Opus Magnum cover

Opus Magnum

Hollenthon · 2008

46 min · 8 tracks · black metal

A grand fusion of orchestral arrangements and heavy metal that evokes epic tales and dark narratives.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    On the Wings of a Dove — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its haunting melodies and orchestral grandeur, immediately drawing listeners into Hollenthon's world.
  • →
    Ars Moriendi — Featuring complex rhythms and rich instrumentation, this track exemplifies the band's ability to weave storytelling with musical intricacy, showcasing their signature style.
  • →
    Misterium Babel — As the longest track on the album, it encapsulates the epic nature of 'Opus Magnum', combining heavy riffs with orchestral passages that create a dynamic listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album's orchestral fusion with metal creates a distinctive sound, though it may not fully reward repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The album features orchestral arrangements that intertwine with heavy guitar riffs, creating a layered soundscape.
  • The use of choral elements alongside growled vocals adds depth to the narrative themes explored in the lyrics.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 On the Wings of a Dove 5:00
  • 2 To Fabled Lands 5:53
  • 3 Son of Perdition 4:52
  • 4 Ars Moriendi 5:33
  • 5 Once We Were Kings 4:50
  • 6 Of Splendid Worlds 6:08
  • 7 Dying Embers 5:28
  • 8 Misterium Babel 8:31

What to play next

Tyrants and Wraiths
Listen next

Tyrants and Wraiths

2009
With Vilest of Worms to Dwell
Go back to

With Vilest of Worms to Dwell

2001
Full Hollenthon discography Artists like Hollenthon
black metal melodic death metal symphonic metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata