Maximum Metal Rating Legend
5 Excellent - Masterpiece. A classic.
4.5-4 Great - Almost perfect records but there's probably a lacking.
3.5 Good - Most of the record is good, but there may be some filler.
3 Average - Some good songs, some bad ones at about a half/half ratio.
2.5-2 Fair - Worth a listen, but best obtained by collectors.
1.5-1 Bad - Major problems with music, lyrics, production, etc.
0 Terrible - Waste of your life and time.

Note: Reviews are graded from 0-5, anything higher or not showing is from our old style. Scores, however, do not reveal the important features. The written review that accompanies the ratings is the best source of information regarding the music on our site. Reviewing is opinionated, not a qualitative science, so scores are personal to the reviewer and could reflect anything from being technically brilliant to gloriously cheesy fun.

Demos and independent releases get some slack since the bands are often spent broke supporting themselves and trying to improve. Major releases usually have big financial backing, so they may be judged by a heavier hand. All scores can be eventually adjusted up or down by comparison of subsequent releases by the same band. We attempt to keep biases out of reviews and be advocates of the consumer without the undo influence of any band, label, management, promoter, etc.

The best way to determine how much you may like certain music is to listen to it yourself.
Band
Operatika
Title
Dreamworld
Type
LP/EP
Company
Independent
YOR
2005
Style
Gothic/Symphonic
5/26/2005 - Review by: Ken Pierce
Operatika - Dreamworld - 2005 - Unsigned

Track Listing
1. Dreamworld
2. Gladiator
3. The Storm
4. The Calling
New Jersey based Operatika has finally completed work on their demo CD entitled “Dreamworld”. The 4 track piece is actually only 3 full songs, but you can definitely get the feel for the type of music Operatika brings to the table. Fronting the group is Slava Popova who is blessed not only by her beauty but her incredible voice as well. There were a couple of factors that I enjoyed about this demo right off the bat. The first would be the amount of production that they placed in it as it seems as though many bands are making sure that their work is represented as best as possible before presenting it to a record label or fan base. As one listens to this piece, you think yourself finding a sampler of a major release.

On guitar is Bill Visser, who for the CD recorded all guitar and bass tracks. Bill is a furious technical guitar player whose abilities are nicely contrasted by the keyboard work of Anna Dok. Drummer Yuri steadily pounds his drum kit with a decent amount of ferocity and he is especially impressive on the track “Gladiator”. The level of play in this track can be compared to that of an Angra or Dragonforce track. Listening to these three numbers made me wish the CD was a little longer. I have seen this bands shirts and they also do a nice job in providing fans with a stylish design. Going the extra mile early in the game is always a good thing.

My only criticism of the Demo besides its short length is the fact that perhaps not every track should be consistent aria level of vocals. While Slava is great at this, it could work against them when being compared to those others who are succeeding in this genre. Showing a softer side on occasion will show that not only does the power exist but also the skill to adapt the music a little more. The time is definitely ripe for this band to move up in the ranks of their peers on the local scene and join forces with those Europeans who have already tasted this acclaim. Progressive Metal aficionados as well as fans of Nightwish or Within Temptation will most certainly find something in Operatika that they enjoy.


--Ken Pierce 05.10.05

  • 1 :REVIEW COUNT
    N/A :AVE RATING

ALL REVIEWS FOR: OPERATIKA
TITLE
DOR
COMPANY
REVIEWER DATE MADE RATING
Dreamworld
2005
Independent
Ken Pierce5/26/2005
-

ALL INTERVIEWS FOR: OPERATIKA
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