OPUS EST: Opus I

Cover	Release	Style
	2003 (1983)	symphonic / neo progressive
	Label
	musea records
	Website

	Contact

	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	70:50	FGBG 4478.AR
	Review by	Rating
	Christoph	7/10
nederlands	Review
Sweden’s voice in prog goes back a long time. Kaipa can be considered the founding fathers of Swedish prog, and their records from the seventies are far superior to their new releases, flowing on the success of The Flower Kings. French Musea Records made the right decision about ten years ago, to reissue the original Kaipa albums. Musea is one of those treasure keepers of prog, always in search of ancient vaults waiting to be unlocked. Probably due to the renewed interest in Kaipa, and their successful revival, other Viking treasures would soon be discovered. In 2003, a CD reissue of Opus Est’s sole album saw the light. All the music is composed by Leif Olofsson, one of three brothers who are the core of the band. His huge keyboard sound recalls Jim Gilmour of Saga fame. The result is an accessible, keyboard-driven neo progressive style with some AOR leanings. Rickenbacker bass and drums provide fine support. Soaring guitar leads sometimes enhance the music. An acoustic guitar makes for a nice change in “If I Could Tell You”. Håkan Nilsson’s English vocals bring Galahad’s Stuart Nicholson to mind, but here we encounter the record’s flaw. Nilsson knows how to use theatrical effects well (which come nicely with W.H. Auden’s poetic lyrics), but his timbre sounds unpleasant. Perhaps that’s the reason why this band, due to the lack of success, decided to quit soon. Pity, since with a better vocalist and the existing potential it could have become something in the eighties. Musically, fans of ELP, early Saga and keyboard oriented rock will find some enjoyment here. The bonus tracks know how to generate some interest as well. The sound recording, obviously breathing an eighties mood, is satisfactory. As with all historical Musea reissues, a booklet with extended information about the band’s history is included.
Musicians
Håkan Nilsson: lead vocals Anders Olofsson: drums, percussion Kent Olofsson: acoustic & electric guitars, bass Leif Olofsson: organ, piano, synthesizers
Tracklist
1. The bonfires (4:16) 2. Ventis Rem Tradere (5:52) 3. A walk after dark (6:38) 4. Times (8:34) 5. Miss Gee (4:39) 6. O what is that sound (7:38) 7. If I could tell you (2:31) 8. Mirrorcle (9:40) Bonus tracks on Musea CD 9. Another Time (5:02) 10. The Witnesses (8:42) 11. No Change Of Place (live)(6:47)
Discography
Opus 1 (1983)


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