The Gods of violence have been kind to me this time! We’ve been given this promo, and there’s no better way to celebrate it than by writing something snobbish about it! Fleshgod Apocalypse needs no introduction. Love them or hate them, no other band does it like they do. It’s also a band willing to take big risks. Ever since Oracles—which, by the way, is one of the best Tech Death albums ever; go get it!—the band has constantly evolved. Since King, the band has embraced its Italian-ness (that’s not a word!) more and more. And though I think Veleno was underrated, you never know what to expect from this band. Opera is ambitious, as its name indicates, but can it join the other great Italian works? Let’s go!
EXPLOSIONS!!! There are many colorful and bombastic albums in Fleshgod Apocalypse’s catalogue, but none beats Opera when it comes to sheer, over-the-top, dramatic action. There’s not a second to get bored here. It’s a barrage of ideas that resembles the most intense action film you’ve ever watched. Yet this isn’t a dumb album. It’s deep in lyrical and thematic content. You see, Paoli went to hell and back before entering the studio again, and it shows. There’s an overall understanding of our fragile mortality in Opera, but it’s not from a depressing perspective. These guys take action, and they do it remarkably well.
I’ll surprise no one by saying Opera has technical riffs for days. What’s really commendable is how Fleshgod Apocalypse keeps evolving into probably the best-written Symphonic Metal band of the last 20 years. Because this isn’t just any opera—it’s one deeply influenced by Verdi and Puccini, with human passions reigning over power and heritage (I’m looking at you, Wagner!). So, the band has done its homework. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s an Italian opera in spirit, even if it comes in Death Metal form. But you know what’s even better? Unlike most operas, there’s no filler here. Opera is always focused and tight! Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous vocal work of Bordacchini? It’s just astonishing.
Yet there are small things you should note before you drown in this sea of pasta and wine. Production has always been Fleshgod Apocalypse’s worst enemy, and though it’s improved with every new album, it might still be too loud for the old-timers. You’ll be annoyed if you didn’t want the band to double down on the symphonic dimension of its work. Finally—and this is my personal complaint—for being a larger-than-life album, it’s a bit cheesy, but come on! You can’t be Italian without the cheese! (I’m part Italian, so I can tell this joke, don’t you dare!) Maybe a two on our cheese scale. Hence, it’s the equivalent of a Roquefort. I never said the scale made sense. The joke’s on you.
When I listened to the first single, I wasn’t impressed. Maybe it was the video aesthetics, but I’m happy to be wrong! This album is a blast and a worthy successor to the long and passionate tradition of Italian music.. I’m going to have real carbonara tonight to celebrate—with guanciale ham, not with bacon like a freaking savage! Yes, I’m judging you right now!
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Release date: 23 August, 2024
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fleshgodapocalypse
Country: Italy
Score: La traviata, but shorter and more violent! Or 4.0/5.0, for the sloths
Metal Eclipse Reviews 
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