A Decade of Symphonic Metal: Operus Celebrates Ten Years at The Rockpile

In the heart of Toronto’s music scene, The Rockpile has always stood as a beacon of rock resilience, proudly proclaiming, “Where Rock Will Never Die.” Yet, on this particular evening, it wasn’t just about rock; it was about the convergence of metal, symphony, and dreams.

On this special night, the venue pulsated with excitement for me at least as Operus, the dynamic Canadian symphonic metal ensemble, took center stage to commemorate their ten-year anniversary in a blaze of musical glory.

But before Operus graced the stage, the audience was treated to a stellar lineup of talent. Direct support came from Northshroud, the melodic death metal juggernauts hailing from Kitchener, Ontario. With a setlist packed with hard-hitting tracks like “B.D.E.” and “STIGMATA,” they set the stage ablaze with their ferocious energy and unbridled intensity.

Before Northshroud’s onslaught, however, the evening commenced with a mesmerizing performance by Visions of Morpheus, an original metal/prog band hailing from Oshawa. Drawing inspiration from the realm of dreams and the subconscious, their ethereal melodies and powerful rhythms captivated the audience, setting the perfect tone for the night’s festivities. During Visions of Morpheus’s set, Jeff Pearson thanked Charlie Pérez Chapa from EVER DREAM for filling in on bass—a gesture of camaraderie in the music community

When the band finally took the stage, emblazoned with their iconic logo, the crowd erupted with excitement. As they launched into their setlist, any lingering impatience dissolved into rapt attention, completely captivated by the music that followed.

The front of the stage filled with eager fans, drawn like moths to a flame by the promise of an electrifying performance. With each thunderous riff and soaring vocal line, the audience was spellbound, completely drawn into the music. From the haunting melodies of ‘Phantasia’ to the explosive energy of ‘Dance with Fire,’ Operus commanded the stage with a presence that captivated every soul in the room. Their performance transported us to realms of fantasy and wonder, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

Amidst their captivating performance, Operus took a moment to acknowledge their journey over the past decade. They revealed a significant change in their lineup, transitioning from a six-piece ensemble to a tight-knit quartet. Yet, amidst this evolution, Operus remained grounded in gratitude, taking the time to honor their former bandmates, Robin and Alan, who were in attendance that night. Alan, one of the band’s first drummers, and Robin, whose cello prowess infused their music with operatic grandeur, were hailed as dear friends and integral parts of Operus’s journey. With a new drummer, Alexis Von Kraven, also known as “Skullhead,” behind the kit, Operus forged ahead into the next chapter of their musical odyssey.

Here’s to Operus, Northshroud, Visions of Morpheus, and the countless other bands who continue to keep the spirit of rock alive and thriving. May their music continue to inspire and uplift audiences for years to come.

Thank you so much, Operus Management for the accreditation.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Drew Osborne

I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.