Based around the outskirts of Oslo, Norwegian progressive death metal act Okular was created in 2009, led by composer/lyricist Andreas Aubert, releasing one full length album so far. This year sees the release of the band’s newest musical masterpiece, entitled Sexforce.
After spinning this album more then a few times, I have to say Sexforce is one of the most electrifying and challenging extreme albums I have heard in quiet a while. The opener ‘House Full Of Colours’ offers a dynamic song structure filling every section with elements of entrancing riffs and brutal yet clean vocals, drowned in dooms sludge atmosphere.While tracks such as‘Not Separate’,‘Politically Incorrect Experiences’ and ‘Sexforce’ are technical and progressively bizarre with deep guttural yet controlled roars.
Some songs are mid-tempo and more straightforward, such as‘The Greatest Offender’ (featuring a guest appearance by Borknagar’s Mr V) and‘Rest in Chaos’; while others offer the listener a heightened element of surprise, such as ‘The King Of Life’ (featuring only acoustic guitars combined with clean and extreme vocals) and ‘To Ring The Bells Of Truth’ (based around a piano, also combining clean and extreme vocals).‘Ride The Waves of Emotion’ and‘Birth Through Loss’ deliver a technical and impressive steady death metal groove along with intense riffs, beastly growls, epic speed beats and enchanting melodies.
The music of Okular features a balanced blend of technicality, melody and brutality. Andreas Aubert plunges you into a tale of many sides and interruptions, with unique, bizarre song structures and an erotic sense of dominance. While other features leave the listener in a paralyzed state of utter lunacy. Brutal yet controlled vocals add to the complex layering of the intense instrumentals, while shards of melancholy aspects sting as they vibrate out of the technical riffs and catchy melodies. Focused arrangements, powerful and clear production met by immense talent and poetic lyrics make this album a force to be reckoned with.
8.5/10
Violet V. Reagen