Italian Symphonic Death Metal maestros Fleshgod Apocalypse are finally back with their sixth and brand new album titledOpera. The band are heading out on a North American tour. Get your tickets at the blue button below:
This one is a little more personal though as it is a gut-wrenching musical journey inspired by the tragic mountain climbing accident that occurred to their frontman and mastermind Francesco Paoli, in 2021
The piano-laden opener 'Ode to Art (De Sepolcri)' with accompanying operatics serves as a spectacular introduction, setting the tone for the upcoming opus which gives the follow-up 'I Can Never Die' a real platform for performance cascaded with epic and brutality of death and symphonic metal which has certainly become a trademark of the band. 'Pendulum' wonderfully carries the narrative of the album with the entities of Death, Life and Hope being well-interrupted.
There is an everlasting tradition of Italian classical music theatre and its icons, from Giuseppe Verdi to Giacomo Puccini, that is celebrated via the musicianship with 'Bloodclock' incorporating classical styles in places with the element of theatre.
Francesco adds:
“In my visionary representation of this journey, that begins with my near death experience and culminates in a much desired physical and psychological rebirth, I wanted to frame every single step of my calvary, as if they were acts of an "Opera Lirica", with dialogues or even confessions to imaginary characters, who have been constant presences throughout my whole (mis)adventure."
The sweeping grandeur of 'At War With My Soul' has some wonderfully ominous tones alongside dual vocals, the mix of operatic and brutality in equal measure is very well crafted here, which is then followed up with a guitar masterclass on 'Morphine Waltz.' I love the disjointed nature of this track which provides a great dynamic.
Although I did enjoy the spoken word element on 'Matricide 8.21' I felt it would've maybe worked better as an instrumental piece, but there isn't a whole lot of time to contemplate or overthink this as 'Per Aspera Ad Astra' majestically sweeps in.
The slower, atmospheric 'Till Death Do Us Part' is hands down the album's crowning glory - the ballad-like nature feels like a real journey through pain, fear, desperation, anger, frustration, but also resolve, courage, hope and a profound desire for redemption.
Concluding proceedings is the title track instrumental composition 'Opera' which gives the sense of graceful finality for a release that has been an emotional demonstration of technical prowess.
Rating: 8/10
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
Sol Negate emerged from the mind of Edoardo Curatolo in Seattle, USA. He had the intention to compose music in a classical manner, but with modern guitars/drums as part of the orchestral ensemble.
