#17 - Top of 2017

Operus - Cenotaph (Dark Star Records)

Cenotaph is the debut album of Operus, a epic symphonic metal band from Canada and it succeeds in giving us an amazing symphonic record for this year's top, starting with the epic instrumental intro "Silver Spell"! The pompous "Steel Against Steel" is full of acoustic and electronic guitar riffs that are perfectly completed by powerful lead vocals (David Michael Moote), supported by backing vocals (Robin Howe (cello) and Wojtek Sokolowski (bass))! The theatrical "Colosseum" adds a darker tone and more pronounced cello notes that transitioned to another awesome acoustic-based instrumental "Sands of Time" (which brings in mind an epic movie soundtrack) preparing the listener for the blasting "Fate's Pantomime" with its operatic elements. The melodic "Wretched Play" lets the listener catch a breath before the epic title-song "Cenotaph" and bound-to-stuck-to-your-mind "Maya & the Wolf "! The wrap-up song "The Return" runs over 7 minutes and its perfect blend of symphonic and operatic tunes with heavy guitar riffs and impressive vocals that you will leave you wanting for more. Stellar album!


94/100 

Below is the lyric video for the song "The Return".