Opus Magnum is the third ablum by the Austrian Symphonic Metal outfit Hollenthon, but I have the feeling that this time the guys worked more into the “Symphonic” part, than the “Metal” part of their music. Despite that fact Hollenton sounds like having very wise song writing abilities.
\r\nEven from the first track that opens the album, “On the Wings of a Dove”, the band gets right into the point of what the listener will listen during this album, by the way the main riff of the track is “loaned” from the intro riff of “Baphomet’s Throne” by the Swiss pioneers of this genre, the mighty Samael. Other band such as Therion, Arcturus and the latest releases of Rotting Christ are of course in the top of the list of the bands that inspired Hollenthon.
\r\nMany wise written melodic lines in the background and many synths along with the clean chorus vocals are the main ingredients of this album. Under a more “Open minded” view someone can easy come to the conclusion that these Austrians worked hard in the studio to provide us this album, and for this fact “Opus Magnum” needs you attention. Of course this is not the album that will change dramatically the scene but I believe that after the listening of the album, Hollenthon’s music will offer you something.
\r\n
\r\nLampros Tennes\r\n
