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 – 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.

Okular ‘Sexforce’ will be released 4^th March 2013!

6/10

Track Listing: