Opeth

[Forlorn Hope]

Can someone recommend Opeth songs that are dark and evil sounding, and some that are heavy with clean vocals. Thanks in advance.

[i am the robots]

Can someone recommend Opeth songs that are dark and evil sounding, and some that are heavy with clean vocals. Thanks in advance.

Dark and evil sounding.... The Moor, Advent, Demon of the Fall, Karma
Heavy with clean vocals.... Harlequin Forest, The Drapery Falls, Bleak

[UpperDecker]

Can anyone tell me what Nectar's about?

[Crysiss]

ahh, i think an evil sound one is number 5 on BWP, im not too sure what its called but ill check.


EDIT: Dirge For November

Well, Nectar sounds like He has lost someone and she comes to him in the form of a ghost. But he cant accept shes gone.

"I lament this heritage
Cannot bid farewell
The pale face...you went as far as you could
And from that moment
I witnessed your beauty, fealt your death"

Pale, y'know...ghostly?

Anyways, some people i've talked to say its about a nightmare mikael has about a girl that comes to him as a ghost.
Thats my two cents

[UpperDecker]

ahh, i think an evil sound one is number 5 on BWP, im not too sure what its called but ill check.

Dirge For November, one of the best on the cd.

[Jude]

Evil sounding?

Blackwater Park.

Serenity Painted Death.

Godhead's Lament.

Deliverance.

By the Pain I See in Others (esp. the beginning)

The Grand Conjuration.

(in order I though of them)

[UpperDecker]

ahh, i think an evil sound one is number 5 on BWP, im not too sure what its called but ill check.


EDIT: Dirge For November

Well, Nectar sounds like He has lost someone and she comes to him in the form of a ghost. But he cant accept shes gone.

"I lament this heritage
Cannot bid farewell
The pale face...you went as far as you could
And from that moment
I witnessed your beauty, fealt your death"

Pale, y'know...ghostly?

Anyways, some people i've talked to say its about a nightmare mikael has about a girl that comes to him as a ghost.
Thats my two cents

Nice Interpretation, I suck at figuring out what lyrics mean.

[Stormrider]

Nice Interpretation, I suck at figuring out what lyrics mean.

Same here. Most of the time, the only reason i know what a song means or the story behind a concept album is, is becuase I read it somewhere.

[BurningSky]

Heavy with clean vocals- A Fair Judgement

That and Deliverance are the two best songs on the album IMO...

[Hells Bells]

It doesn't really sound medieval to me. Exotic, dark...yes...but medieval? They're using chords and phrases that probably would have been considered sinful and punishable by death in the Middle Ages. :lol:


Haha, yeah...there actually was a mode with diminished 5th which the Church thought sounded too evil because of it's dissonance, and banned people from using it...I think it was the Locrian. I can't remember whether Opeth uses it though.

[Flynn]

I didn't say it should. But I am annoyed that Mikael said there was going to be one album focusing on Opeth's heavy side, and another focusing on their lighter side. Instead they make one focusing on their heavy sound and lighter sound and another focused on another sound completely. So they made one album of Opeth's sound (focusing neither on heavy or light) and another album focusing on Porcupine Tree's sound.


I have no clue what you're talking about.
Deliverance = heavy
Damnation = light

...and Damnation sounds nothing like anything done by Porcupine Tree.

[Whale and Wasp]

why is everyone criticizing damnation/ghost reveries just because of the fact that theyre not like the old opeth?

As you all know, it is sometimes very hard to put your finger on what makes a band original and unique. I am not trying to boast here, but in my point of view there is no other band just like Opeth. Personally I appreciate when bands shock you, when they take unexpected turns in their music that you couldn´t see coming. That is somewhat the essence of Opeth, and I think it is something that is present on all our albums. See, when we started up as Eruption we were more or less a ordinary (pretty bad) death metal band, but somewhere along the road we found something that made Opeth what Opeth is today. It might be our interest in symphonic and progressive music which to me is the ultimate form of music. We have come to the point where we don´t care at all what kind of music we are playing, there are no boundaries at all!

The strange thing is that it´s not intentional. I don´t doubt one second that we´d be a bigger band if we did what was good for Opeth..but we just don´t! The day we would limit ourselves or adapt to the music scene, would be the day Opeth dies.

Certainly, there are some parts on our albums that was kind of daring. With "Morningrise" we incuded a balladlike track in "To bid you farewell" right in the midst of the rising Black metal trend.

Don´t you think we´d be better off if we had blastbeats and satanic lyrics instead? Now, afterwards, "To bid you farewell" has done many good things for us, as we have now been accepted to be a bit odd. That´s just the way we like it!

Opeth started up in 1990 I wrote all the material myself with suggestions from the former vocalist, David. When Peter joined in late 1991 I found someone that I could write together with. I had written a track called "Poise into Celeano" and it turned out way different from the things we had done before, and when Peter came in the picture, me and him started to re-arrange all the stuff we had. It was our most creative period, and we rehearsed 6 days a week at times. Eventually we had achieved a sound of our own. Twin guitar harmonies, loads of acoustic parts, no blastbeats, long, long tracks, even some normal singing. Eventually Candlelight wanted to do an album with us. That was "Orchid".

[Flynn]

why is everyone criticizing damnation/ghost reveries just because of the fact that theyre not like the old opeth?


I have never criticised Damnation. And I have never criticised Ghost Reveries because it's not like ''old Opeth''. It just bored me, there wasn't enough...there was something missing, I can't explain. It didn't excite me. I like Deliverance, and that's nothing like Old Opeth. In fact, I might put that in now...

[Sleepy]

I agree with Flynn, to an extenet. I find Damnation totally mind-blowing and Ghost Reveries to be just "good". I definitely enjoyed their newest release, and hope they progress further with their new sound. If they stick with it, the next release should prove to be amazing.

[Whale and Wasp]

I have never criticised Damnation. And I have never criticised Ghost Reveries because it's not like ''old Opeth''. It just bored me, there wasn't enough...there was something missing, I can't explain. It didn't excite me. I like Deliverance, and that's nothing like Old Opeth. In fact, I might put that in now...
oh, i just remember reading the thread this morning and seeing posts like that; i didnt mean it at you, sorry for not clarifying it

[Flynn]

oh, i just remember reading the thread this morning and seeing posts like that; i didnt mean it at you, sorry for not clarifying it

Oh, cool. Yeah I know what you're saying though. It's all good. :chug:











''and I woke in chains and shackles tear my flesh
and blood that flows from these wounds flows black as night
your lies consume me with every breath I burn
and now the past that must be kept haunts me at night''

[Hells Bells]

I agree with Flynn, to an extenet. I find Damnation totally mind-blowing and Ghost Reveries to be just "good". I definitely enjoyed their newest release, and hope they progress further with their new sound. If they stick with it, the next release should prove to be amazing.

And I think the opposite....maybe I haven't heard enough of Damnation :p

The album has it's weaker moments, but the best parts of it, like Ghost of Perdition and the Grand Conjuration, are truly spectacular.

[Shattered_Future]

I haven't really, truly listened to anything off of Ghost Reveries except The Grand Conjuration, but I found that to be one of the better Opeth tracks in a while. It doesn't drag on, like some of their other songs, and it switches up a lot.

I love Damnation though, even more so after I watched Lamentations. It needs a ton of grow time, I think, but once that happens, it's amazing.

[Jude]

I haven't really, truly listened to anything off of Ghost Reveries except The Grand Conjuration, but I found that to be one of the better Opeth tracks in a while. It doesn't drag on, like some of their other songs, and it switches up a lot.

I love Damnation though, even more so after I watched Lamentations. It needs a ton of grow time, I think, but once that happens, it's amazing.
Dude, TGC is repetitious as hell and it DOES drag on...but still a good track, so if you like it, Ghost of Perdition should blow your mind.

[Shattered_Future]

Eh, I don't think it drags on much...maybe in a few places, but I'm often half asleep when I listen to it. :lol:

I listened to GOP a few times...don't remember much, but it had its moments.

[Flynn]

Dude, TGC is repetitious as hell and it DOES drag on...but still a good track, so if you like it, Ghost of Perdition should blow your mind.


Ghost Of Perdition is the only song on that album I really like, and yeah, The Grand Conjuration drags on a bit.

[Jude]

It's one of Opeth's best songs, it ranks with The Moor and such (in fact on the official Opeth forum poll for best Opeth song, The Moor was number 1 and beat GoP by ONE vote. It's an example of how the keyboards SHOULD be integrated into Opeth's sound--flawless.

[Shattered_Future]

Odd, I'm listening to Ghost Of Perdition, and THIS track is dragging on a bit.

Maybe it's cause I'm not used to it...

[Sleepy]

And I think the opposite....maybe I haven't heard enough of Damnation :p

The album has it's weaker moments, but the best parts of it, like Ghost of Perdition and the Grand Conjuration, are truly spectacular.

Personally, Damnation is my favorite Opeth. It's so relaxing and calm, it's almost better than beer. Almost.

[i am the robots]

It's one of Opeth's best songs, it ranks with The Moor and such (in fact on the official Opeth forum poll for best Opeth song, The Moor was number 1 and beat GoP by ONE vote. It's an example of how the keyboards SHOULD be integrated into Opeth's sound--flawless.

Mostly because noobs infiltrated that place with their filthy paws, you do realize most people who have ever heard Opeth can only name that song?

Not saying it isn't amazing.

My personal favorite off of that album = Baying of the Hounds

NP: Autumn Leaves - Blood

[Flynn]

Mostly because noobs infiltrated that place with their filthy paws, you do realize most people who have ever heard Opeth can only name that song?

Not saying it isn't amazing.

My personal favorite off of that album = Baying of the Hounds

NP: Autumn Leaves - Blood


I like the end of Baying Of The Hounds, at around 9:40 or so. That part gives me chills...

''Oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh!!''

[Darkness]

Baying Of The Hounds and GOP are my favorite songs on that cd.. the only songs I really go back to (which is still pretty rare..).


Well it's looking good for me to see these guys again on the 8th of March... I can't wait. :D

[Moses]

NP: Autumn Leaves - Blood
Autumn Leaves are ****ing great.

[Deth]

I still think Harlequin Forest is fantastic. Damn fantastic.

[i am the robots]

I still think Harlequin Forest is fantastic. Damn fantastic.

This is true too, that album has four really good songs: Ghost of Perdition, Baying of the Hounds, Harlequin Forest, and The Grand Conjuration.... it just pisses me off when kids talk about how much they love Opeth and have only heard the new album.

[Darkness]

This is true too, that album has four really good songs: Ghost of Perdition, Baying of the Hounds, Harlequin Forest, and The Grand Conjuration.... it just pisses me off when kids talk about how much they love Opeth and have only heard the new album.
Yes. Me to.

[Deth]

Me three. It's happened a lot with the people around me.

I then whip out MAYH and force them to admit their n00bness.

[Darkness]

Today at the food court in the mall, I was wearing an Opeth shirt, and my friends friend said that Opeth sucked. I just kind of knodded and ignored him. Then he said "Now Lamb of God is talent". I said something like "You like music with talent, yet you don't like Opeth?" "Opeth sucks man, The Grand Conjuration is a crappy song" Then I found out that was the only song he'd heard... this frusterates me greatly.

[Deth]

And probably the butchered single version at that.

Damn food courts.

[Darkness]

Yes. I was there only for KFC... Then we got the hell out of there. Oh and this guy was wearing a Metallica hoodie.

[Flynn]

Today at the food court in the mall, I was wearing an Opeth shirt, and my friends friend said that Opeth sucked. I just kind of knodded and ignored him. Then he said "Now Lamb of God is talent". I said something like "You like music with talent, yet you don't like Opeth?" "Opeth sucks man, The Grand Conjuration is a crappy song" Then I found out that was the only song he'd heard... this frusterates me greatly.


Don't sweat it man, if he thinks Lamb Of God is talent, and Opeth isn't, he doesn't know jack shlt about metal.

[Darkness]

Don't sweat it man, if he thinks Lamb Of God is talent, and Opeth isn't, he doesn't know jack shlt about metal.
But what really angers me is he isn't even willing to learn. Yet he claims to be someone who thinks he's knowledgable. Real smart people are always willing to learn more.

[Moses]

Yeah, Opeth would blow his mind.

[Det_Nosnip]

Can someone recommend Opeth songs that are dark and evil sounding,

That's their specialty. ;)

Closure, Deliverance, Master's Apprentice, Grand Conjuration, Demon of the Fall, Blackwater Park, Baying of the Hounds...it's all good.

[PeEpHoLe_10]

I think Bleak is really evil sounding.

[Werny]

I see your point, and even though I disagree, I've gotta hand it to you for going against the grain with your opinon.

Still, Wreath and Deliverance are easily two of their heaviest songs ever.

Thanks for handing it to me. Yeah.

Wreath and Deliverance are definitely their heaviest, same with Masters Apprentices and By The Pain I See In Others (the riff that kicks off that song... drool), but the other two songs are really light. And most of the heavier tracks have a very prominent light section.

Yeah yeah ok, I was close-minded in saying Damnation sounds like Porcupine Tree, seeing as I've only heard Trains. *slaps self for close-mindedness*

But to me, Damnation sounds really alike to most rock bands that come out of England. Especially the beginning of Closure (the melody playing at the end over the orgy of instruments is lovely, if not too brief).

And the guitar riff at the start of To Rid The Disease... is that taken from another song? I'm not being sarcastic or insulting, it honestly sounds like exactly like a riff I've heard somewhere else.

[Jude]

Thanks for handing it to me. Yeah.

Wreath and Deliverance are definitely their heaviest, same with Masters Apprentices and By The Pain I See In Others (the riff that kicks off that song... drool), but the other two songs are really light. And most of the heavier tracks have a very prominent light section. It's still a disgustingly (in a good way) heavy album.

Yeah yeah ok, I was close-minded in saying Damnation sounds like Porcupine Tree, seeing as I've only heard Trains. *slaps self for close-mindedness*

:lol: Dude, there are a bazillion PT songs that sound more like Damnation than Trains does. Anyway, people grossly overestimate the influence SW had on anything to do with those albums other than the production.


Mostly because noobs infiltrated that place with their filthy paws, you do realize most people who have ever heard Opeth can only name that song?
It's probably true, although I saw a lot of older Opeth fans complaining that GoP was better too. What's your name on that forum?

[Cain]

I'll never understand you anti-Ghost Reverites. :lol: I found it much more engaging and interesting than either Damnation or Deliverance.

[Scoot]

Once Ghosts of Perdition started I couldn't hear out of my ears for an hour because of the quiet intro progressing into the loud riff.

Great song though.

[Sleepy]

Once Ghosts of Perdition started I couldn't hear out of my ears for an hour because of the quiet intro progressing into the loud riff.

Great song though.

Same thing here. I was playing it in my dad's car after I bought it...I cranked it because I could hardly hear the intro...then enter Mikael growling at far too many decibels. My poor dad almost crashed the car.

[Knifeboy]

I'll never understand you anti-Ghost Reverites. :lol: I found it much more engaging and interesting than either Damnation or Deliverance.

I agree with the first sentence and disagree with te second. I think all three albums are amazing.. hehe

[Toaster]

I like the end of Baying Of The Hounds, at around 9:40 or so. That part gives me chills...

''Oooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh!!''

Me too, totally. I just with he had held it longer.

[TojesDolan]

I might get insulted for it, but I also like Beneath the mire.

>_>

Probably because it was the first song I heard. And redescovering "Isolation years"... Really amazing song. I still can't get around "hours of wealth", though. Too much of everything, too alone.

[MidnightRider]

I think GR is great, GOP, HF, TGC, Beneath the Mire. The only song I particularly don't like is The Baying of the Hounds.

[Toaster]

The whole album is great to me, except for maybe Atonement.

[Crysiss]

The only song i dont like is Reverie/Harlequin Forest. It just bores me to tears.

Im coming out of nowhere but i think Wreath is one of the more Up tempo songs.
Also, Anyone know how to get Orchid?

[JamJar]

The only song i dont like is Reverie/Harlequin Forest. It just bores me to tears.

Im coming out of nowhere but i think Wreath is one of the more Up tempo songs.
Also, Anyone know how to get Orchid?

Umm... buy it?

[Crysiss]

heh, yeah no sh!t but its so hard to find. Plus i have no credit card to find it online

[Hells Bells]

heh, yeah no sh!t but its so hard to find. Plus i have no credit card to find it online

You could also ask whether your music store will order it in for you...it might take a while though.

[Det_Nosnip]

Same thing here. I was playing it in my dad's car after I bought it...I cranked it because I could hardly hear the intro...then enter Mikael growling at far too many decibels. My poor dad almost crashed the car.

Causing a carwreck with your music: TOTALLY metal. :evil:

:lol:

[Werny]

Im coming out of nowhere but i think Wreath is one of the more Up tempo songs.


Really? Although it's really the only new-era Opeth song to maintain heaviness throughout (but they couldn't resist chucking in a like 10 second acoustic bit... with BONGOS), I find it to be their most depressing and haunting song.

I hate listening to it, in a way. When I hear "glaaaring SUUUN!" I know I'm not going to be thinking happy thoughts for the next hour or two. It's one of my favourite songs, though.

Oh, and I love every song off Ghost Reveries especially Beneath The Mire. I love the intro so bad. The only song that dips a bit is The Grand Conjuration, only because they bust out a kick-*** riff, only to play it for less than 30 seconds. Arg.

[Darkness]

I too love Wreath... very awesome song. The last few lines with the harsh screaming then the backing clean vocals are excellent. Then that last grunt... oooo awesome. Oh and the 2nd solo is madness.. specially fading in from that slow part.

[Flynn]

I too love Wreath... very awesome song. The last few lines with the harsh screaming then the backing clean vocals are excellent. Then that last grunt... oooo awesome. Oh and the 2nd solo is madness.. specially fading in from that slow part.


Wreath is such an awesome song! I absolutely love it. I like the part where the bass comes in at around 9:50, and the double bass after that. It leads into Deliverance so perfect, it's scary.

[Darkness]

Yeah, sounds like Mikeals really tearing his throat up on those screams/growls... I love it. On Lamentations theres a part in the documentary where it shows him recording some of the vocals, it's pretty cool to see.

[Flynn]

Yeah, sounds like Mikeals really tearing his throat up on those screams/growls... I love it. On Lamentations theres a part in the d0cumentary where it shows him recording some of the vocals, it's pretty cool to see.


Yeah, I've watched it a few times. Off topic a sec, what did you think of that band I sent you?

[Darkness]

Yeah, I've watched it a few times. Off topic a sec, what did you think of that band I sent you?
I thought it was pretty cool man. Good guitar work, mad drumming. The vocals need a little work, but he's not bad. These are good songs.

[metal sh*t]

I dont like them that much but their really talented guys indeed.

[Crysiss]

are you talking about opeth:eek:

[ok lateralus]

Haha

[Flynn]

are you talking about opeth:eek:


Fragments Of Unbecoming.


I thought it was pretty cool man. Good guitar work, mad drumming. The vocals need a little work, but he's not bad. These are good songs.


Yeah I agree, the vocals need some work...at some points they are barely audible. But the other components are superb I think. I can't wait for Sterling Black Icon!



We've just finished recording a live version of In Mist She Was Standing. There were a few parts we missed, left out, but the recording actually sounded good. Our vocalist needs work, but he's cool, very talented lyrically. I'll try to get it on my PC sometime soon.

[Darkness]

^ I'd like to hear that.

[guitrguy]

Is it just me or does Mikeal clean vocals on Black Rose Immortal sound very gilmouresque

[Biancazzurri]

Me too, totally. I just with he had held it longer.
i would say Harlequin Forest 2:32 (very long and very deep and low growl) is one of the wonders in metal which opeth gave us.

[i am the robots]

Is it just me or does Mikeal clean vocals on Black Rose Immortal sound very gilmouresque

I don't see this, but then again I'm not really familiar with too much Pink Floyd anymore because I was so sick of people whoring them so hard at my school that I just kinda tuned them out.

[guitrguy]

I don't see this, but then again I'm not really familiar with too much Pink Floyd anymore because I was so sick of people whoring them so hard at my school that I just kinda tuned them out.
im not saying its exact but his tone reminds of dave gilmour.

[i am the robots]

im not saying its exact but his tone reminds of dave gilmour.

Eh, you're a bigger fan than me, you can porbably pick out the similarities much easierly.

[guitrguy]

Eh, you're a bigger fan than me, you can porbably pick out the similarities much easierly.
I wouldn't say I'm a bigger fan, just that I deal with music all day so I tend pick up things like that easy.

[i am the robots]

I deal with music a lot too :cool:, I'm just reiterating I'm not really familiar with Pink Floyd.

[guitrguy]

I deal with music a lot too :cool:, I'm just reiterating I'm not really familiar with Pink Floyd.
Oh ok, I though you meant Opeth. That is where pronouns can kill ya.

[i am the robots]

Oh ok, I though you meant Opeth. That is where pronouns can kill ya.

That is the truth sir :).

[Fimbul_Winter]

I just bought "Damnation" a couple of days ago. I love Ending Credits. My favorite song on the album thus far. In My Time of Need and Closure are my other two toppers so far.

[Toaster]

i would say Harlequin Forest 2:32 (very long and very deep and low growl) is one of the wonders in metal which opeth gave us.

Yeah, that's pretty awesome.. but I don't really like how on GR a lot of his growls and screams are faded in and out, like that one. I think one of his best moments is when he screams "Take me awaay.." in April Ethereal. Not really impressive techniquewise, but it's really emotional.

[Pale-Folklore]

are we talking about favourite opeth screams?

mine would have to be the one in nectar at 2:15 - i dunno, it's really emotional, also in ...

(gave up, too many emotional opeth screams/growls)

[Det_Nosnip]

I love his growls in the beginning of Master's Apprentices ("There is this voice...calling for me..."). Ghost of Perdition is also pretty awesome, as is Grand Conjuration, esp. the "Whispered Conjuration" part that Jude seems to hate :p. The Lepar Affinity would probably rank pretty high on my "all time best growled vocal tracks," as the whole thing is pretty phenomenal...I agree that there are too many to mention, though.


Is it just me or does Mikeal clean vocals on Black Rose Immortal sound very gilmouresque

I notice it more in his guitarplaying. The final (instrumental) track on My Arms, Your Hearse (not counting bonus tracks) is totally Pink Floyd.

[naboo]

One of my favorites is also from Nectar. "Smiling in the midst of the moor." That part always gives me the chills.

[Det_Nosnip]

Yeah, sounds like Mikeals really tearing his throat up on those screams/growls... I love it.

The difference between Mikael and most screamers is, of course, that he actually ISN'T hurting himself. :p

I don't really like bands where you can tell that the singer is hurting himself when he's screaming. To me, music is about honing your abilities and learning how to express any emotion or idea WITHOUT hurting yourself.

[Killtacular]

"White face, haggard grin, this serenity painted death."

[Biancazzurri]

"White face, haggard grin, this serenity painted death."Uhm, Oh. I would rank it as one of coolest [pronouncements from opeth. The riff behind it is also very driving.

[Darkness]

"Sick liaisons raised this monumental mark, The sun sets forever over Blackwater park"

[Shattered_Future]

I love his screams in the second verse of Bleak...that whole part that starts with "Moving/I am moving closer to your side". Gives me goosebumps every time.

[Pale-Folklore]

IMHO, morningrise has the best overall lyrics and..everything

I have kept it
The amaranth symbol
Hiddin inside the golden shrine
Until we rejoice in the meadow
Of the end
When we both walk the shadows
It will set ablaze and vanish
Black rose immortal


lyrics/growling done at that part + the riff = ****ing amazing

[Flynn]

IMHO, morningrise has the best overall lyrics and..everything

I have kept it
The amaranth symbol
Hiddin inside the golden shrine
Until we rejoice in the meadow
Of the end
When we both walk the shadows
It will set ablaze and vanish
Black rose immortal


lyrics/growling done at that part + the riff = ****ing amazing

That's probably my favorite line ever written by Opeth. Gives me chills everytime!






''I wear a naked soul...
a blank face in the streaming water.''

[Crysiss]

That's probably my favorite line ever written by Opeth. Gives me chills everytime!






''I wear a naked soul...
a blank face in the streaming water.''

Its so weird that the lyrics in the booklet are wrong at parts. Maybe we should complain about that to the MPA:rolleyes:
As if they'd listen to anybody that likes music. Just other corporate bastards

[Flynn]

Its so weird that the lyrics in the booklet are wrong at parts. Maybe we should complain about that to the MPA:rolleyes:
As if they'd listen to anybody that likes music. Just other corporate bastards


They probably rushed through it back then, thinking ''that kind of music would ever be popular.'' Well it is now! :chug:

[Toaster]

"The leper's coiled 'neath the tree.."

That part gives me goosebumps. Akerfeldt should double-track his vocals more often, his voice really works with it.

"Silent dance with death.."

:fetalposition:

[guitrguy]

The difference between Mikael and most screamers is, of course, that he actually ISN'T hurting himself. :p

I don't really like bands where you can tell that the singer is hurting himself when he's screaming. To me, music is about honing your abilities and learning how to express any emotion or idea WITHOUT hurting yourself.
ITs not to hard to growl like him either, but I could also be doing it wrong.

[Flynn]

"The leper's coiled 'neath the tree.."

That part gives me goosebumps. Akerfeldt should double-track his vocals more often, his voice really works with it.

"Silent dance with death.."

:fetalposition:


:lol: yeah. When I first heard Demon Of The Fall, I instantly came to the conclusion that the intro had the most evil sounding vocals ever. I still think that. I like the way he releases his voice after the line ''And you saw nothing ughhh'' That's awesome.

[Det_Nosnip]

I really like the way he does that song live. Although the pitchbender or whatever it was that they used for the album is interesting, IMO he sounds better as he really is.

