OPUS EST: Opus II

Cover	Release	Style
	2006-10-09	Art Rock
	Label
	Musea Records
	Website
	-
	Contact
	-
	Playing Time	Cat. N°
	74:28	FGBG 4479.AR
	Review by	Rating
	Christoph	7,5/10
nederlands	Review
In 2005 the musical archaeologists of Musea Records revealed a hidden treasure from the Nordic mountains. Opus Est issued their first opus some twenty-five years ago, during prog unfriendly times. Musea decided it was time for a second chance, but then Opus Est appeared to be a lesser Saga with a limited vocalist. Admittedly, they had the talent for a catchy tune, even then. Hence a new start for the Swedish band; on “Opus II” the Olofsson brothers mix material from the vaults (recorded in 1979 and 1983-84) with new recordings from 2004, based upon early compositions. It seems Musea has waited to see how the reissue of “Opus I” was received, because only at the end of 2006 the compilation “Opus II” was put out. Anyway, it sounds far better due to the improved production circumstances. Stylistically however, there is no breach with the past. So anyone who appreciated “Opus I” can purchase the ‘new’ album blindfolded. He or she can expect some very fine balanced sympho that doesn’t hide its eighties roots. Pleasant keyboards and inspired electric guitars even offer some unexpected great moments, for instance the end of “The Mouth – The Fallen Virgin”. And as to the strange voice of Hakan Nilsson, well, let’s call it an acquired taste.
Musicians
Hakan Nilsson / vocals, flute (2 & 4) Leif Olofsson / synthesizers, organ, piano & bass (5) Anders Olofsson / drums & percussion Kent Olofsson / electric & acoustic guitars, synthesizer guitar (3), keyboards (1, 3 & 5) and bass (6, 7 & 8) Torbjorn Syren / bass (1 - 4)
Tracklist
1. The Seeing Eye - The God (11:06) 2. The Blind Eye - The Tear (7:42) 3. The Nose - The Dance of the Flowers (12:08) 4. The Mouth - The Fallen Virgin (12:51) 5. Springtime (9:36) 6. Winter (6:40) 7. Marie Claire (7:05) 8. Square the Circle (7:20)
Discography
Opus I (1983/2005) Opus II (2006)


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