Opus Dai

Progressive heavy metal outfit Opus Däi originated in Los Angeles, CA, when drummer Jagger Gonzales, guitarist Atsushi Miyamoto, singer Chris Paul, and bassist Ryan Collier joined forces. After inking a deal with Double Blind, the quartet delivered its first album, Tierra Trágame, on May 21, 2006. Close to two years of road work followed, only for the ensemble to fracture in spring 2008 once Paul and Collier stepped away. Gonzales and Miyamoto refused to disband, instead bringing in replacements to sustain the project. Tim Neighbors took over vocal duties, while Merlyn Kelly handled bass on an interim basis until Murv Douglas assumed the role. The musicians also ended their association with Double Blind, electing to issue the EP Touch the Sun independently on August 30, 2008.