Opium Denn - Demarkation (Self-Released)

Opium Denn is a new, mysteriously masked figure in the world of progressive, art rock, and this enigmatic reputation only grows with his latest release Demarkation. The album is self-described as “a concept album where Pink Floyd meets Blue Oyster Cult and the Phantom of the Opera.” It’s certainly heavy stuff to live up to, and Opium Denn is nothing short of ambitious in its undertaking. There’s a very dreamlike sound to the album, as if every song has been stretch and pulled to its breaking point, giving the entire thing a very hypnotic, drone-like feel.

Each of the nine songs is accompanied by a music video, and there is a wonderful grandness to the entire project, especially for something produced on a relatively smaller scale. The production value of songs like “Leaf,” and the “I Am A Feeling” trilogy verges into the territory of Pink Floyd’s most extravagant period. The concepts and themes are so mysterious the actual meaning has a tendency to get lost in the fold, but the album nevertheless remains an incredibly compelling listen that will keep you coming back in hopes of decryption. Demarkation is out October 23rd.