Satyricon - Live at the Opera cover

Satyricon - Live at the Opera

Satyricon · 2015

93 min · 14 tracks · black metal

A thunderous blend of symphonic arrangements and raw black metal energy, creating a theatrical experience that transcends the live setting.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Voice of Shadows Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Mother North — This track is a quintessential representation of Satyricon's sound, merging haunting melodies with aggressive instrumentation, and it serves as a powerful anthem for the band.
  • →
    Now, Diabolical — The song exemplifies the band's dynamic range, balancing ferocity with intricate musicality, making it a standout moment in their live set.
  • →
    Phoenix — This track showcases the dramatic interplay between melodic and harsh elements, embodying the album's theatrical essence while highlighting Satyricon's growth as artists.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The blend of orchestral elements with black metal creates a unique live experience, though it may not have widespread influence.

What we noticed

  • The album features orchestral arrangements that interweave with traditional black metal instrumentation, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the performance.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for atmospheric build-ups before returning to aggressive riffs and drumming.
  • The live recording captures audience interaction, enhancing the theatricality of the performance and contributing to the overall atmosphere.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • immersive live performance energy
  • dynamic wave-like pacing
  • orchestral arrangements enhance intensity
  • cathartic moments of release
  • evocative atmosphere for reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • dislike lengthy live recordings
  • prefer straightforward studio tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Showcases Satyricon's live power and orchestral depth, marking a significant moment in their career.
Career context
When 'Live at the Opera' was released in 2015, Satyricon was celebrating over two decades of influential black metal. This album followed their 2013 studio release, 'Satyricon', marking a return to live performance after a hiatus from extensive touring. The project showcased the band's evolution into a more refined sound while retaining the raw intensity that defined their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors
Darkthrone· Emperor· Immortal

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Voice of Shadows Start here 2:21
  • 2 Now, Diabolical 6:07
  • 3 Repined Bastard Nation 5:42
  • 4 Our World, It Rumbles Tonight 5:17
  • 5 Nocturnal Flare 7:14
  • 6 Die by My Hand 7:07

Disc 2

  • 1 Tro og kraft 6:05
  • 2 Phoenix 7:28
  • 3 Den Siste 7:18
  • 4 The Infinity of Time and Space 8:47

Disc 3

  • 1 To the Mountains 8:52
  • 2 The Pentagram Burns 6:25
  • 3 Mother North 8:23
  • 4 K.I.N.G 6:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata