Fleshgod Apocalypse – “Opera”: A Theatrical Tour de Force in Symphonic Death Metal by Andy Baqone

Let me start by laying my cards on the table: when it comes to metal, my taste is as broad as it is deep. From thrash to grindcore, from hardcore punk to doom, I’ll give just about anything a spin. But if there’s one genre that rarely finds its way into my regular rotation, it’s symphonic death metal. So, when Fleshgod Apocalypse’s latest offering “Opera” landed in my inbox, I was wary. This isn’t exactly my go-to style, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Yet, from the moment I pressed play, it was clear this album was going to take me on a journey – one that demanded to be experienced in full, from start to finish.

The Opening Act

The album begins with a haunting, purely operatic piece titled “Ode to Art (De’ Sepolcri).” This track sets the stage with a sense of foreboding and grandeur, laying the groundwork for the chaos and beauty to come. But just as you’re lulled into a false sense of security, “I Can Never Die” crashes in, grabbing you by the throat and reminding you exactly why you’re here. This track is relentless, showcasing the full range of the band’s talent. It’s an early highlight and almost certain to become a fan favourite, sticking with you long after the album ends.

The Journey Through Darkness and Light

Next up is “Pendulum,” which, as the name suggests, swings the mood in a different direction. It’s a slower, more technical track that leans into progressive elements, though it lacks the immediate hooks that make “I Can Never Die” so memorable. This segues into my personal favourite, “Bloodclock.” Opening with a gentle harp, it resets the scene and demonstrates just how diversely talented Fleshgod Apocalypse truly are. This track blends symphonic elements with death metal in a way that feels both technically perfect and, dare I say, fun.

Then comes “At War with My Soul,” a musically theatrical masterpiece that perfectly embodies the album’s title, “Opera”. As the album progresses, “Morphine Waltz” throws you into a fast-paced, almost frantic rhythm – good luck trying to waltz to this one without some very nimble feet! “Matricide 8.21” then ushers in the final act, flirting with power metal to deliver a more accessible sound without ever losing the listener’s attention. This leads into “Per Aspera Ad Astra,” a fast, heavy track that feels like the climactic battle scene in a dark epic.

 The Uninspired Ending

Now, the album has two additional tracks that quite frankly shouldn’t have made the final cut. The first, “Till Death Do Us Part,” while musically brilliant in isolation, felt like a downer after the high-energy conclusion of “Per Aspera Ad Astra.” Then even more bizarrely than the tracks inclusion on the album at all, the track fizzles out with a low-quality background hum and a record scratch, an ending that feels more like an afterthought than a fitting conclusion to the album. The second of these additional tracks “Opera” (ironically the least operatic track on the entire album), was a technically perfect but otherwise dull piano piece that added nothing and threatened to undermine the goodwill built by the rest of the album. This is a reminder that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

Final Verdict

Overall, “Opera” is a masterclass in how to blend the brutality of death metal with the elegance of symphonic composition. This is an album that would shine in a special tour of opera houses around the world – a unique experience where every track would make perfect sense. “Opera” is best appreciated as a single piece of art. Sure, the tracks can stand alone, but to really feel the weight of what Fleshgod Apocalypse has crafted here, you need to immerse yourself in the full narrative. This is an album that deserves your full attention, uninterrupted, and with the best audio quality you can muster. If you can afford it, splurge on some high-quality wired headphones and buy the CD – trust me, you’ll thank me later. Fleshgod Apocalypse has created something truly special here, and I’m giving it a solid 7 out of 10. Nuclear Blast, if you’re listening, let’s make that opera house tour happen.

Rating: 7/10

Release Date: 23^rd August 2024

Label: Nuclear Blast

Writer: Andy Baqone

Track list:

1. Ode To Art (De’ Sepolcri)
2. I Can Never Die
3. Pendulum
4. Bloodclock
5. At War With My Soul
6. Morphine Waltz
7. Matricide 8.21
8. Per Aspera Ad Astra
9. Till Death Do Us Part
10. Opera