[Hells Bells]

I love his screams in the second verse of Bleak...that whole part that starts with "Moving/I am moving closer to your side". Gives me goosebumps every time.

I love that part! Especially with that erie riff backing the vocals, I get chills whenever I hear it. In fact, I think I'll go listen to it now.

/NP Bleak - Opeth :D

[Toaster]

I really like the way he does that song live. Although the pitchbender or whatever it was that they used for the album is interesting, IMO he sounds better as he really is.

They used a pitchbender? I wasn't aware, where did you hear that?

[MidnightRider]

Bleak has some of the most outstanding vocals I've ever heard, growled and clean. In the entire year and a half that I've liked Opeth I've never grown tired of it.

[Deth]

Bleak has some of the most outstanding vocals I've ever heard, growled and clean. In the entire year and a half that I've liked Opeth I've never grown tired of it.
Hear that Darkness?

[Crysiss]

They used a pitchbender? I wasn't aware, where did you hear that?
:confused:
I also find that hard to believe

[Flynn]

I really like the way he does that song live. Although the pitchbender or whatever it was that they used for the album is interesting, IMO he sounds better as he really is.


I always thought they used triple layer tracking on his voice on Demon Of The Fall, and yeah, his voice live on that song was righteous when I saw them. I would love to see them again.

[Darkness]

Hear that Darkness?
I don't care what you losers ( :p) say, those first couple of lines from Stevo Wilson sound really... stupid to me.

[Flynn]

I can't count how many times I've listened to Bleak. That was the only song that appealed to me on my first listen of Blackwater Park. It's a great song. :chug:

[Darkness]

^ How come you're not on MSN? We could be discussing those Nevermore tracks. :D

[NeverOpethDeth]

All of akerfeldt or however the hell its spelleds vocals are beyond sick but whenever i listen to masters apprentices it kicks my head in and i start to growl along...and i really cant growl its more like a bad cough or someone choking on a meatball lol

[Crysiss]

All of akerfeldt or however the hell its spelleds vocals are beyond sick but whenever i listen to masters apprentices it kicks my head in and i start to growl along...and i really cant growl its more like a bad cough or someone choking on a meatball lol

Thats just how i am man, Me and my buddy were jamming one time and i went up to the mic n tried playing n singing at the same time.
I cant growl for shiz.:mad:

[Flynn]

Thats just how i am man, Me and my buddy were jamming one time and i went up to the mic n tried playing n singing at the same time.
I cant growl for shiz.:mad:


The trick is try to whisper at the same time...it works, trust me.

[guitrguy]

The trick is try to whisper at the same time...it works, trust me.
haha yep. I have been trying to work on bring my volume up with out losing the tone.

[Moses]

Growling <3

I like singing more though.

[Scoot]

Akerfeldt <3

[to_Burn_The_Eye]

For Xmas i got opeths, ghost Reveries, but I want to get another album anyone have any recomendations?

[UpperDecker]

For Xmas i got opeths, ghost Reveries, but I want to get another album anyone have any recomendations?

Get Still Life or My Arms Your Hearse.

[Shadius]

For Xmas i got opeths, ghost Reveries, but I want to get another album anyone have any recomendations?

Still Life.
Blackwater park.
Damnation.

[UpperDecker]

Pretty much any album by them you'll like.

[Biancazzurri]

:lol: yeah. When I first heard Demon Of The Fall, I instantly came to the conclusion that the intro had the most evil sounding vocals ever. I still think that. I like the way he releases his voice after the line ''And you saw nothing ughhh'' That's awesome.
that line sounds' i would say, not evil but demonic . scarry song.

[Crysiss]

Blackwater Park Is a good first album to get into opeth more, But My Arms, YOur Hearse is great with me.

[i am the robots]

Demon of the Fall doesn't have nearly the most evil sounding vocals ever... I think probably the intro to Act of Depression by Underoath... that stuff just sounds twisted... Akerfeldt is more demonic sounding than evil sounding like Biancazurri said.

[Shadius]

Demon of the Fall doesn't have nearly the most evil sounding vocals ever... I think probably the intro to Act of Depression by Underoath... that stuff just sounds twisted... Akerfeldt is more demonic sounding than evil sounding like Biancazurri said.

demonic
adj : extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell

*shrug* I sort of know what you mean though.

[guitrguy]

For Xmas i got opeths, ghost Reveries, but I want to get another album anyone have any recomendations?
Any and all, but I highly suggest Morningrise.

[Shadius]

Any and all, but I highly suggest Morningrise.

Morningrise after Ghost Reveries? But they... sound so different. He might not even like it.

[guitrguy]

Morningrise after Ghost Reveries? But they... sound so different. He might not even like it.
The difference isn't that great. I actually think he might like Morningrise more.

[Det_Nosnip]

The difference is huge. Opeth sounds nothing like that now.

[guitrguy]

The difference is huge. Opeth sounds nothing like that now.
The growling is differen,t but guitar wise the difference really isn't that big.

[dur im AG]

Opeth suks a huge white tennis ball and all u noobs kno it...
I pwned joo and ur sissy band. Thats right, swedish peeple should never make music ever. Get a hairdresser for gods sake, u long haired pansies from sweden. I might just have to get my cousin Tony over there and knock you up for it.

[Forlorn Hope]

Opeth suks a huge white tennis ball and all u noobs kno it...
I pwned joo and ur sissy band. Thats right, swedish peeple should never make music ever. Get a hairdresser for gods sake, u long haired pansies from sweden. I might just have to get my cousin Tony over there and knock you up for it.
This post has ban written all over it...

I can't wait to see how this turns out...

[Shattered_Future]

Man, I hope you have a good doctor. :lol:

Next Opeth album should be BWP.

Morningrise sounds COMPLETELY different from Ghost Reveries, are you joking? The guitars sound completely different, and not just cause of the production either.

[guitrguy]

Opeth suks a huge white tennis ball and all u noobs kno it...
I pwned joo and ur sissy band. Thats right, swedish peeple should never make music ever. Get a hairdresser for gods sake, u long haired pansies from sweden. I might just have to get my cousin Tony over there and knock you up for it.
All the bold is why you are an idiot.

Im pretty sure you don't know what it means to knock someone up.

[Crysiss]

Im pretty sure the dude is just crying for attention
Friggin Trolls.

[Stormrider]

I was listening to Morningrise while doing my science project... made it a lot less boring :)

[Forlorn Hope]

I was listening to Morningrise while doing my science project... made it a lot less boring :)
If I listen to music while doing homework I end up paying more attention to the music and never get anything done. I think mainly because I am a musician and I pay a lot attention to each individual instrument.

[Crysiss]

If I listen to music while doing homework I end up paying more attention to the music and never get anything done. I think mainly because I am a musician and I pay a lot attention to each individual instrument.

Thats how i am man. I bring music to class all the time, either im being distracted by the music or im worrying how much power is left in the battery haha

I have one question for someone really informed, Was The mixing for Morningrise rushed? I've noticed some parts seemed badly mixed.

[podbassist]

i jus took the which metakl band are you test and im opeth, you guys should take it and see if you are too.

[Crysiss]

Im Iced Earth man. It says i like fantasy but i picked symbolic. I took the what genre are you test and im death metal fortunately

[ok lateralus]

I think some of Opeth's best growls/screams are:
April Ethereal beginning- "it was me..."
Black Rose Immortal at the end- the epic scream
Demon of the Fall- The famous scream after first acoustic part
Masters Apprentices- "There is a voice calling for me..."
Bleak- "Dying... I am dying fast inside your tears"
Karma- screams at the very end

[Stoo]

I got Opeth in that. I chose Growl/Clean vocals, Technical style, etc...

I think some of Opeth's best growls/screams are:
April Ethereal beginning- "it was me..."
Black Rose Immortal at the end- the epic scream
Demon of the Fall- The famous scream after first acoustic part
Masters Apprentices- "There is a voice calling for me..."
Bleak- "Dying... I am dying fast inside your tears"
Karma- screams at the very end

I think "Moving... I am moving closer to your side" bit is the best growl in that song.

[Toaster]

Thats how i am man. I bring music to class all the time, either im being distracted by the music or im worrying how much power is left in the battery haha

I have one question for someone really informed, Was The mixing for Morningrise rushed? I've noticed some parts seemed badly mixed.

I've noticed that too. I think Orchid sounds slightly better than Morningrise, mostly due to the bass mixing in parts of Morningrise. For example, on Black Rose Immortal, during the intro there's this bass tapping part, and it's panned completely to the right with this phaser effect.. it sounds terrible.

[i am the robots]

demonic
adj : extremely evil or cruel; expressive of cruelty or befitting hell

*shrug* I sort of know what you mean though.

