R E V I E W
The Gospel
Year: 2018
When we talk about Opera IX, we talk about the history of symphonic Black Metal, history began in 1988 in Biella (northern Italy), from the mind of the guitarist Ossian. "The Gospel" was released in 2018 by Dusktone, and consecrates the band as a cult one; in this album, we can indeed perceive their high technical-compositional skill level.
We talk about a sonic ritual that develops in eight parts, filled with a fine mysticism conveyed through passion and expertness (it is also recommended to read Ossian's book "De Nigromancia – L'arte dell'evocazione dei morti"); thanks to a high-level compositional variety, the whole album is dynamic and rousing, despite the average length of each track is about 6 minutes. The title track is evocative and mysterious, it flows slowly, but as well violent and epic when guitars and synths take over. Vocals of Dipsas Dianaria are the absolute protagonist in "Chapter II" and in "Cimaruta", who stand out because of the great ability to change from clean voice to deeper screamings. Drumming is well composed and played, powerful also due to the choice of quite modern sounds. Each song has different facets thanks also to guitars, bass and synth's arrangements, who masterfully intertwine. A special mention goes to the "Moon Goddess" ritualistic atmospheres, which then end with an emotional acoustic guitar excerpt. The last track, "Sacrilego", is the most Black Metal inspired song of the album, vocals convey great emotional intensity especially while reciting some verses in Italian language, through an icy intonation, and it is supported by gloomy and melancholic guitar riffs, who take the listener to the end of this evocative journey.
Genre: Symphonic Black Metal
Label: Dusktone
Label: Dusktone
Country: Italy
Line Up:
Dipsas Dianaria - vocals
Ossian - guitars
Alexandros - synths
Charon - bass
M:A Fog - drums
Cover artwork by Serena Mastracco
We talk about a sonic ritual that develops in eight parts, filled with a fine mysticism conveyed through passion and expertness (it is also recommended to read Ossian's book "De Nigromancia – L'arte dell'evocazione dei morti"); thanks to a high-level compositional variety, the whole album is dynamic and rousing, despite the average length of each track is about 6 minutes. The title track is evocative and mysterious, it flows slowly, but as well violent and epic when guitars and synths take over. Vocals of Dipsas Dianaria are the absolute protagonist in "Chapter II" and in "Cimaruta", who stand out because of the great ability to change from clean voice to deeper screamings. Drumming is well composed and played, powerful also due to the choice of quite modern sounds. Each song has different facets thanks also to guitars, bass and synth's arrangements, who masterfully intertwine. A special mention goes to the "Moon Goddess" ritualistic atmospheres, which then end with an emotional acoustic guitar excerpt. The last track, "Sacrilego", is the most Black Metal inspired song of the album, vocals convey great emotional intensity especially while reciting some verses in Italian language, through an icy intonation, and it is supported by gloomy and melancholic guitar riffs, who take the listener to the end of this evocative journey.
Fulvio G.
