“Belladonna”
Up-and-coming artist Opheliia released her single, “Belladonna,” on March 17, 2023. This Denver-based musician was classically trained and uses her background to build gothic and romantic tracks. Her debut single perfectly encapsulates her style, rich in melancholic and theatrical overtones.
“Belladonna” opens on a deceptively upbeat drum kit, but it doesn’t take long for the drama to come in. After a few seconds, a heavily distorted guitar plays out just one note at a time, and an organ-like synth surges underneath. The layered sounds overwhelm, and you can’t avoid being sucked in as Opheliia begins to croon. Her incredibly haunting vocals have heavy reverb, but there is still something almost sweet about her vocal tone. It keeps the track from becoming total doom and gloom, instead bringing personality and a beacon of light. The drumbeat continues to provide a forward, marching movement, keeping the track from dissipating.
The song cleverly layers the vocal harmonies, with long notes on top and gritty, distorted whispering underneath. It complements the swirling of the synth, and you are sucked down deeper into the track as it goes on. “Belladonna” expertly creates a dreamy and stormy landscape through the intentional use of sound. Opheliia ends the track with powerful piano chords, signaling the end of her journey. Whether you’ve woken up or gotten trapped in her web is up to you.
Seeing as “Belladonna” is only her first single, Opheliia is obviously one to look out for. She seems so comfortable in her skill and brings something unique to the table.