Yeah, I tried explaining what I meant in the Underoath part... Dallas Taylor's vocals (on the first two albums) sound kind of twisted and dark, whereas Mikael Akerfeldt's vocals sound like something chaotic and scary.

[Flynn]

haha yep. I have been trying to work on bring my volume up with out losing the tone.


haha It's hard isn't it? I have been practicing that for almost a year now, getting nowhere basically. I can get my voice to sound good with mods, but screw that, I want a good growl through dead air.

[Jude]

Best growls...

Smiling in the midst of the moor (Nectar)

The rain was waving goodbye (April Ethereal)

Silent dance with death (Demon of the Fall)

Demon of the fall (")

Outcast with dogmas forged below/she is waterdrops over the pyre (The Moor)

White face, haggard grin etc (Serenity Painted Death)

The sun sets forever (Blackwater Park)

The whole beginning part of By The Pain I See In Others with the acoustic part has the most disgustingly awesome Mikael growl ever

[Toaster]

haha It's hard isn't it? I have been practicing that for almost a year now, getting nowhere basically. I can get my voice to sound good with mods, but screw that, I want a good growl through dead air.

I can't get my growls to sound good through a microphone. I sound good normally, but recorded I have virtually no low end, just a silly-sounding rasp. I'm starting to think it's my microphone (I have a condenser mic, don't know if that makes a difference), because all the techniques I try don't give me different results. I've really never been able to scream.

[MidnightRider]

My growls sound terrible, but it's still fun to go along with the music.

The sun sets forever (Blackwater Park)

That's one of the best moments on the entire album.

[Flynn]

I can't get my growls to sound good through a microphone. I sound good normally, but recorded I have virtually no low end, just a silly-sounding rasp. I'm starting to think it's my microphone (I have a condenser mic, don't know if that makes a difference), because all the techniques I try don't give me different results. I've really never been able to scream.


Yeah it's probably the mic. Get a decent mic to hit the lows you want. I bought a cheap one from Radio Shack, it's alright for what I paid for it I guess, but I definately need an upgrade. I'd like to get something like this:

http://www.shure.com/microphones/models/sm58.asp

[ok lateralus]

Just listened to Orchid. It's so amazing, really... way too underrated by many fans and also just in general.

[Shattered_Future]

My dad just bought an M-Audio Solaris mic from Ebay...as soon as we figure out how to get it working, hopefully that will make my vocals sound better. Either that, or it's the horribly whisper sounding ones I get through my computer, or the superuber horrid production ones through my iPod mic.

[Deth]

I completely tore up my throat this afternoon while growling along with Still Life. I was able to get through the whole album though, so that's cool.

Tearing up your throat = \m/

[Flynn]

Just listened to Orchid. It's so amazing, really... way too underrated by many fans and also just in general.


Yeah, I used to promote that album early in this thread, but no one seemed to care, and talked trash about it. Orchid and Morningrise are my favorite albums, by any band. I can't put one ahead of the other, they are equal to me. One month I will say Morningrise, then a few months later I will say Orchid. **** it...They're Equal to me now. :)


My dad just bought an M-Audio Solaris mic from Ebay...as soon as we figure out how to get it working, hopefully that will make my vocals sound better. Either that, or it's the horribly whisper sounding ones I get through my computer, or the superuber horrid production ones through my iPod mic.



I wanna hear your vocals :p Let me know when you get that Mic working.

[Toaster]

Just listened to Orchid. It's so amazing, really... way too underrated by many fans and also just in general.

I don't really think so. I really like the album now, but there are still parts I dislike as well. Some of the guitar parts seem really last-minute, and some that are supposed to be interesting just end up sounding weird and boring. Take Forest of October for example. An amazing song, but the part at 6:30 could have been left out easily, in my opinion.

Flynn, how much would that mic cost?

[Shattered_Future]

www.soundclick.com/fetusmunchers

You can hear the vocals I did through my iPod mic on the one song we did for the Death Metal competition a while back. Horribly produced, and I recorded the vocals rather poorly, but you get the gist of it.

[Flynn]

www.soundclick.com/fetusmunchers

You can hear the vocals I did through my iPod mic on the one song we did for the Death Metal competition a while back. Horribly produced, and I recorded the vocals rather poorly, but you get the gist of it.


URL not found. :mad:


I don't really think so. I really like the album now, but there are still parts I dislike as well. Some of the guitar parts seem really last-minute, and some that are supposed to be interesting just end up sounding weird and boring. Take Forest of October for example. An amazing song, but the part at 6:30 could have been left out easily, in my opinion.

Flynn, how much would that mic cost?



That's the coolest part of the song! I love how it builds up on that same riff then the acoustics come in, I get chills on that riff. :chug:

The SM58-CN is $204 with cable. Well worth it if you ask me.

[ok lateralus]

I don't really think so. I really like the album now, but there are still parts I dislike as well. Some of the guitar parts seem really last-minute, and some that are supposed to be interesting just end up sounding weird and boring. Take Forest of October for example. An amazing song, but the part at 6:30 could have been left out easily, in my opinion.

Eh, I think that parts' great. Opinions...
Orchid definitely has a different "sound"... the guitar solos are very different and maybe sloppier a little bit. But even though everything might have been cleaned up and made all precise on albums like Blackwater Park, I love the atmosphere of Orchid. I think the outro of In Mist She was Standing is one of the most beatiful things Opeth, or any other band, has ever done.

[Pale-Folklore]

www.soundclick.com/fetusmunchers

heheheheh

that's pretty brutal

[Flynn]

I think the outro of In Mist She was Standing is one of the most beatiful things Opeth, or any other band, has ever done.


Thank you! I fully agree. It almost sounds like a Renaissance style.

[ok lateralus]

Thank you! I fully agree. It almost sounds like a Renaissance style.
There's just something about it that is so amazing, the way the two guitars weave around each other, each playing it's own beautiful melody... then the drums start doing a double-bass rhythm, which sounds really dramatic... and I love when it starts to slow down, with the drums doing these really epic fills (can't think of another word to describe them)... Words can't do it justice, its just so beautiful

[Flynn]

There's just something about it that is so amazing, the way the two guitars weave around each other, each playing it's own beautiful melody... then the drums start doing a double-bass rhythm, which sounds really dramatic... and I love when it starts to slow down, with the drums doing these really epic fills (can't think of another word to describe them)... Words can't do it justice, its just so beautiful


Words really can't describe that feeling, I know exactly what you mean dude. Those acoustics are epic, I shiver whenever I hear that riff. I also like the part of the song ''Arrival!!! I saw her standing in the darkness, awating me like the night awaits the day!'' Orchid has Opeth's best lyrics IMO!

Time to play In Mist She Was Standing. :chug:

[Pale-Folklore]

embarassingly enough, i haven't even heard in the mist she was standing

but the way you guys are describing it has influenced me to download it RIGHT NOW

[Deth]

I think I'll do that as well. Great idea.

Pale-Folklore, get to it.

[Pale-Folklore]

I think I'll do that as well. Great idea.

Pale-Folklore, get to it.

oh man, it's taking so long to download

15 kb/s :(

and i need to get to bed

[Flynn]

oh man, it's taking so long to download

15 kb/s :(

and i need to get to bed


I'll send it to you. What's your email?

[Deth]

It's been a while since I listened to this. I think I'll whip out Orchid and fall asleep to it tonight.

[Xspeeder]

I don't think you can judge your favorite band so quickly although this was a while ago. Opeth is excellent but its a band I cannot tolerate listening through for long periods of time. I'm sure many would agree with me.

If you like Opeth you will like an underrated Italian band called Novembre that plays the same style.

[Pale-Folklore]

I'll send it to you. What's your email?


wills.dissolve@gmail.com

if you do it right now, i'll appreciate it so much :)

/needs to purchase opeth albums

[Pale-Folklore]

eh, dont worry about it man

the song is 77 % done now

thanks anyway though!

[Flynn]

wills.dissolve@gmail.com

if you do it right now, i'll appreciate it so much :)

/needs to purchase opeth albums


I bought all of mine. I'm almost done, you should get it in a few minutes.

[The Cynic]

I bought all of mine. I'm almost done, you should get it in a few minutes.


So did I, and re-bought all the ones that had bonus tracks.

[Pale-Folklore]

So did I, and re-bought all the ones that had bonus tracks.

wow. that's insane

everywhere i go, opeth albums are friggin expensive, i'm talking like between 25 and 30 bucks

and i've only seen a used opeth album once (blackwater park) but i didn't buy it since i wasn't that into them at the time

ive been listening to my burned copy of morningrise over and over (and occasionaly still life). the only opeth album i actually own is ghost reveries :upset:

[Darkness]

My Orchid and My Arms, Your Hearse were 30 bucks each. Damn HMV... glad I had a gift card. :D

[Det_Nosnip]

If I listen to music while doing homework I end up paying more attention to the music and never get anything done. I think mainly because I am a musician and I pay a lot attention to each individual instrument.

