Where Are They Now?

I have not heard anything since I was contacted by Greg Szuba, former recording engineer on Fatal Opera's CDs (as well as numerous demo recordings) and live sound engineer.

He had commented "It's cool to see a website dedicated to Fatal Opera and their truly unique and amazing music. I spent countless hours in the studio with Gar and the band and never ceased to be amazed at the level of musicianship in the band. I'm still inspired by the way Gar approached his music and the ease of which Gar pulled off his amazing drum parts."

Prior, I was contacted by Gar's brother, Stew Samuelson, who happened to have seen this page (before alterations). As there are so few pages with as much information and photos of the band, I was hoping that we would make this the "Official" website and truly tribute the band. He had also asked if they should finish the third album that was in the works prior to Gar's untimely death. Let me know if you too think they should finish the album and release it in honor of Gar. Stew also asked if we should sell T-shirts and other Fatal Opera items on here as well. Drop me a line and let me know what you think!

Who Was Fatal Opera?

To a number of people Fatal Opera is still unknown; this germinating quintet full of profound musical messages that to people verge on a so far unseen revolutionary aspect - a projecting out against traditional systems - was assembled by former Megadeth drummer Gar Samuelson.

It was Gar who was responsible for the indescribable unique outflow for the earlier Megadeth days that undoubtedly outshined every other band. To many Megadeth fans this "Peace Sells" era represented the musical highlight of the Megadeth career that should end up with Gar Samuelson's and Chris Poland's withdrawal from the band atttributed personal animosity between them and Dave Mustaine.

It reflected a reciprocity: Gar and Chris quit due to financial absurdity, at the same time Dave fired them. Fact is that Megadeth lost with the two jazzy based background the crucial crux which in the end wasn't tragic - Gar should make a fascinating return with his new 'Guru Metal' creation Fatal Opera that has its residence in Florida. After the recording, Billy Brehme should join as a second guitarist to complete the line-up.

Fatal Opera - tracing an independent musical taste - finally found in 1994 in the German record label Massacre the suitable partner to release their debut CD in February 1995. This self-titled debut achieved great and hopeful resonances in mags as well as in fanzines that among others described Fatal Opera as a "musical firework".

Shortly after the release, Dave Inman left the band out of musical differences to form his own band In Man. A huge recommendation to keep track with!

In Andy Freeman as a replacement, Fatal Opera found a very expressive singer, nowhere else to find; their second album "The Eleventh Hour" was released in 1997 that undoubtly is a crucial reply to ordinary and mediocre bands. All of the fourteen songs reflect musical unpredictability, wrapped in countless innovation and always covering the progressive and powerful rhythms in the right shot.

Fatal Opera Sound

A musical unity, in European magazines labeled as an "outstanding Power/Progressive Band with great resonances." They absorb many different musical atmospheres with an incredible versatility! Thus hard to define, but somewhere between Heavy/Thrash Metal with a progressive touch!

After recovering from the past, Gar joined forces with his talented brother Stew (guitar) and found in Travis Karcher (bass) and Dave Inman (vocals) musicians that stood out from musical mediocrity and represented a first rate quality. In 1993 the band recorded at Gar's home studio their ten song debut that among others also contain a highly explosive interpretation of the Hendrix' cover "Moon Turns The Tides".

Miscellaneous Fatal Opera

Gar Samuelson Interview

Fatal Opera Questionairre