OPUS SYMBIOSIS

I have been playing 'Nature's Choir' on a regular basis since I received it. Everything is perfectly placed and well-balanced: at times complex, but never straying away from the inexplicable attraction. So many ideas flit around this record to accomplish different elements in one construction. The production has been done with attention to details. The heartfelt layered voice of Christine Sten sounds wonderfully impressive. Victor Sagfors is a talented guitarist who does maintain a high profile throughout. Yet he manages to remain on the same level with other partners (Staffan Stromsholm, Erik Herman Lillkung and Jafet Kackur are capable to supply a strong framework). Such a true virtue any progressive group should be proud of. Certainly, there're lines of influence here. A little touch of The Gathering, a hint of Paatos, a pinch of White Willow. But these comparisons need to cease, as 'Nature's Choir' stands perfectly straight and tall upon its own bed-rock! We are dealing with the excellent band that has it all: knowledge (how), composition wise, great talent and passion for music. I'm sure that Opus Symbiosis have delivered a superb sophomore album that illustrates an enormous leap forward in the positive sense. This brave quintet deserves our attention.

A strong and accomplished debut effort by this Finnish band.

Clocking in at just under 40 minutes, the six tracks featured on their self-titled CD should feel right at home to those in the mood for some contemporary art pop, bordering on art rock in style. Indie and alternative rock are major influences, with guitars as the driving instrument. Staccato instrument bursts and swirling textures are key ingredients, but inside a context of compositions with relatively frequent shifts in pace and expression.

Strong and distinct female lead vocals adds flavour and strong emotions to the proceedings, while art rock credentials are brought in courtesy of distinctly psychedelic oriented subservient guitar patterns as well as a select few but effective jazz influenced passages.

Energetic, mostly light and flowing but also dark and hard hitting at times, I'd imagine that those with a soft spot for artists like Muse and Radiohead might want to lend an ear to the ventures of this fine act.

Nowdays when you get an album by an ubderground artist tagged "prog", it usually means pretentious, Pink Floyd and King Crimson rip-off, boring. This is not the case with this young finnish band. This is another release that i came across though the city wich both I and the band comes from, and it was a pleasant surprise. The band's sound is guitar based and sometimes amost poppy sound, with keyboards and occasional heavy parts. Nice soundscapes create a great contrast with the music, all without sounding out of place. Beautiful vocals perfectly fit the beautiful music, both keep progressing and changing though the LP. My favourite song is the closer in which all the elements meld together succesfully, and Meanwhile that contains some quite memorable and very beautiful melodies.

The musicians sound professional and the recording quality is very high considering this was done without a record label. The CD maintains a good ol' LP length under 40 minutes and only 6 tracks, which is always a plus because it's usually hard to keep focused for 80 minutes. The CD is quite easy-listened and enjoyable, in the car, at a party or home. Very fresh and young music, check them out and buy the CD, support them even if you don't like it. I give them 7.5 out of 10.