Out of curiosity....you didn't get your user name from the After Forever song, did you?

[The Cynic]

wow. that's insane




It wasn't that bad, try going to Amazon. It's cheap for the most part, I got Lamentations there for $8 and MAYH for $7 with bonus tracks. the most expensive one I've paid for was the Blackwater Park Limited edition one. I took me so long to find it because no seemed to have untill Amazon finally got one in and I ordered it. I think it was worth the wait. SDBTS and PITI 2 are amazing songs.

[Jude]

I agree, Amazon is the place to get Opeth albums. I'm still trying to get the original Morningrise though, without the bonus tracks. And the cheapest one of that on Amazon is like 30 bucks.

I am beginning to like Morningrise almost as much as Still Life, and it has already surpassed Blackwater Park. However Orchid isn't nearly as good as it. Morningrise is incredibly dark and eerie and beautiful.

[Darkness]

I still really can't pick a favorite Opeth album. For me it's like, between Orchid, Still Life, BWP, Damnation, and Deliverance. 3 more albums and thats the whole set... :rolleyes:

[guitrguy]

I still really can't pick a favorite Opeth album. For me it's like, between Orchid, Still Life, BWP, Damnation, and Deliverance. 3 more albums and thats the whole set... :rolleyes:
Im realing digging morningrise right now.

[Stoo]

I agree, Amazon is the place to get Opeth albums. Yeah, I just ordered D & D from Amazon as I can't get those somebitches anywhere. That will complete my Collection of Opeth. :smoke:

[Pale-Folklore]

i listen to morningrise almost every day right now, sometimes twice

from the songs i've heard, orchid seems to have the same sound as morningrise, it's just not quite as good :)

the next album i get will either be blackwater park (after morningrise) or still life!

[Det_Nosnip]

Yeah, I just ordered D & D from Amazon as I can't get those somebitches anywhere. That will complete my Collection of Opeth. :smoke:

Really? Those seem to be the most common CDs in retail stores.

[Jude]

Really? Those seem to be the most common CDs in retail stores.
Those two, GR, and BWP are everywhere.

Once in a while I see Orchid or Morningrise. I have NEVER seen MAYH or Still Life. And I'm talking about FYE, Tower, etc.

[Stormrider]

Those two, GR, and BWP are everywhere.

Once in a while I see Orchid or Morningrise. I have NEVER seen MAYH or Still Life. And I'm talking about FYE, Tower, etc.

Ive seen MAYH once if i remember right. Never saw Orchid, or Still Life though.

The most common around here is Deliverance and Ghost Reveries.

[pyroseraphin]

I'm afraid I must ditch the accent for this post. It isn't as much fun but sometimes it just has to happen.

Which guitarist plays which parts? I am guessing Peter plays the more complex solos that usually have a dirtier tone like the second solo on Wreath and Mikael plays the ones with a lot of triplets like the first on Wreath.

[Darkness]

^It's actually the other way around.

[Toaster]

Yeah, you can pretty much tell who plays what solo because Peter sounds like he composes his solos a lot, while Akerfeldt sort of sticks to his old licks. If you listen to enough Opeth you'll be able to distinguish them easily.

[i am the robots]

I like Peter's style more than I like Mikael's (not really, just wanna spark discussion).

[vashts80]

Peter's solos are usually more sweep-oriented. Mike's are usually with a lot of cool sounding bends and vibrato for emphasis, afaik

[ok lateralus]

you can tell if you listen to the solo in When (Peter's) and the solo in Ghost of Perdition (Mikael's) that their styles are very different

[Flynn]

So did I, and re-bought all the ones that had bonus tracks.


That's awesome, very loyal. :thumb:

[Toaster]

My favourite example is Deliverance. The first solo is clearly Peter, becuase it's very notey and technical. The last solo, with the sans band at the end, is Mikael.

[i am the robots]

Those two, GR, and BWP are everywhere.

Once in a while I see Orchid or Morningrise. I have NEVER seen MAYH or Still Life. And I'm talking about FYE, Tower, etc.
I tend to see MAYH and Still Life whenever I'm at borders, but then I realize that I already have both of them so I get less excited.

EDIT: about Mikael and Peter's style, I just realized I actually do seriously like Peter's more, I think he's got a really cool atmospheric style, you know?

[Flynn]

I tend to see MAYH and Still Life whenever I'm at borders, but then I realize that I already have both of them so I get less excited.

EDIT: about Mikael and Peter's style, I just realized I actually do seriously like Peter's more, I think he's got a really cool atmospheric style, you know?

Yeah he's awesome. I wonder what happened to Johan DeFarfalla? He was very talented on bass.

[i am the robots]

They kicked Johan out because he was an alchoholic, and Anders quit because he got married and moved to Brazil.

[Flynn]

Seriously? That's lame. I wouldn't of cared if he was an alcoholic, at least he wasn't a Meth-head.

[Knifeboy]

Seriously? That's lame. I wouldn't of cared if he was an alcoholic,


So you wouldn't care even if he was messing up all the time because of it?

[Flynn]

So you wouldn't care even if he was messing up all the time because of it?


His performance on Morningrise was flawless. Listen to that album sometime, you might appreciate it more now that you'll be trying to hear the bass. :chug:


I am beginning to like Morningrise almost as much as Still Life, and it has already surpassed Blackwater Park. However Orchid isn't nearly as good as it. Morningrise is incredibly dark and eerie and beautiful.


I'm happy to hear that. :chug: Morningrise, ...nevermind, you guys already know my feelings on that album.


N.P. Nectar ~ Opeth

[ok lateralus]

His performance on Morningrise was flawless. Listen to that album sometime, you might appreciate it more now that you'll be trying to hear the bass. :chug:

His playing on Morningrise is great, indeed, but they probably kicked him out after the recordin-, he was probably always ****ed up and I could see how that could be reason enough.

[Flynn]

His playing on Morningrise is great, indeed, but they probably kicked him out after the recordin-, he was probably always ****ed up and I could see how that could be reason enough.


Yeah I guess I can see that.

[Darkness]

Mikeal did not like his playing style. He knew he was good and stuff, but he liked it when bass was kept bass and nothing more. He didn't like the whole lead bass fills and stuff. That's why Mandez is perfect for the band and Mikeal.

[Knifeboy]

His performance on Morningrise was flawless. Listen to that album sometime, you might appreciate it more now that you'll be trying to hear the bass. :chug:


... I was talking about live

[Flynn]

Mikeal did not like his playing style. He knew he was good and stuff, but he liked it when bass was kept bass and nothing more. He didn't like the whole lead bass fills and stuff. That's why Mandez is perfect for the band and Mikeal.


I kinda like how Johan played, I like his technique..it's rare.

... I was talking about live


How do you know what he sounds or sounded like live? That's just what you immagine.

[Pale-Folklore]

Mikeal did not like his playing style. He knew he was good and stuff, but he liked it when bass was kept bass and nothing more. He didn't like the whole lead bass fills and stuff. That's why Mandez is perfect for the band and Mikeal.

the bass sounds great on morningrise.. :( the lead bass fills make the songs better IMO

some great bass parts on morningrise:

in advent when the song gets really intense at 9:34, the little jazzy bits he does sound great with the heavy guitars

in nectar at 3:14, the bass break with the effect (i don't even know what effect it is) is pretty wicked IMO :)

in black rose immortal, the bass sounds so friggin heavy in the first riff

and basically the bass is great in all of to bid you farewell

[i am the robots]

Yeah, it's unfortunate that Johann is no longer in the band, but Martin is good too, just much more reserved.

[Knifeboy]

How do you know what he sounds or sounded like live? That's just what you immagine.

I was asking a question, you said throwing someone out because they're alcoholic isn't something you'd do.. But most alcoholics are horrible live because they mess up all the time due to being... drunk!

[guitrguy]

I was asking a question, you said throwing someone out because they're alcoholic isn't something you'd do.. But most alcoholics are horrible live because they mess up all the time due to being... drunk!
that and addictions usually = distracions.

[Deth]

I would say that the Martins' are better than the previous rhythm section though.

[Darkness]

I would say that the Martins' are better than the previous rhythm section though.
Agreed. Johans tone still bugs me.. he's still really good though, obviously.

