Ocellus – Departure


OcellusSince its inception a few short years ago, the so called ‘djent’ wave of prog metal has exploded, now it seems every band and their dog incorporates poly rhythms and palm muted chords. Ocellus are yet another new band that join this foray, but with a sound much harder to define.

Departure proves to have a great number of modern style influences in its mix, proving the band certainly show ambition, albeit with immaturity in their craft as well. At times it shows direct similarities to the complex polyrhythmic styling of the likes of SikTh and Aliases, sometimes it shows a more obvious prog leaning ala later The Contortionist and even more breakdown heavy, simplistic and anthemic passages reminiscent of Parkway Drive. Even a band like Death Of A Tyrant has a brief moment.

With so many influences going on at once, Departure does appear very disjointed. It is near impossible to pinpoint what direction Ocellus actually want to move in and Departure as a result becomes needlessly messy. At times this album really clicks, the likes of ‘Endeavours’ for example is in comparison too much of the album much more simpler and thus far more immediate. When it is at it’s more metalcore like parts, Departure is at its best, but elsewhere it more often than not ends up being bogged down with trying to be too complicated and clever.

If Departure does show anything its that Ocellus are not ones to be written off completely, showing some beacons of real potential. It does also show their youth and inexperience however. With a little more sense of direction and a little less overcomplicating their music, Ocellus could be ones to watch out for.

6/10

Chris Tippell

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