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"With its dazzling technical mastery, coherent musical narrative and daring creativity, "Opus" is sure to be a major work of the year 2023."
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5/5
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The year 2023 has been rich in new releases, with many offerings from classic bands and heavyweights of the music scene. However, the biggest surprise has been the impressive number of outstanding debut albums, and we must surely add a new one to the list. Hailing from North Carolina, Nospūn has emerged as a thunderbolt with one of the most impressive progressive metal albums of the moment: "Opus". If you like Dream Theater, Haken or Between the Buried and Me, this is the album you absolutely must listen to in 2023...
From the very first notes, the masterly production captivates the listener, rivalling the standards set by the pillars of the genre. The entire production has been orchestrated in-house by the band, testifying to their dazzling technical skill but also showing that they know exactly what they want to achieve and seem to have a plan when creating it, particularly in terms of arrangement. Everything flows logically and coherently. Nothing feels disjointed or confused, as unfortunately many early efforts do. Every element seems meticulously crafted, creating a sonic experience that transcends expectations.
Like many concept albums, "Opus" opens with an acoustic/vocal track gently laying the groundwork for 'The House at the End' prelude to 'Implosion Overture'. From the very first notes, the musicians display their talent, from the brilliant guitar work to the explosive percussion and complex bass lines, not forgetting the dazzling keyboards. Following on from this, the nearly 10-minute bravura opener 'The Death of Simpson' unveils the story both lyrically and musically, with Phil Rich's vocal development heavily influenced by Devin Townsend.
All the ingredients come together to create a perfectly tuned dynamic range, which can be heard again on 'Dance with me', close to Haken. But that's not all: the heart of the album contains moments of apotheosis, with the frantic 'Earwyrm', a captivating fusion of eccentricity and beauty, and the daring instrumental '4D Printing'. These pieces demonstrate impressive technical mastery, in which each musician excels. And finally, like any self-respecting progressive metal album, "Opus" contains its long epic piece, the sensational 'Within the Realm of Possibility'.
Although the Dream Theater and Haken influences are obvious, Nospūn transcends them to create their own sonic identity with this "Opus", an exceptional musical feat. Endowed with dazzling technical mastery, coherent musical storytelling and bold creativity, this album stands as a major work of the year 2023 and offers a promising future for this emerging band, ready to leave an indelible mark on the progressive metal scene. - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. The House at the End - - 1:53
02. Implosion Overture - 5:14
03. The Death of Simpson - 9:10
04. Dance With Me! - 3:48
05. Tougher Love - 2:56
06. Earwyrm - 5:21
07. ...And Then There Was One - 7:16
08. 4D Printing - 6:42
09. Within the Realm of Possibility - 15:23
10. Back, Yet Forward - 9:18
11. The House at the Beginning - 3:57
LINEUP:
Alex Lapuente: Cello
Cole Millward: Basse / Claviers
David Frick: Claviers
James Nelson: Guitares / Claviers / Percussions
Paul Wood: Batterie
Phillip Rich: Chant
Raine Rumple: Batterie
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(5) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
4.5/5 (4 view(s))
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STAFF:
4.6/5 (7 view(s))
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