A furiously explosive blend of prog and modern rock ethos pervade Opus Dai’s EP “Touch The sun”. New vocalist Tim Neighbors strides confidently into the role of front man. Strikingly reminiscent of Tankian, Zavala, and Bellamy, yet still finding his own voice amidst the dynamic roar of this powerful LA based group.

“Touch The Sun” opens with “Sandcastles”. Huge chords and titanic drumming snap to life. A rise and fall of intensity create immediately present hooks and bridges. Energetic and dynamically masterful, “Sandcastles” is an excellent example for the rest “Touch The Sun”, although perhaps not the finest track on the album.

“Sinking Ship” felt like a single to me. I was truly blown away by the song. From the intro we hear Neighbors at perhaps his most hardcore vocal sound. Really, during the whole track he provides a presence that feels more vicious than the rest of “Touch The Sun”. It’s inspired, and it’s inspiring. Not to mention the music itself. Heavy, driving, controlled and with some mean guitar licks. I dig the staccato picking of the main riff. It plays well over these fast moving, driving drums.

The switch in musicians, Basso to Neighbors, Collier to Douglas, has worked well for Opus Dai. What may have destroyed other groups has only improved theirs. They’ve managed to avoid any lag in their production, with two tours and a new EP since the change and their sound has only grown to new heights of originality.

Fighters from day one, it seems nothing can slow Opus Dai down.