[Det_Nosnip]

I strongly agree. They're alot tighter, and their sense of groove and feel is impeccable. This is best experienced live, but alot of the tracks on the Dam nation record really showcase that ability. "To Rid the Disease" would be an excellent example of how to groove hard...if you listen, both Martins are really far behind the beat (guitars in front), yet they're tighter than things that cannot be spoken of on a forum that bleeps naughty words. ;)

Mikeal did not like his playing style. He knew he was good and stuff, but he liked it when bass was kept bass and nothing more. He didn't like the whole lead bass fills and stuff. That's why Mandez is perfect for the band and Mikeal.

Although Johan's style was alot flashier and more technical, Mendez's approach is more advanced in some ways. Mendez's approach is more jazz orientated, and he interacts and responds with the other musicians while providing a solid rhythmic foundation and really bringing out the feel of the song. He's clearly got chops (as I recall, they pretty much play the Morningrise stuff as is), but he's more precise and thoughtful in how he uses them. Although I can see why Johan would be more interesting from a bassist's perspective, Mendez is more interesting, in my opinion, from a musician's standpoint.

[Darkness]

^ I imagine thats because you're a drummer. :p

But even from my guitar player point of view, I totally agree.

I hate bassists who try to out do you...

[Deth]

I hate bassists who try to out do you...
I hate you.

[Darkness]

I hate you.
And I you.

[Deth]

I always like it when people in this thread think we're serious about this.

I am of course.

[Darkness]

I always like it when people in this thread think we're serious about this.

I am of course.
As do I.

As am I.

[i am the robots]

I strongly agree. They're alot tighter, and their sense of groove and feel is impeccable. This is best experienced live, but alot of the tracks on the Dam nation record really showcase that ability. "To Rid the Disease" would be an excellent example of how to groove hard...if you listen, both Martins are really far behind the beat (guitars in front), yet they're tighter than things that cannot be spoken of on a forum that bleeps naughty words. ;)



Although Johan's style was alot flashier and more technical, Mendez's approach is more advanced in some ways. Mendez's approach is more jazz orientated, and he interacts and responds with the other musicians while providing a solid rhythmic foundation and really bringing out the feel of the song. He's clearly got chops (as I recall, they pretty much play the Morningrise stuff as is), but he's more precise and thoughtful in how he uses them. Although I can see why Johan would be more interesting from a bassist's perspective, Mendez is more interesting, in my opinion, from a musician's standpoint.

I completely agree with you, I like Anders and Johan because of how talented they are... and that's it really, they're just raw talent, the Martins on the other hand are definately refined.

[Flynn]

Although Johan's style was alot flashier and more technical, Mendez's approach is more advanced in some ways. Mendez's approach is more jazz orientated, and he interacts and responds with the other musicians while providing a solid rhythmic foundation and really bringing out the feel of the song.


I see your point. But I have a hard time seeing Mendez writing something intricate like To Bid You Farewell for example, or even playing something like it. I like how Johan plays all over the fretboard on this song. Not only that, he puts in 1 note time changes crucial to the intro mood. The bass is lively, well played and rare. I think it makes the song. If Johan didn't display that talent on this song, it wouldn't have been as good.




N.P. To Bid You Farewell ~ Opeth

[Toaster]

I didn't like Johann's bass playing. He was far too flashy, and although some of his lines sound good (like on TBYF), some should have been toned down (like the opening of BRI). I can see why Mikael would get rid of him.

[Flynn]

I didn't like Johann's bass playing. He was far too flashy, and although some of his lines sound good (like on TBYF), some should have been toned down (like the opening of BRI). I can see why Mikael would get rid of him.


You're crazy! I loved the variation within his bass effort on Black Rose Immortal, again, the song wouldn't have sounded as good without his bass playing. I love his technique, he's talented.

[Pale-Folklore]

You're crazy! I loved the variation within his bass effort on Black Rose Immortal, again, the song wouldn't have sounded as good without his bass playing. I love his technique, he's talented.

i know exactly what you mean

[Jude]

I can see how Johan's playing wouldn't have fit so well with later Opeth stuff, but it works SO perfectly well on Morningrise. He has a really cool tone, too, I like it a lot. I've been trying to emulate it lately, with moderate success.

Plus TBYF is my favorite Opeth bass performance ever.

Oh and check this out, I was just in the campus coffee shop and I saw some Morning Rise tea. I almost got some, but I don't like tea. I mentioned it to the guy behind the counter, and wouldn't you know, he had heard of Opeth. That makes 3 people at my college that have.

[MidnightRider]

It may be because I don't know much about it, but I have a hard time picking up a lot of Opeth's bass lines. They just don't stick out to me.

[rhcp pman]

Yes, they're both very good bassists. To the person above, I believe Johan has a fretless bass and that's where his tone would come from. Fretless basses often give nice warm jazz bass tones.

It's hard to say really. Johan is a great bassist, but I prefer Mendez. Mendez's basswork actually really *adds* to the music. Not that Johan's doesn't, but I think Mendez's basswork is on a different level, even if Johan is more technical. But I'm not going to pretend I don't Mendez to show off a bit - even if it's just a bass solo at a concert etc.

[Flynn]

I can see how Johan's playing wouldn't have fit so well with later Opeth stuff, but it works SO perfectly well on Morningrise. He has a really cool tone, too, I like it a lot. I've been trying to emulate it lately, with moderate success. Plus TBYF is my favorite Opeth bass performance ever.


You then share pretty much the same feeling as me on that album. I can't get over the fact that you can actuall hear the bass throughout the album, within this genre. Usually the bass is hidden, never to be heard, not on Morningrise...it's f-ing explosive. I say this from the heart, there has never been an album as heavy as Morningrise with talent in Bass Guitars that I've ever heard in my life.

Oh and check this out, I was just in the campus coffee shop and I saw some Morning Rise tea. I almost got some, but I don't like tea. I mentioned it to the guy behind the counter, and wouldn't you know, he had heard of Opeth. That makes 3 people at my college that have.


You should of bought some anyways, just to have it. :)

[Shattered_Future]

I'm assuming Johan did bass for Opeth's earlier albums (horrible with names).

If so, I think Mendez is better. It may be the production, but I really disliked Johan. He was too high in the mix, and his basslines often seemed out of place at times.

Mendez plays some seriously wicked lines while still keeping in check.

[Kage]

The way the bass sounds and the overly ambitious lines it plays, combined with the cheesey electric guitar lines is the reason why I don't like Morningrise very much. Because the acoustic guitar sections are flat out amazing, I just wish the arrangments of electric sections were more refined.

[Flynn]

The way the bass sounds and the overly ambitious lines it plays, combined with the cheesey electric guitar lines is the reason why I don't like Morningrise very much. Because the acoustic guitar sections are flat out amazing, I just wish the arrangments of electric sections were more refined.


I love Morningrise for all the reasons you don't, :lol: I love the way it was recorded and written in all areas. It's arguably one of the best Progressive Metal albums ever recorded.

[guitrguy]

The way the bass sounds and the overly ambitious lines it plays, combined with the cheesey electric guitar lines is the reason why I don't like Morningrise very much. Because the acoustic guitar sections are flat out amazing, I just wish the arrangments of electric sections were more refined.
I dont find the electric parts cheesy.

But their use of dissonant chords on the acoustics is genious.

[Shattered_Future]

I think the electric parts can get cheesy at parts...

My main beef with Morningrise is there's no repetition of riffs during songs, besides the time they're played. They're played in their cycle, and then are forgotten for the rest of the song.

[guitrguy]

I think the electric parts can get cheesy at parts...

My main beef with Morningrise is there's no repetition of riffs during songs, besides the time they're played. They're played in their cycle, and then are forgotten for the rest of the song.
you definately hear repetition on their new mateial.

[Flynn]

I think the electric parts can get cheesy at parts...

My main beef with Morningrise is there's no repetition of riffs during songs, besides the time they're played. They're played in their cycle, and then are forgotten for the rest of the song.


That's the fascinating thing about that album!!, each song is a story musically. Once a riff is played, it's never played again, and never should be. That's the coolest thing about Morningrise.





''Repetition is hell'' - Stephen King.

[Kage]

That's the fascinating thing about that album!!, each song is a story musically. Once a riff is played, it's never played again, and never should be. That's the coolest thing about Morningrise.





''Repetition is hell'' - Stephen King.
Interesting quote. What book is that from?

[Flynn]

Interesting quote. What book is that from?


It's from a book, it's from one of his interviews a while back.

[Crysiss]

That's the fascinating thing about that album!!, each song is a story musically. Once a riff is played, it's never played again, and never should be. That's the coolest thing about Morningrise.





''Repetition is hell'' - Stephen King.

Interesting point made. Thats one of the reasons i love morningrise. Even though repitition is not necessarily a bad thing or that it gets boring, Morningrise is one of the most epic albums ever made.
Definitely one of a kind.
amirite or not?:rolleyes:

[A-S-S-H-A-T]

I should probably look into DLing that album, I haven't heard it yet and it sounds pretty interesting.

