Judge for Opus Dai

Opus Däi (pronounced “die”) cultivates a rich and varied aural landscape that is as vast and epic as the bands history. The band creates a space where diverse sounds blend into a singular musical force. Driving and aggressive, yet gentle in spirit, there is an epic grace that stokes the fires burning brightly from within Opus Däi. Drawing on influences from Led Zeppelin and Jeff Buckley to Tool and The Mars Volta, Opus Däi weave a broad musical tapestry. Painting a picture with superlative musicianship and beautifully crafted songs. This is the hallmark of the newly formed, yet years in
the making, Los Angeles based band.
With over 500 shows under their belt, Opus Däi has come a long way since the band formed. Like individual rivulets of water edging their way to a common sea, the history of Opus Däi is a journey that began several years ago with the formation of L.A.s noted multi-ethnic, world music influenced O.H.M. With diverse cultural backgrounds and inspirations, the four members of Opus Däi rose from the ashes of O.H.M. to meet at a common center. Distorted Hendrix-like guitars exist along side soaring vocals and urgent drums to create a potent mix of melody, ferocity and honesty few bands deliver all at once.
After releasing a five-song EP entitled "Actum Procul" (recorded live at the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood) Opus Däi quickly became a must-see live band with a diverse and loyal following, having shared the stage with System of a Down, Dredg, Linkin Park, Fair to Midland, Snot and Sevendust to name just a few.
Touring relentlessly for nearly 2 years in support of their debut LP "Tierra Tragame" the band finally returned home in fall of 2007, eager to work on new material. However due to rising tension between members and growing musical differences, the band parted ways with long time vocalist Chris Paul Basso and touring newbie Ryan Collier. Where this might appear as a major set back to some, Opus Däi quickly charged forward. In less then one year, Opus Däi not only rebuilt the band, they wrote an entire new set of material, recorded and released a new EP and toured the entire West Coast... Twice! - all with in one years time!
The newest 2008 release "Touch The Sun" (Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Jun Murakawa) marks the 1st effort from Opus Däi since their debut LP "Tierra Tragame" in 2006. The new 5 song EP is also the first release to feature new singer Tim Neighbors and bassist Murv Douglas along with founding members Atsushi Miyamoto and Jagger Gonzales. With a new line up you can certainly expect some surprises on this effort. But you can also be assured that this EP is a natural progression of everything Opus Däi is known and loved for: innovative, thought provoking and
dynamic music, delivered with an intensity that always captivates. Currently on tour, you can catch the bands explosive live set at a venue near you.