Opus Atlantica - Opus Atlantica
Regain Records
True/Power Metal
9 songs (35:45)
Release year: 2002
Regain Records
Reviewed by Jay

Opus Atlantica is a four-person set from Sweden fronted by Peter Sandberg of Midnight Sun fame. In fact, three of the four musicians were at one time in Midnight Sun. This effort has all the elements but something is lacking. I have listened to this album many times and what I believe doesn’t make the band gel are the individual parts, which seem out of phase. Most of the musical lines sound like they’re taken from other artists.

Falling Angel” is the best track in my opinion. The military style march serves as a great introduction to a powerful main part. Sandberg’s voice is on the mark and the keys are great. In fact, this track is almost held together by the marriage of the keys to the commanding role taken by the drums. The soloing is also terrific; featuring one of the best speed solos I’ve heard on any album recently. “Sleep with the Devil,” sounds eerily familiar to some Christmas carols I’ve heard when done by metal bands. I’m not sure if this was intentional but it was somewhat odd when I first heard it. Trans-Siberian Orchestra does this sound better with more vocal harmonies. Sandberg’s voice isn’t suited for this song. Nor is it suited for “Holy Grail” which starts out with a keyboard intro that could have been lifted from Alex Staropoli. The main riff is a thunderous reminder of power metal but could have been lifted from Rhapsody, Celesty or a whole slew of bands including Norther. The key solo sounds like a rip on Jens Johansson. The problem could be that all the parts of the songs seem to be taken from the signature sounds of other bands. When combined, they kind of mish-mosh together. “Prince of Darkness could have been sung better by Eric Adams and played better by Oscar Dronjak. “Line of Fire” as an opener doesn’t cut it. “Judas Call,” a song with more complex instrumentation and harmonies would have made a much better opening song. This track is one of the better songs on the disc.

The old adage that too many cooks spoil the soup is valid here. Taking the signature styles of other artists and combining them together only makes a mess in this case. This album is worth listening too but overall there is too much going on. If Sandberg & Co. had refined it and not tried to make the sound so busy, it might have had a better chance.

Killing Songs :
Falling Angel, Judas Call
Jay quoted 68 / 100
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