[guitrguy]

I should probably look into DLing that album, I haven't heard it yet and it sounds pretty interesting.
Morningrise? Download Black Rose Immortal.

[Crysiss]

Black Rose Immortal probably has all of the elements of the whole album. So if u like black rose immortal, i suggest you go buy the album man.
Or if you like soft songs, you can download To Bid You Farewell.
Or rehearsed songs you can download Eternal Soul Torture:p

[Cain]

I think the electric parts can get cheesy at parts...

My main beef with Morningrise is there's no repetition of riffs during songs, besides the time they're played. They're played in their cycle, and then are forgotten for the rest of the song.

My biggest problem is that the "cycle" usually lasts for two whole minutes at a time. :p

EDIT: Lamentations has enough clear bass, and shows Mendez recording along to Deliverance and stuff, and it's VERY clear how tight he is. He's got a lot of very good chops and doesn't get in the way of anybody. His lines sound very beefy and are often audible anyway, if not to the extent that Johan's are. Plus, later Opeth has a lot of time changes, whereas early Opeth just had tempo changes (which is the mark of amateurity rather than true complexity: my early "epics" had a lot of unconscious tempo changes as well). Mendez handles them deftly and well. Later Opeth is MUCH more technical and harder to execute than the stuff on Morningrise, and the fact that Mendez can keep up with Mikael's totally whacked-out sense of harmony is a testament to his skill. Just check out the line on "The Drapery Falls." Come on now.

This is NOT TO SAY that Morningrise is terrible, it's got the most beautiful acoustic arrangements I've heard. In fact, I believe Johan was responsible for coming up with a lot of those arrangements (which may have been a factor in getting rid of him, as Mikael tired of Morningrise's style fast). It's just that Morningrise is clearly the work of a talented band who have not totally gelled. I did a complete transcription of "Black Rose Immortal," and the number of tempo changes, fade-outs between sections, and jarring transitions are almost totally illogical, as are the vast number of repeats certain longer sections get before the next section comes in. Sure, they were obviously trying for long songs and got them, but you can't deny that they were working it out in a rather amateur and uneasy way. Compositionally, none of the songs on Morningrise are as tight as those on Still Life and any of the albums following it.

[guitrguy]

My biggest problem is that the "cycle" usually lasts for two whole minutes at a time. :p
Its works when your songs are twenty minutes long

[Cain]

Its works when your songs are twenty minutes long

When the twenty minute song is made up of two-minute cycles it means that somebody forgot to hire an editor, not that "it works." :p

[guitrguy]

When the twenty minute song is made up of two-minute cycles it means that somebody forgot to hire an editor, not that "it works." :p
But what if they did? I wouldn't want to here the uncut version.

[Cain]

But what if they did? I wouldn't want to here the uncut version.

I guess I wouldn't either, to be honest.

I'm just sick of people acting like Morningrise is some fully-formed masterpiece never to be surpassed by anybody anywhere. It's awesome within its own paradigm, but come on. It's so amateur. You've got to look at Morningrise in more contexts than its individual quality. Flynn sees Morningrise in terms of a bare-bones musical standpoint, and has a great love for it that borders on fanboyism. That's great and valid, because much of the musical content of Morningrise is excellent and even downright beautiful, but as a composer of similar music who has grown from his beginning attempts to emulate his influences, and who appreciates growth in skill of the same sort in other groups, I see Morningrise in terms of Opeth's later output, and I see endless signs of compositional adolescence. And that's valid too.

[guitrguy]

I guess I wouldn't either, to be honest.

I'm just sick of people acting like Morningrise is some fully-formed masterpiece never to be surpassed by anybody anywhere. It's awesome within its own paradigm, but come on. It's so amateur. You've got to look at Morningrise in more contexts than its individual quality. Flynn sees Morningrise in terms of a bare-bones musical standpoint, and has a great love for it that borders on fanboyism. That's great and valid, because much of the musical content of Morningrise is excellent and even downright beautiful, but as a composer of similar music who has grown from his beginning attempts to emulate his influences, and who appreciates growth in skill of the same sort in other groups, I see Morningrise in terms of Opeth's later output, and I see endless signs of compositional adolescence. And that's valid too.
I got one thing to say to that




Burn

[Cain]

I got one thing to say to that




Burn

I'm not trying to be overly harsh. :( I sound like a bit of a know-it-all, that's not my intention. My opinion nevertheless stands.

In other words, it wasn't exactly directed at you or anybody in particular so I hope you don't take offense.

[Det_Nosnip]

I agree with you for the most part. I think that one thing you are discounting, however, is the spirit of experimentation. Many of the (admittedly) awkward transitions in Morningrise were probably intentional...the band was at the point where they were tired of hearing what other bands had been doing at that point, and were trying to do something different. The progression, in my eyes, was to actually making this unpredictability FLOW, which was achieved on later albums. Morningrise stands for what it was, and, especially, when it was.

[Vortigon]

I'm not trying to be overly harsh. :( I sound like a bit of a know-it-all, that's not my intention. My opinion nevertheless stands.

In other words, it wasn't exactly directed at you or anybody in particular so I hope you don't take offense.
You put your opinion eloquently, and I understand and agree with it. There's nothing wrong with Morningrise, but Opeth's later stuff is more complex, and displays a shift in the level of understanding of what they wanted to achieve.

[Crysiss]

Why i oughtta, when im less tired ill make a good point on why morningrise is so great.
Come to think of it, my favourite album is now still life.
Omg hahahaha

I was also wondering something else just awhile ago.

What is black rose immortal about? People say its about vampires or satan.
I havent dug too deep into the song to fetch my own interpretation of the song.

[Flynn]

When the twenty minute song is made up of two-minute cycles it means that somebody forgot to hire an editor, not that "it works." :p


I don't know about you, but i'd rather not listen to the same riff played over and over and over, especially for 20 minutes. They didn't forget anything, it's called good songwriting.

[Cain]

I don't know about you, but i'd rather not listen to the same riff played over and over and over, especially for 20 minutes. They didn't forget anything, it's called good songwriting.

I was being facetious.

[Darkness]

Cain you raise some good points, and I don't want to challenge any of them. I agree 100% with you.

And you have the hottest avatar I've seen in a while. :D

[Cain]

I agree with you for the most part. I think that one thing you are discounting, however, is the spirit of experimentation. Many of the (admittedly) awkward transitions in Morningrise were probably intentional...the band was at the point where they were tired of hearing what other bands had been doing at that point, and were trying to do something different. The progression, in my eyes, was to actually making this unpredictability FLOW, which was achieved on later albums. Morningrise stands for what it was, and, especially, when it was.

I agree with this. This is probably why I still enjoy Morningrise anyway. :)

[Moses]

I guess I wouldn't either, to be honest.

I'm just sick of people acting like Morningrise is some fully-formed masterpiece never to be surpassed by anybody anywhere. It's awesome within its own paradigm, but come on. It's so amateur. You've got to look at Morningrise in more contexts than its individual quality. Flynn sees Morningrise in terms of a bare-bones musical standpoint, and has a great love for it that borders on fanboyism. That's great and valid, because much of the musical content of Morningrise is excellent and even downright beautiful, but as a composer of similar music who has grown from his beginning attempts to emulate his influences, and who appreciates growth in skill of the same sort in other groups, I see Morningrise in terms of Opeth's later output, and I see endless signs of compositional adolescence. And that's valid too.
I actually totally agree with you. It's like they had great ideas but didn't organize things that well.

[Pale-Folklore]

What is black rose immortal about? People say its about vampires or satan.
I havent dug too deep into the song to fetch my own interpretation of the song.

i always thought the whole album was about losing a loved one or something. yeah :P i haven't dug too deep into the lyrics either

[Kage]

I guess I wouldn't either, to be honest.

I'm just sick of people acting like Morningrise is some fully-formed masterpiece never to be surpassed by anybody anywhere. It's awesome within its own paradigm, but come on. It's so amateur. You've got to look at Morningrise in more contexts than its individual quality. Flynn sees Morningrise in terms of a bare-bones musical standpoint, and has a great love for it that borders on fanboyism. That's great and valid, because much of the musical content of Morningrise is excellent and even downright beautiful, but as a composer of similar music who has grown from his beginning attempts to emulate his influences, and who appreciates growth in skill of the same sort in other groups, I see Morningrise in terms of Opeth's later output, and I see endless signs of compositional adolescence. And that's valid too.
It's actually kind of eerie how you often articulate my exact opinion perfectly. This has happened several times before.

[Toaster]

I guess I wouldn't either, to be honest.

I'm just sick of people acting like Morningrise is some fully-formed masterpiece never to be surpassed by anybody anywhere. It's awesome within its own paradigm, but com