Notoriously known for spicing up their songs with cinematic flair, Opensight doesn’t waste a single second in filling the listener with suspense and excitement. The band invites you into a brand new world where spy themes, hard-boiled action and thriller sequences, enigmatic horror passages, and more are fueled by the power of metal. This unique way of, not just songwriting, but storytelling, is what makes their new album, Mondo Fiction, so captivating.
That fun, exhilarating thrill you get from a good jump scare or even when your favorite band is about to come on stage is exactly what Opensight delivers on this record through and through. And it’s immediately present as soon as the album opens with “In Here With Us”. (A song that’s also on the latest edition of New Music Monthly, btw!) All of these elements contribute to giving the music a truly “live show” feel, even if you’re just listening with your headphones.
While all the songs on Mondo Fiction do fall within the cinematic metal spectrum, some tracks like “The Great Silence” also have more of an alternative metal vibe that fans of bands like Faith No More will definitely love.
Listening to Opensight is not like listening to just any other band. Opensight provides you with a memorable experience, similar to when you watch your favorite movie for the first time. Specifically on Mondo Fiction, that experience is fun, entertaining, and different. And honestly, it’s just a great fucking listen.
In honor of the band’s love of vintage films and their cinematic themes, Opensight frontman Ivan Amaya gives us track by track insight for the songs on Mondo Fiction. Keep reading for exclusive insight on this new metal release!
Track By Track On Opensight’s Mondo Fiction with Ivan Amaya
“In Here With Us”
IA: “‘In Here With Us” is a quote from ‘The Exorcist’ (‘Where’s Regan?’), but the vibe is more thematic. It reminds me of the “Battle Without Honor and Humanity” from the Kill Bill score because of the stabs of the main riff. The song works as a short attack and welcomes the listener to the rest of the album, giving a taste of what’s about to come. You are in here with us now…”
“The Great Silence”
IA: “The funky intro riff makes me think of intro credits of one of those 70s crime films in which the police department is going after a vicious murderer who is terrorising the city. Then the twin guitars attack, making things heavier until the dramatic theme with the ‘Surf Rock’ guitar in the middle. There is a western movie called ‘The Great Silence’ that has a very tragic ending. I think the title fits the song which is about self imposed isolation and unrealised dreams. One of my favorite tracks off the album.”
“Plot Twist”
IA: “More spy vibes on this one. Inspired by the jazzy film scores of Henry Mancini, I think “Plot Twist” gives a clear idea of what Opensight is about. The drama, the sense of adventure, the thematic atmosphere, and freedom. The video looks like a trailer for a crime thriller film and people are always asking how we made it or where the footage came from. Nobody has nailed it yet!”
“Stained Remains”
IA: “[This one is] vintage horror themed. The guitar harmonies before the solo are very traditional heavy metal but with a dramatic touch. I always loved the twin guitar harmonies of Iron Maiden, Helloween, Judas Priest, etc. so here’s that influence through an Opensight filter. The video is supposed to be a movie from decades ago, so scary that it was locked in a vault and saw the light of day just recently…”
“Another New Beginning”
IA: “This is a short instrumental to introduce the next song “Primitive Principle”. It uses the same chords but the vibe is very different with a more mysterious approach.”
“Primitive Principle”
IA: “The intention was to make this one sound like a late 70s / early 80s action or road movie. The lyrics are about going out in a blaze of glory and the video (Coming Soon) has an action car chase movie vibe to it with dangerous stunts and so on. 8 bit sounds are also used here as old video game music has always been an influence on Opensight.”
“Curse”
IA: “The intro for “Curse” is a typical surf rock intro, which reminds me of The Ventures, Dick Dale, The Shadows, etc. Things get heavier of course and the song becomes pretty frantic but melodic. The short chord stabs before the solo have a “Green Hornet soundtrack” feel and the ending is a sudden twist that goes back to a more “mysterious” surf rock vibe.”
“Horror Vacui”
IA: “Another short instrumental which is completely done with synths. It came from one of the main riffs of the next song “Villain” and works as an intro for it. It is definitely inspired by classic synth-based Italian horror film scores.”
“Villain”
IA: “The idea was to do a theme for a villain or an antagonist character. Charismatic villains always have their theme tunes. This is the longest song in the album and has a bit of everything: heavy riffs, melodic chorus, twin guitar break, guitar solo and a headbanging ending. A cool one to play live.”
“Secrecy”
IA: “Probably the most atmospheric track on the album because of the guitar sounds and the keyboards, with mellotron and theremin among other sounds contributing to the vibe. The intention was to create a ‘spy theme’ song, although something different and more melodramatic came out.”
“Thunderball”
IA: “This is the first time Opensight has covered a song on a record. A favorite Bond track was picked and we decided to include it. It feels like a bonus track really. It definitely fits the band’s concept and the vibe of “Mondo Fiction” although you can tell it is a cover.”
Where to Find Opensight & Mondo Fiction
Buy or stream Opensight’s new album, Mondo Fiction, here. Also, check out Opensight’s upcoming tour dates here.
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