Opera IX

The Profile

Opera IX is an Italian black/occult metal band formed in 1988 in Piedmont (Biella), led by guitarist Ossian. Early releases The Call of the Wood, Sacro Culto and The Black Opera featured vocalist Cadaveria (who departed in 2001 with drummer Flegias). Subsequent albums like Maleventum and Anphisbena further explored pagan and esoteric themes with new line-ups.

Founded in 1988 in Biella, Italy; founder/guitarist Ossian. Early vocalist Cadaveria and drummer Flegias (also in Necrodeath) left in 2001. Style fuses black, doom and death elements with symphonic, folk and occult themes. Notable albums include The Call of the Wood, Sacro Culto, The Black Opera, Maleventum, Anphisbena, Strix: Maledictae in aeternum and The Gospel.

Three reviews celebrate Opera IX’s blend of black, doom and death into an ‘occult metal’ vision with pagan and Celtic hues. The Cadaveria era peaks with The Black Opera, praised for its esoteric concept and evocative performances. Post-Cadaveria, Maleventum shifts focus to witchcraft concepts with new vocalist Madras. Anphisbena is highlighted for intricate songwriting and Celtic atmospheres. Overall sentiment is strongly favorable toward the band’s originality and integrity.