OCULUS comprises members spread between the USA and Europe; first created by Nero on guitars, and then further crafted by Kozelinik providing vocals, and Bornyhake, giving an offering of drums, bass and keyboard. These members brought this project into being, to show what black metal was to them, and carry forth anti-Christian themes. This resonates in their recent release "The Apostate of Light".

 The initial track "The Sour Waters of Life" provides a slow descent into an enticingly dystopian void. Soon the wheels crank up a gear, and blast beats back-up the deep vocals. I like how the vocals aren't purely harsh but are more like roughened speech. In this dismal voice, it is easy to make out the lyrics written by Kozelinik. The guitars sound like they are screeching experimentally. The atmosphere has immediately hit me, with its smoky, dense and powerful presence. Double bass and deep guitar/bass tones introduce the next track "Salt for the Healer", followed by strange windy sound samples. The song is dismal and grim, featuring some backing vocals along with the lead. Lyrics here are a focal point for this music, particularly at the end of this track where it sounds almost poetic.

The fourth track, "Axiom of the Plague" begins with buzzes of guitar and blast beats, later slowed down with a distorted guitar melody, changing its tone and key to add to the tension. "Apostate of Light" (named alike the album) drains all light from the room with its dark vortex made up of crackly guitars and harrowing vocals. Chilling tones continue in the final track "Storms of Havoc" where vocal effects sound like the singer is chanting across an ancient chamber. Rhythmic guitars dominate throughout, though evolve into highly distorted screeching that becomes quite catchy. In "The Apostate of Light" release by OCULUS, all instruments enforce a densely foggy and chilling atmosphere. For me, the highlights are the distorted patterns of the screeching guitars, and the characterful vocals that tell a story throughout the album. It is easy to feel the dark vibes that the band are working towards, with their anti-Christian themes and inspirations.