Not since Dream Theater's When Dream and Day Unite have I heard a debut progressive metal album so confident right out of the gate than Opus from Charlotte, North Carolina act Nospūn. Blending all that we love about the genre-melodic hooks, virtuoso musicianship, bombastic arrangements, and a flair for theatricality-Opus is roughly 70 minutes of mind-blowing prog-metal that needs to be heard to be believed. From the lush opening of "The House at the End" to the blazing instrumental barrage of "Implosion Overture", the band grabs you by the throat from the opening two songs, and you instantly know that a wild ride it to be had the rest of the way.
"The Death of Simpson" is as dramatic as this genre gets, the production shimmering with clarity as vocalist Phillip Rich soars over intense arrangements with his Devin Townsend meets Geoff Tate-styled delivery. Blazing piano, organ, and guitars permeate the churning rocker "Dance With Me!", while the crushing "Earwyrm" has the zaniness of classic 'Heavy Devy' but also the complexity & pummeling nature of vintage Dream Theater. You have to give the band kudos for being able to blend the atmospheric with the bombastic, something they do so well on the lovely "...And Then There Was One", which features a killer guitar solo from James Nelson, and in fact, Mr. Nelson, alongside bassist Cole Millward steal the show on the complex ripper "4D Printing". Toss in the incredible 15-minute epic "Within the Realm of Possibility" and a few other gems, and you have one hell of a debut from this new band.
I've heard numerous people in recent times talk about how progressive metal has been a little stale of late, but I think with Opus, there is proof that the genre still has plenty to offer. Essential listening right here folks!
Track Listing
1.
The House at the End 01:53
2.
Implosion Overture 05:14
3.
The Death of Simpson 09:10
4.
Dance With Me! 03:48
5.
Tougher Love 02:56
6.
Earwyrm 05:21
7.
...And Then There Was One 07:16
8.
4D Printing 06:42
9.
Within the Realm of Possibility 15:23
10.
Back, Yet Forward 09:18
11.
The House at the Beginning 03:57
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