From their EPK, “OPIA is a Gothic Doom Metal band that straddles the line between atmospheric beauty and crushing heaviness. Formed between the UK and Spain, the band combines the brooding weight of Death/Doom with haunting, ethereal melodies, creating a sound that is as introspective as it is powerful. Their debut album, “I Welcome Thee, Eternal Sleep,” is set for release in Spring 2025, marking the emergence of a new force within the Doom Metal scene. It explores themes of mortality, despair, depression and grief. It is a deeply atmospheric record, where slow, crushing tempos intertwine with ethereal melodies to create an experience that lingers long after the music fades. Through its intricate songwriting and evocative mood, OPIA’s debut offers a glimpse into the bleakest aspects of the mind, capturing the melancholic beauty in the acceptance of the inevitable.”

The album has eight songs, and “These Pristine Memories” is first; a short intro to the album. “On Death’s Door Part I” is the first proper song. The tones are very heavy, and somber, and the vocals deep. There is also a bit of melody that is squeezed in between the slabs of Doom, as well as clean female vocals. “Man Proposes, God Disposes” is a dreadfully solemn offering, tinged with as many Gothic elements as the doom and gloom that is frightfully heavy, and burdensome. The clean passage in the middle is actually even more devastating than the harsh passages. “The Fade” is a heavier offering, with a low, choppy riff, and a palate of clean vocals that echo the sentiment of your life fading before your eyes. “The Eye” has some clean tones that are still every bit as desolate. But, there are also some poignant hopeful tones buried in the rubble that try to raise their hand for help.

“Days Gone By” is perhaps another sober reminder of the life that is behind you, and some people get caught up in that too much. It’s almost as if the song knows that, and that’s what they push. The vocals sound like a lashing reminder of this. “Silence” has a crushingly slow pace…the kind that drives you into the ground. The clean vocals are very somber, and the harsh vocals leave deep bite wounds. Each passing note drives the nail deeper into your coffin. “On Death’s Door Part II” closes the album, beginning with clean and somber tones, until the swelling riff descends upon you. For me, it’s like a tidal wave cresting overtop. A roar of harsh vocals ushers in a new level of darkness, the kind that envelopes you and doesn’t let you go.

Overall, this was an excellent album, and both the clean and harsh vocals walked hand in hand throughout. The picture they painted was one of fading greys…almost like an endless month of rain where no sun peeks through the clouds. It can weight on your psyche, and If you let it, it can slowly bury you. It’s an album that is rich in agony.