FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE

(ITALY)

OPERA

(2024)
LABEL:

NUCLEAR BLAST

GENRE:

DEATH METAL

TAGS:
Concept-album, Dissonant, Female vocals, Groovy, Growl, Old School, Symphonic, Technical, Theatrical
"“Opera” is an album of rebirth and convalescence, underlining the strength of its leader and exacerbating the antagonisms between classical and modern."
THIBAUTK (30.10.2024)  
4/5
(0) opinions (0) comment(s)
The Italians of Fleshgod Apocalypse practice the fusion of genres, the collision of irreconcilable worlds: that of classical music and that of technical, violent death. Their sixth album comes after much torment. Their previous album (“Veleno”) won over some of the Music Waves editorial staff. Since then, the world of Fleshgod Apocalypse has been turned upside down: the theft of their instruments, a serious accident in the mountains involving singer-guitarist Francesco Paoli, now in charge of bass, and the departure of drummer Eugene Ryabchenko. This album appears highly personal (with orchestrations now handled by Francesco Ferrini), an outlet born of years of pain.

“Opera” is a record of continuity, a straightforward path compared to past productions. Powerful music blends happily with classical music, from the magnificent 'Ode To Art (De' Sepolcri)', in which the piano is the bedrock of pleasure, to the final title track. The album is an ode to women: Veronica's voice envelops the record in majestic vibrations ('Ode To Art') and her vocals bridge the gap between the fiery death metal finery ('I Can Never Die') and the sublime orchestrations.

All the elements that have made the band so successful are to be found in this new work: heavy guitars, cavernous vocals, double pedals galore, all softened by the female vocals, the mix of fine orchestrations, leaden riffs, grandiose choruses ('Ar War With My Soul', 'Pendulum'), solitary shred guitars and terrifying percussion.

The songs navigate between passages of rare violence ('Pendulum') and refreshingly sweet moments (the introduction to 'Bloodclock', adorned with magnificent piano). The melodies once again demonstrate the Italians' ability to come up with unstoppable themes ('Till Death Do Us'). Fleshgod Apocalypse picks up where they left off, returning to the darkness of their previous works, celebrating new symphonic black masses ('Bloodclock'). 'Morphine Waltz' exacerbates the fusion of classical and modern with prodigious piano and Dantesque guitar technique.  

"Opera" is the album of rebirth, of convalescence, ticking all the boxes of what Fleshgod Apocalypse can do, and summing up the quintessence of their art without deviating from their habits. Some may be disappointed by the lack of novelty, while others will see in "opera" as a confirmation. Whatever the case, Fleshgod Apocalypse deserves great respect as much for the will of its leader as for the magnificence of its work.
- Official website

TRACK LISTING:
01. Ode To Art (De' Sepolcri) 02:18
02. I Can Never Die 04:30
03. Pendulum 03:58
04. Bloodclock 05:14
05. At War With My Soul 05:06
06. Morphine Waltz 03:36
07. Matricide 8.21 05:35
08. Per Aspera Ad 04:48
09. Till Death Do Us Apart 05:31
10. Opera 02:44

LINEUP:
Eugene Ryabchenko: Batterie
Fabio Bartoletti: Guitares
Francesco Ferrini: Claviers / Piano
Francesco Paoli: Chant / Basse
Veronica Bordacchini: Chant
   
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