Review MOONSPELL “Opus Diabolicum”

Almost 30 years ago to the day, I had the opportunity to experience Moonspell‘s music live for the first time. The band had just released their debut album, “Wolfheart”, and were touring with Tiamat. The venue was called Arts & Crafts in Neu-Ulm, Germany, and although I had gone there to see Tiamat, it was the Moonspell show that stuck in my mind. Their vigorous, blackened metal was fascinating, but also a little confusing at the time with its mass-like dark character. Nevertheless, songs such as “Alma Mater” and “Vampiria” were performed in 1995 and still appear in the band’s setlists to this day. Both songs, taken from the debut album, will also be included in a live release at the end of October.

On 26 October 2024, Moonspell played a very special show at the MEO Arena in Lisbon. The band invited the 45-piece Orchestra Sinfonietta de Lisboa and choir to perform a special set featuring songs from different phases of the Portuguese dark metal band’s career.

The show started with “Tungstennio”, focusing on the orchestra. This marked a cinematic start, creating a dramatic vibe that ran through the set from start to finish. The first Moonspell song, “Em Nome do Medo”, is given a new feel by the orchestral arrangement. Things that are still recognisable sound much more dramatic. Things that are still recognisable sound much more intense.

The same goes for the powerful version of one of my favourite Moonspell songs, “Extinct”. The orchestra is a great addition, leading to an extra level of density without compromising the heaviness.

“Finisterra” retains its fiery spirit, and the aforementioned “Vampiria” and “Alma Mater” bring the regular set to a thrilling close. Moonspell returned to the stage to perform a stunning version of another classic from their career, “Full Moon Madness”.

The sound quality of this live album is exquisite, and the fusion of metal and orchestral music is seamless. The two elements of music complement each other rather than competing with each other. This allows Moonspell’s excellent songs to shine. Embedded in a show featuring fire and flames, the songs on “Opus Diabolicum” offer a fine summary of Moonspell’s creative output. It’s incredible how this relatively unknown band, which played at a small venue in Neu-Ulm three decades ago, has developed over time to become one of the leading lights of dark metal.