The Rise Of Ophiuchus is a Symphonic Death Metal solo artist/band (“Melkor”) from Portugal. On October 4th, 2024, The Rise Of Ophiuchus released their third full-length album, “As Galaxies Merge”. Which was released through Supergoat Wreck-Whordes / Studios13.
The Rise Of Ophiuchus Social Links
The Rise Of Ophiuchus, As Galaxies Merge Review: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.
The First Three Sins of As Galaxies Merge
Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of The Rise Of Ophiuchus and his/their album, As Galaxies Merge
The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Features fierce and galloping guitar work with pulsing and driving rhythms and soaring solos, while the synths, add a rich layer of ambiance that creates a cosmic and otherworldly atmosphere. The Second Sin, The Vocals: Involves in harsh vocals, that are powerful and dynamic. The Third Sin—The Percussions: Delves into a vast world of thunderous and pounding drums and intricate fills and pattens.
The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion:
The lyrical content invites listeners to engage with the theme of Ophiuchus, the enigmatic 13th sign…
Before delving into the article, we are pleased to present additional reviews of Melkor. Following our initial set of six reviews, we have returned with another six. We commence with the first review titled The Rise Of Ophiuchus – As Galaxies Merge Review.
Before the review, it is important to note that As Galaxies Merge is divided into two parts, reminiscent of an epic theatrical performance. This composition captivates the listener with a sixty-minute display of intense artistry, encompassing fifteen tracks that seamlessly integrate symphonic elements with the fierce and powerful characteristics of death metal. The lyrical content invites listeners to engage with the theme of Ophiuchus, the enigmatic 13th sign, lies hidden between Scorpio’s sting and Sagittarius’ arrow, whispering of a cosmic secret in the tapestry of stars. Known as the Serpent Bearer, Ophiuchus is portrayed as a healer, a seeker of wisdom, cradling a snake in his grasp—a symbol of transformation, mystery, and rebirth. Those born under its shadow are said to be fierce and curious, drawn to life’s mysteries like moths to a flame. Ophiuchus does not conform to the orderly rhythm of the traditional zodiac; instead, it dances on the edges, where change and chaos create new possibilities. A sign both feared and revered, Ophiuchus is the alchemist of the night sky, forever altering the cosmic map with its untamed energy.
The music commences with the initial segment of As Galaxies Merge, alongside the introductory composition, Dissonance of the Interdimensional, provided by guest artist Christian P. Weller. This piece welcomes the listener with an epic, dynamic atmospheric instrumental introduction that establishes the mood for the forthcoming experience, and the remaining seven pieces, and the first half of the album.
The unfolding soundscape and the six remaining pieces, that envelops the listener in a dynamic interplay of instrumentation and lyrical depth, showcasing a fruit of art combination of symphonic grandeur and the raw energy and aggression of death metal. While the composition frequently delivers an in-your-face experience. The music is overwhelmingly bold, often striking the listener with its intensity, yet it also offers moments of ethereal beauty of the atmosphere keys and soaring guitar solos by Pedro D-Void. This allows for breathtaking solos and keys to elevate the overall atmosphere.
Even the third track, Malevolent Dominion of the Lion, exemplifies the proficiency of the music, as the songs exhibit a diverse range of stylistic variations, tones, and compositions. Malevolent Dominion of the Lion begins with the clarity of clean vocals from Cesar Silva, setting a pleasing tone that seamlessly transitions into a powerful blend of melodic ambiance and the death metal’s fierce, and aggressive essence. This creates a striking contrast, leading into a perfect synthesis of melodic richness and the relentless intensity.
This is the essence of artistry and devilmanship, the crowning touch that elevates the experience, particularly evident in the “Melkor” projects. Each endeavour showcases a forbidden fruit of art arrangements, skilfully bringing together the right individuals whose unique talents and creative flair enhance specific sections of the songs. In many of these projects, we witness the multifaceted capabilities of Melkor as he navigates vocals, guitar, and drums. The heavy, aggressive riffs and booming percussion are complemented by fierce vocals and symphonic elements, introduced at just the right moment to enrich the musical tapestry.
The compositions crafted within these projects are intricate and vibrant, often weaving together a rich array of instrumentation and shifting tempos, and this can be found within the musical spectrum of As Galaxies Merge. This intricate layering amplifies the overall intensity and deepens the emotional resonance of the music. Each piece becomes a journey, inviting listeners to explore the depths of sound and feeling, where every note and rhythm contributes to a powerful and immersive experience. Transitioning into the album’s second segment, we encounter the track Constellation’s Direful Manifest, (again) provided by Christian P. Weller. This piece envelops the listener in a grand, atmospheric instrumental introduction that sets the stage for an exhilarating experience. The soundscape is rich and immersive, inviting the audience to delve deeper into the musical odyssey that lies ahead.
