Opera IX

Opera IX is an Italian Progressive Black Metal band with Doom, Death and Gothic influences. The band was founded by Ossian in 1988 with Vlad on Bass and Flegias on Drums. Opera IX recorded two demo tapes before Silent Bard, a classically trained Keyboardist, joined them at the end of 1993. This line up recorded The Call of the Wood before Silent Bard was replaced by Triskent who was later replaced by Lunaris before the recording of Sacro Cult. In the meantime, Opera IX also featured on the A Call of Irons tribute album to Iron Maiden with a rendition of their longest opus "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner".

The year 2000, saw the release of the third album The Black Opera - Simphoniae Misteriorum in Laude Tenebrarum, featuring a cover version of Bauhaus' "Bela Legosi's dead" as well as the re-release off their debut album with two bonus tracks.

However, Cadaveria and Flegias decided to leave the band and continue under the name of Cadaveria. They were subsequently replaced by Taranis on drums, and Madras on vocals. This line up recorded Malenventum before Taranis and Madras left the band and then replaced by M the bard and Dalamar respectively. The new Opera IX line-up recorded the album Anphisbena in 2004.

It is also worth noting that Opera IX not only is a musical concept but a marriage of Art and Religion where a strong and straight lifestyle prevails on the daily life of modern man.

Opera IX walks along the occult roads of the old Pagan knowledge throughout meditation and rites. They explore the dark meanders surrounding men, travelling through old legends, forgotten traditions and superstition. The real essence of Opera IX is hidden in their lyrics and the music they compose.
About their beliefs, Opera IX honour the Celtic Gods and the powers of Nature, but, above all, they strongly believe in the power of their minds and spirits, in the energy inside everyone.