Nospūn: “Opus” (2023) – Album Review

Summary

“Opus“, the 2023 album from Nospūn, is a virtuosic progressive-metal narrative take on the soul-crushing consequences of obsession. This North Carolina outfit solidifies strong metal chops, catchy melodies, progressive rock inventiveness, and a flair for dramatic storytelling into a powerfully engaging concept album.

Album Info

Hot-Take Review

So hey, remember that one creepy Dr. Crusher-centric episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation? The one in which the entire crew of the Enterprise slowly disappears until she’s the last one standing? And a rapidly shrinking warp bubble is closing around the ship and she has to science her way out of imminent oblivion?

Now imagine a virtuosic prog metal take on a tangential but similar concept and you have Opus, the latest album from Nospūn. This North Carolina outfit solidifies strong metal chops, catchy melodies, progressive rock inventiveness, and a flair for dramatic storytelling into an engaging album.

Therein lies the rub, of course. When doing any kind of story/concept record, the artist walks a slim tightrope between musical presentation and narrative flow. A delicate equilibrium if you will. Tilt too far in any direction and you risk devolving into either technical wankery in pursuit of concept, or pure cheese overshadowing melodic content. I mean, I don’t wanna name names but there’s a reason people caustically deride Styx’s Kilroy Was Here. Even if they do secretly adore “Mr. Roboto”. (I know I do)

Where was I? Ah yes, Nospūn and their 2023 album Opus. And the storyline. I won’t go too deep into plot mechanics. Suffice to say, there is a clear and compelling narrative afoot on this record. You can argue what’s “real” and what’s allegorical until you’re blue in the face, but the setup, development, and resolution is fairly straightforward.

Herein we have a young composer, living with his parents and several other tenants in a boarding house. His catastrophic obsession with composing his masterwork severs his connection with the world and those around him. One boarder is found murdered. Slowly the rest begin to disappear, until he is trapped alone in the house. The universe collapses around him, until all that’s left is him, his masterpiece, and the house. All of which are trapped within a single sphere, an isolated, empty universe.

And then he is visited by a familiar set of eyes, and a sacrifice must be made, or… or else I’ll contradict myself. Didn’t I just say I wouldn’t get too deep into plot mechanics? Sigh…

I found the story of Opus to be fairly compelling, but it really shines in its delivery. Nospūn brings all their chops and talent to bear on this record. From a musical perspective, many comparisons have been made to Haken and Dream Theater, and indeed they are undeniable. But I’d also chime in Avenged Sevenfold meets Ayreon, perhaps even moreso. Guitarist James Nelson shreds with the expected feverish intensity, but there’s also a strong tasteful musicality with elements of jazz, pop, blues, even a bit of Broadway showmanship. Both Paul Wood and Raine Rumple are credited with drums on this record, so whomever is doing what and where, they’re completely delivering the goods. The same can be said for thundering bassist Cole Millward, who along with Nelson and David Frick also provide exquisite keys on the album.

All of the above provide the melodic hooks, virtuosic riffs and fills, and masterful engagement in progressive metal trappings. Fans of Dream Theater, Haken, Symphony X, et. al. will feel right at home here, especially on instrumental tracks like “Implosion Overture” and “4D Printing”. But I have to single out vocalist Phillip Rich, whose range, tenor, and confident delivery really sells the drama of this album. From the wailing howls to the tender, vulnerable moments, and especially during a surprisingly effective spoken-word delivery on the 15-minute “Within the Realm of Possibility”, his vocals provide the center around which the prog metal onslaught revolves.

But it’s especially during “Earwyrm” — my personal pick for album standout — that I think the entire band shines and coalesces perfectly in a freakishly engaging and enjoyable romp. They capture THAT moment where madness takes hold and obsession becomes the driving force.

So, is Opus worth your time? If progressive metal (or metal overall) is your particular wheelhouse, then consider this an unqualified and highly enthusiastic recommendation. I suppose if I had to nitpick, I might make a case that the storyline could have been fleshed out just a bit more. But then that’s the Literature major dork in me caught up in the narrative and wanting more from it. Taken as presented, Opus is a very strong statement and I’m looking forward to anything and everything coming next from the band.

This is Opus. There is Nospūn.

What similar albums does ChatGPT recommend?

While it behooves me to remind my readers that everything you just read is 100% Mills, let’s ask our friendly neighborhood AI for some similar album recommendations.

“The Source” – Ayreon (2017) Ayreon’s “The Source” provides a potent mix of science fiction narrative and soaring metal. Its concept album structure and broad range of musical styles make it an appealing option for listeners who appreciate the storytelling and genre-blending present in “Opus.”

“Nightmare” – Avenged Sevenfold (2010) Although Avenged Sevenfold’s “Nightmare” leans more towards heavy metal, it does incorporate progressive elements and thematic storytelling, showcasing a more experimental and mature side of the band. Fans of Nospūn might enjoy the band’s ability to blend catchy hooks with thoughtful lyrics and concept-driven music.

“Vector” – Haken (2018) “Vector” signifies a shift towards a heavier, more dramatic sound without abandoning Haken’s knack for technical proficiency and compelling narrative themes. If you enjoyed the theatrics and musicianship of “Opus,” “Vector” offers a complementary but distinct perspective on the progressive metal genre.

“Coma Ecliptic” – Between the Buried and Me (2015) A concept album that takes listeners on a journey through the mind of a man in a coma, Between the Buried and Me’s “Coma Ecliptic” blends elements of progressive metal, rock, and jazz to create a rich, dynamic soundscape. Fans of the intricate storytelling and musical diversity in Nospūn’s “Opus” may find this album particularly engaging.

“In Contact” – Caligula’s Horse (2017) “In Contact” by Caligula’s Horse is a progressive metal concept album that explores the nature of art, creativity, and the human condition. The band’s approach to narrative-driven composition and emotive performance make it a strong recommendation for fans of Nospūn’s “Opus.”

Output from ChatGPT, OpenAI to Mills, 10 July 2023