As the second part of the journey unfolds, listeners are treated to yet another wave of symphonic intricacies, seamlessly intertwined with the fierce and powerful essence of death metal. The intensity escalates, creating a dynamic interplay between melodic elements and aggressive rhythms, ensuring that each moment is charged with energy and emotion. This track not only captivates, but also challenges the listener to embrace the full spectrum of sound that defines this fruit of art album.
The Rise Of Ophiuchus and their album As Galaxies Merge deliver an exhilarating experience that resonates with fans of every “Melkor” release. You can’t help but admire the meticulous effort poured into each project, including The Rise Of Ophiuchus. From the intricate details and guest collaborations to the stunning guitar work that captivates the senses. The blend of instrumental and vocal performances showcases a remarkable devilmanship in music composition, while the production quality stands out with its clarity and balanced mix, allowing every element to shine through. As previously noted, each release brings something unique to the table, ensuring that listeners are always in for a fresh experience.
The Rise Of Ophiuchus and their album As Galaxies Merge is a brutal and heavy, headbanger release, filled with aggression and power but with a touch of beauty from the symphonic work and solos.
The album might be long, but it’s a sixty-minute that should be listened to…
The album concludes with the final track, Serpent Conquerors of the Abyss. This piece begins with symphonic keyboard melodies and powerful riffs, gradually escalating the intensity of the song. It transitions into a dynamic and aggressive composition, featuring soaring guitar solos, diverse rhythms, intricate fills, and backing vocals that enhance the overall sound. This track serves as an ideal conclusion to the album. We want to give a shoutout to Melkor for letting us review his album, As Galaxies Merge. Now, we are going to conclude the review by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.
The Last Three Sins
Let’s discuss the last three sins of The Rise Of Ophiuchus and his/their album, As Galaxies Merge
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia:
The Rise of Ophiuchus stands out as one of the most intense offerings from Melkor to date. Every element, from the pounding drums and synth layers to the powerful vocals, showcases a solid artistic and devilmanship vision. However, it was the guitar work that truly electrified the experience—those fierce riffs and driving rhythms, along with Pedro D-Voide‘s fruit of art solos, hit like a bolt of lightning. Each track brings something unique to the table, particularly the fourth track, Malevolent Dominion of the Lion. I was captivated by its intricate composition, the fruit of art instrumentation, and the dynamic interplay of vocals, especially from Cesar Silva and Melkor. And let’s not forget the finale, Serpent Conquerors of the Abyss—what a fruit of art piece.
Not only that, the album stands out not just for its compositions, instruments, or devilmanship, but for its imaginative lyrics and visually appealing song titles. The creative effort poured into the music is evident, especially as the lyrics delve into the darker aspects of the zodiac signs. It’s essential to take the time to read the lyrics; they add a whole new layer to the experience, while bringing the music and concept alive.
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:
The Rise Of Ophiuchus and their artwork is absolutely captivating; it beautifully embodies the entire essence of music, intertwining it with the cosmos and the zodiac signs
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:
Nothing to disrelish within the musical spectrum of The Rise Of Ophiuchus and his/their album, As Galaxies Merge. Therefore, this concludes The Rise Of Ophiuchus and his/their album, As Galaxies Merge review.
Members
Melkor: guitars, drums, vocals
solos on all songs by Pedro D-Void
album cover, intro & Outro by Christian P. Weller
vocals on ‘Malevolent Dominion of the Lion’ by Cesar Silva
Track-Listing
01. Dissonance of the Interdimensional Eater (intro)
02. Astrak Siege of the Crab
03. The Nebula Sovereign’s Dark Quest
04. Malevolent Dominion of the Lion
05. Cosmic Warden of the Bull
06. The Galactic Goat’s Infernal Roar
07. Celestial Harbingers of Doom
08. The Water-Bearer’s Cunning Flow
09. Constellation’s Direful Manifest (intro)
10. Dark Duality on the Cosmic Edge
11. The Maiden’s Sinister Conquest
12. Neptune’s Vengeful Call
13. The Archer’s Wicked Descent
14. Stellar Balance – The Scale’s Ominous Vow
15. Serpent Conquerors of the Abyss
