Okular
Sexforce
13 Track Album
Released 4th March 2013
Okular – Oslo, Norway
Links:
www.okular.bandcamp.com
https://www.facebook.com/okularmetal?sk=wall
Genre:
Progressive Extreme Metal
In the band’s
own words:
“With members
based around the outskirts of Oslo, Norway, progressive death metal act Okular is led by composer/lyricist
Andreas Aubert. He writes all the music in the program Guitar Pro, without the
help of a guitar. In 2009 he gathered a line-up to record debut album
Probiotic, with some of the songs dating as far back as 2005. The core of Okular’s recording line-up, which will
also perform live, is comprised of Marius Skarsem Pedersen (Guitars/Vocals) and
Bjørn Tore Erlandsen (Drums). They are both also active with their band
Aspherium, who reached second place in the final of Norway’s Wacken Metal
Battle 2010.
The music of Okular features a balanced blend of
technicality, melody and brutality, which is presented within a framework of
progressive song writing. Lyrically, Okular
presents poetry describing aspects of the human existence, in a vital and
experientially-based form, rather than as philosophical discourse. Descriptions
of beauty and dignity alternate with criticism of conformity, belief-oriented lifestyles
and apathy, which prevent the individual from being authentic. The booklets for
both albums contain the full lyrics, each lyric paired with an illustration
reflecting the lyrical content and the energy of the music.”
House full of
colours
A very
“involved” track with beautiful guitar passages and grisly vocals that have a
very brutal flavour, with dark edged drum beats, that just simply ride out the
journey effortlessly.
Not Separate
This track
forges ahead with ultimate ferocity with kick beats galore and flawless,
elaborate guitars.
Sexforce
Title of the
album not sure I like the vocal on this – well the speaking anyways – A bit
disappointing on that account but the grisly vocal is always welcome. However
the music is a joy to behold as it twists and turns vibrantly around every
musical corner. It possesses some complex rhythms and wild, unrelenting guitar
so not a total right-off
The Greatest
Offender
This track
starts off with a haunting and special guitar that weaves its own path and then
a savage vocal appears along with some harmonies luring you in before the
horrifically disturbing kicks in with its alarming jangling guitars and delivers
atmosphere and brutality in equal measure however I am not entirely happy with
the clean vocal which although sung in tune just takes away from the extremity
of the track.
Ride the waves
of Emotion
Nice chugging
guitars and blast beats kick in here with a ferocious amount of power in the
delivery. The vocals surging and vehement helps greatly adding a torturous
convoluted feel and makes more noticeable the complex rhythms contained within
this beast of a track complete with piano ensemble that is very befitting to
the end of the track.
Rest in Chaos
Crisp cymbals
and spiked guitar open this track with a good solid rhythm and simple drum
beats. Never far from that superb guttural vocal however - has the guitar
produced some beautiful noise that is rhythmically superb? I would have to say
yes to that! This track also holds a
neat little groove that is addictive and weaves a complex labyrinth of riffs –
brilliant track with a nice sneaky bass hook that moulds the track together
perfectly along with another little piano ditty.
King of Life
This is
somewhat unexpected! Vocals are not what I would expect from a band calling
them-selves extreme and although they aren’t afraid to tinker with some the
acoustic guitar it sounds out of place on this album. Although it does show that
Okular has diversity but I’m afraid
I find this track far too jazzed up for my liking.
Exposing the
good citizens
A bit of a
mixture this tack with clean vocal as well as a heavier guttural one – it does
however have a superb breakdown with damming drum beats and harsh bass hooks.
It rises to an almighty crescendo slows briefly before turning into a power
driven array of riffs but the clean vocals tend to distract and ruin the track
for me anyway.
Feast upon
Illusionary
Nice start with
rhythmical qualities and a superb guttural vocal that will pulverise. Building
to breakneck speed this is more in keeping with the extreme side and my
favourite track on the album. Intricate and superb with the perfect balance
between groove and progressive
Birth through
loss
Thunderous kick
beats and knotty guitar kick off this track and with a scourging vocal it
literally blasts through the sound barrier and really stretches the minds
capabilities to deliver with vicious prowess-like precision and even the
harmonies add to an elaborate mix of splendour right up to the very end of the
track.
To ring the
bells of truth
Oh dear...
although this is sweet and well played piano again it is not in keeping with
the album and I have to keep checking to see if I have the right band or radio
4 on my computer! Not that I would ever listen to such a radio station – I mean
there’s boring and horizontal!
Politically
Incorrect Experiences
Yes I think Okular are back again with their
complex guitar rhythms and scornful vocals and this trajectory makes up for the
previous slumber trail. This weaves its way into a more complex journey and
fades out without giving a definite end.
Educated for
Enslavement
Now this is
more like it deep grooves with hammering precision like drum beats amongst the
speedy tempo and guttural vocals is another superb track that delivers on every
level.
To sum up:
Well 7 out of
11 tracks really shine on this album, so it isn’t all bad, however it may be a
good idea for the band not to show too much diversity going from sublime to
ridiculous and just concentrate on being that immense progressive extreme metal
band they go under the genre of and then they might just score a perfect 10,
however the four dismal tracks do not do them any favours here despite being
diverse. They are all very good
musicians and can obviously play their instruments with precision force grandiose
but there are limits! I think it is just a case of too many chefs spoil the
broth here, but what is good is exceptional - just a shame about the clean
vocal too.
6/10
Track Listing:
House full of colours
Not Separate
Sexforce
The Greatest Offender
Waves of Emotion
Rest in Chaos
King of Life
Exposing the good citizens
Feast upon Illusionary
Birth through loss
To ring the bells of truth
Politically Incorrect Experiences
Educated for Enslavement
Members:
Andreas Aubert: Composition & lyrics, additional & backing
vocals
Marius Skarsem Pedersen: Guitar/Vocals
Bjørn Tore Erlandsen: Drums
Martin Berger Enerstvedt: Bass
Jan Pinslund: Guitars
(live)
Fredrik William
Aas: Vocals (Live)
Simen
Folkestad: Bass (Live)
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