Who said the music and technology can't get along? Of course that I won't be discussing Techno or anything kind of stuff that is not Metal or Rock, but I have a proof that this relationship can work, at least here. Well, basis of the incoming was originally born and made via the program that I would like to think that most of us know, Guitar Pro.

When I read about Andreas Aubert's programmed creations, I was psyched. Some would say I and crazy because most bands write their material, as sketches, with softwares in order to keep their ideas. However in the case of Aubert, there are two different aspects. First, at least of what was written about him, he isn't such a high level musician and he was able to write highly articulate music that didn't sound like any kind of experiment. Second, he serves as a sort of a musical contractor meaning he writes both music and lyrics and then goes on to find musicians that may be able to play his material. Does it sound neat or what?

OKULAR is one of the two projects that Aubert holds. "Probiotic" is the debut album that came from Aubert's independent productions. Right from the first chord I noticed that this ride would have tons of bumps but I held my ground in the end and even enjoyed a lot. There is so much to listen when diversity strikes hard on each little step. The music of OKULAR is driven within the inner depths of extreme Metal. Those generated most of its influences from the local Norwegian scene. I was able to point some similarities to DEATH, DIMMU BORGIR, ARCTURUS, late EMPEROR and IHSAHN. However, OKULAR tries to rise up to the challenge of being close to the top of the scale of modern Metal therefore sounding very special.

Although I would have preferred a little bit better production than what is displayed here due to the bad mixing of the drums that sounded too thin and too far away in comparison to the other channels that sounded perfectly clear, it was good in overall. I was most impressed by the guitars that were like a sharp edged cutting knife slicing through the ears. Those had intensity but with a fine touch.

Aside from the production, the band's material was quite intense. The lyrics were a work of art as well as some of the tracks. "Flowers Uncared For" is a musical Metal mastery, the on varying sensation of the ever changing riffages that pumps blood in the heart of the track. I also liked "The Most Violent Thing" and "State of Immediacy" that were superb. I must admit that there were weird moments where it was hard to find the connection between songs' section, but I believe that whoever listens will make a sense out of it.

"Probiotic" turned out to be quite a show of skill, imagination (regarding the lyrics mostly) and bright sound production. OKULAR is a new that will be heard of one day for sure, just you wait.