Album Review: Okera – A Beautiful Dystopia
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Origin: Australia Release year: 2012 Label: Unsigned/Independent Genre: Doom/Death Sorry for the long absence, guys. I’m trying to get back in the game here. In the time I’ve been missing I’ve been busy running my small business and hunting for, purchasing and moving to a new home. Any of you ever pack up to move from a place you’ve lived for eighteen years as an adult? Let me tell you, you aquire a lot of shit. Shit that takes A LOT of time to sort, clean, pack, move and unpack. Not to mention all the other shit involved with purchasing a home, selling the old one and moving. Any of you who haven’t done it yet, be ready for a hell of a process, that’s all I’m sayin’. |
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Anyway, let’s talk about some fuckin music. Niek posted The Black Rain back in April, 2010. That song was the title track of Okera’s three song 2010 demo which I became hooked on and has had me anticipating this full-length since. This new album, aptly titled A Beautiful Dystopia, contains versions of the three tracks from the demo plus four new songs.
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Okera craft what is truly beautiful to my ears. Melancholic guitar melodies with a tone that shines just a glimmer of hope through the doom. In addition to those melodies there are some meaty Doom riffs that really deliver some power. Add to that some equally solid bass work and an outstanding drum performance throughout and you’ve got a near masterpiece. Then, oh yes, then we add the vocals. Ranging from low roars to some seriously sinister mid-range growls, they ice the fuckin cake!
I just don’t feel that I have words which can properly describe how incredible this album is. I do have a Bandcamp player that will certainly tell you everything you need to know!
Find and support Okera at Facebook and buy A Beautiful Dystopia at itunes or Bandcamp.
My Grade: 9.5/10
Buy this when:
- You love beautiful melodies served with a growl.
- You’re needing something heavy yet relaxing.
- Just fuckin buy it!
Tags: Australian, death, doom, melodic
Posted on June 10th, 2012 at 10:45 am
Cheers Byrd! Good music
Congrats on the new home!
Posted on June 10th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Good stuff. Reminds me of a slightly less polished version of Swallow the Sun. Will definitely be checking these guys out a bit further.
Posted on June 10th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Thanks, Niek! It’s been a lot of work and more to come, but worth it all!
@Robonobo: I’m glad you mentioned less polished, these guys’ sound has a real “genuine” feel to it, if that makes sense. Check further, I think after a couple listens you’ll be hooked
Posted on June 10th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
Sounds great! (The music does, not the moving part… we’ve only been in our current house for about seven years, and it’s in really crappy condition and various parts of it seem to be actually falling apart, but I am so hesitant to have to go through the house-buying process again, as well as the moving process, that we are just sort of dealing with it, and all the problems involved with it!)
Posted on June 10th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Absolutely beautiful, reminds me a lot of Daylight Dies.
Similar low vocals, deep production and tone, nice melodies with that odd feel. Very organic.
Posted on June 10th, 2012 at 8:13 pm
I find the vocals a tiny tad too loud in the mix to be honest.
Posted on June 10th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
@ Valley Of Steel: Sounds a lot like what my old place was like. If you’re in America now is the time to buy if you’re able. The interest is LOW!
@Megaptere: Glad you’re liking it!
@Toreignimmortal: Something had to keep it back from a 10