- Sample Aura
Surrey three OPUS, release their new EP "Sample Aura", which is actually a mix of their two previous EP's "Serrein" and 'OPUS' so you can already expect more than 50 minutes of music. Just don't expect any vocals on this release; they are purely an instrumental band. It's hard to see the quality difference between the two parts of the EP even though the last half was recorded in 2004, and was self produced.
OPUS have developed a distinctive style of heavy yet melodic music, their instrumental metal is packed full of extremely technical but superbly structured tracks. Most songs are sad and melodic but this doesn't mean they are slow and without rhythm. The three band members all throw themselves into action with some doom riffs and some incredible jazzy drumming. At times the influences are pretty plain to see with OPUS there are touches of Tool and Mogwai all over this release.
OPUS would gain from a few new ideas on their next release, don't get me wrong "Sample Aura" is a good EP but it is exactly what we've come to expect from music of this nature. OPUS do little to push the boundaries forward, but they also fail to disappoint and is bound to be a hit with any one who is a fan of progressive instrumental metal.