Okular to release album “Regenerate” on 7 June 2024 via Regenerative Productions
Norwegian death-metal outfit Okular are set to deliver their long-awaited third full-length album “Regenerate” on June 7th.
This new effort brings a halt to an eleven-year hiatus, being the first full-length release from the band since their 2013’s second album “Sexforce” and it's safe to say that the wait has been well worth it.
Formed in 2009 by composer, lyricist and backing vocalist Andreas Aubert, who writes all the material in Guitar Pro, Okular have released two full-length albums to wide-spread critical acclaim. “Probiotic” in 2011, which Øystein G. Brun from Borknagar called a “mandatory listen” and was elected album of the month in Norway’s Scream Magazine. The album featured Yngve Bolt Christiansen (Blood Red Throne vocalist 2012–2023) as co-vocalist. On the sophomore album “Sexforce” (2013), guest vocals were provided by Vintersorg (Borknagar vocalist 2000–2019) on the track “The Greatest Offender”. Sea of Tranquillity described the album as a “mightily impressive effort” and stated that “Fans of acts like Obscura, Opeth and Meshuggah can’t go wrong here”, while the Monolith stated “Would’ve been an immediate classic had the music industry been an environment basing success on sheer musical quality.”
In addition to the band's expected prog death metal mastery, “Regenerate” sees Okular recapturing that Scandinavian melodic approach present on their first album “Probiotic”, merged with the groove and sporadic dissonance that characterised “Sexforce”.
It’s also Okular’s most concise and well-balanced album to date, offering nine tracks that blend aggressive, unrelentingly heavy riffs with progressive elements. The opening song “Back to Myself and Beyond” serves as a statement of intent, serving some truly crushing, powerful riffs, pummelling drum blasts and ferocious vocals. However, “Regenerate” is not all about relentless brutality all the way through as Okular also employ a variety of song structures. Such a spontaneous and adventurous approach is especially outstanding on “A New Path”, which never falls into the realm of predictability. It starts on a gentle note with acoustic guitars and melodic vocalizations before unleashing an onslaught of fierce riffs and pummelling aggression.
It should be mentioned that “Regenerate” is a more collaborative effort than previous works and while founder/composer/lyricist/backing vocalist Andreas Aubert is still the main songwriter, this new album had more contributions from other members. Most notably, guitarist Marius Skarsem Pedersen who provided several additional arrangements, and drummer Bjørn Tore Erlandsen that had total freedom regarding the drum composition.
Lyrically, the overarching theme revolves around living from one’s authentic, dynamic self, as opposed to hiding behind a mask of conformity. The lyrical aim is to inspire the listener to go deep and take constructive action in their lives, providing an empowering direction for the intensity of the music. In the individual as well as in society, there is a potential for renewal, breaking free from stuck and dysfunctional patterns.
Set for release on June 7th via Regenerative Productions, “Regenerate” is smartly written and well-executed, comprising nine crushing tracks that contain just enough technicality, groove and irreverence to keep it interesting.
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