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Operus: Score Of Nightmares

Melodic Symphonic Power Metal

4.5/5.0

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Pride & Joy Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 17.06.2020 | Released: 19.06.2020

North of the border in Canada, we find the bustling city of Toronto and epic metal band Operus. The sextet is made up of musicians both classicaly educated and having extensive musical (and theatrical) experience with such acts as Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Annihilator, Skull Fist, and shows such as Beauty & The Beast. Operus now returns with their second long-player, Score Of Nightmares, on the Pride & Joy Music label in Germany.

Operus

While this is my first spin of an Operus album, their metal musical style is rather straight forward: melodic and symphonic power metal. You can add epic and bombastic to the list of adjectives as well. But, you're probably wondering, do they have a female lead vocalist, something so common within the genre. Alas, no. So think more Rhapsody Of Fire rather than Sirenia or Arven.

The strengths of Operus's music are manifold. The song composition is exceptional, having a dramatic, operatic to theatrical, feeling, yet a balanced participation of all musicians. Sometimes I thought I was listening to a film score to a movie that had non-stop action and adventure. Second, some of that musical drama is carried along by vocalist (and actor) David Michael Moote, who has both an emotive and expressive voice. Third, Operus has a cellist in Robin Howe. Now, he hardly accounts for all the immense orchestration; that's probably synths and programming. But cello in a band and song arrangements is very cool. Finally, adding fireworks to the epicness (I don't think that's really a word), you'll hear some thrilling guitar solos throughout. And for the power and glory of Operus's symphonic power metal, my best song picks are Phantasia, Book Of Shadows, Ruin (listen below), and La Llorna. All things said, if you like your power metal melodic and symphonic, epic and bombastic, you will enjoy Operus and their latest release, Score Of Nightmares. Recommended. Get it.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

If you like your power metal melodic and symphonic, epic and bombastic, you will enjoy Operus and their latest release, Score Of Nightmares. Recommended. Get it.

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