves wrestling and to unbox stuff.”

Beyond her editorial and hosting work, Danny is also a rising music talent. In 2025, she appeared as a guest vocalist in Oceans On Orion’s cinematic cover of Linkin Park’s “Breaking the Habit,” delivering a powerful performance that blended seamlessly with the band’s heavy, modern metal sound. Her appearance in the dystopian-themed music video expanded her presence into the rock and metal world, showcasing her artistic range and expressive vocal style. Whether in front of a camera, behind a mic, or on the stage, Danny Ly Ziser continues to leave her mark as a bold and passionate voice in Israeli entertainment.

Performance & Recording:

Guest vocals: Danny Ly Ziser
‪@dannylyziser

Arrangement by: Lev Kerzhner

Drum performance: Eyal Ravid

Drumset provider: Yair Hananya

Guitar recording: Yadin Moyal ‪@yadinmoyal5915

Drum recording: Aviram Zeevi ‪@theonlinedrummer

Keyboards and sampling: Tal Gafsky

Video Credits:

Director: Lev Kerzhner

Videographer: Alexander 'Maiden' Korsak ‪@blacklinefilms

Videographer: Mariano Ruben Gonzalez Oliveira

Color-Grading & After Effects: Alexander 'Maiden' Korsak

Post Production: Alexander 'Maiden' Korsak

Executive Production: Ren Wexler

Production crew and playback: Sergei Dmitrik

Mix and Mastering by: Jonathan Kossov

Contact Oceans On Orion:

E-Mail: press (at) lmh.me

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Published in Rock, Prog-Rock, Metal

Tagged under

Gene Aaron

Managing editor

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