Opera IX was always more than a straight-forward black metal band, mixing elements of thrashand death metal with symphonic elements; even folk influences. The band was known for theirstrong occult themes on earlier releases and gradually became focussed around topics of paganism astheir career progressed. 'The Black Opera' was Opera IX's third album, and first for their new label Avantgarde Music. It wasrecorded at Studio Underground (Madder Mortem, October Tide, Carnal Forge) in Sweden and wasproduced and engineered by Pelle Saether.