Opeth

[Toaster]

I just got 3 tickets to Opeth on March 8th. :D

This rawks.

I just got three tickets as well. I'm seeing them on February 28th, got the tickets for my birthday.

:) Extremely excited.

[Flynn]

Don't worry, I like it too, I was just trying to showcase a different perspective. The "fanboy" thing was a bit mean-sounding, I'm sorry.


It's all good, I understand. I do agree with a lof of what you've typed though, I can see your points and respect your opinion. :)

I just got 3 tickets to Opeth on March 8th. :D

This rawks.


I would love to see that show, DT and Opeth would be tight.

[Darkness]

I just got three tickets as well. I'm seeing them on February 28th, got the tickets for my birthday.

:) Extremely excited.
My mom said I can't go unless I bring my chem mark up. :mad:


Looks like I'm not going after all. :upset:

Damn you organic chem... :p

[Flynn]

I just got three tickets as well. I'm seeing them on February 28th, got the tickets for my birthday.

:) Extremely excited.


Where's it at?

[Toaster]

London, ON. Some place called The Drink Nightclub. I'm really hoping there's no age restriction, though I've been to a few other nightclub concerts and it's been all ages.

Anyone know how I could contact the band via email?

[bucket]

The points made about Morningrise are good, but it still achieves a consistent feel throughout, which no other Opeth album can touch. While each song may suffer from poor transitions, the entire album stays together in terms of the mood it creates.

I cannot stand to listen to any song besides BRI alone. They just aren't that good. But from back to back, they blend perfectly together. The album reaches its climax during the buildup right before the solo is unleashed in BRI at around 16:30 with TBYF ending the musical journey flawlessly.

I don't care that each song is lacking in certain areas, it's the entire listen that I care about. Listening to Morningrise in the pitch black is one of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had.



I'm so lucky as to have Opeth come within two hours TWICE on this tour. But I also only have one friend who likes them. Unfortunately, he doesn't want to go. It might be too much money (wtf yeah $20ohhhhahnono).

I'm faced with a choice of going alone, or not going at all. Seeing Opeth alone might be fun, but Sigur Ros would probably be much better (alone).

Hmm... what to do.

[Darkness]

The band? No idea.. why would you contact them? Couldn't you e-mail the venue?

[Toaster]

Actually, I just wrote a music ISU on Mikael Akerfeldt that I'm particularly proud of. I figure I'll send it to the band, tell them how much I enjoy their music, and politely request a backstage pass. It can't hurt.

[Det_Nosnip]

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

I dunno...Zakath has found some pretty nice ones, and a guy had this one up of Raven Riley that was hot as hell.

[bucket]

I dunno...Zakath has found some pretty nice ones, and a guy had this one up of Raven Riley that was hot as hell.

Zakath also posted about his heterosexuality by backing it up with a picture of a transvestite. :-\ That was the manliest jawline I've ever seen. And those wrists!

[Darkness]

I dunno...Zakath has found some pretty nice ones, and a guy had this one up of Raven Riley that was hot as hell.
Oh yeah, I forgot about that one he had of that wonderfull ***... :naughty:

That was good...

/zones out

[UpperDecker]

I was in another Opeth forum and they were making new names that sound like their song names that were funny. I came up with "The Walrus Of October". lol what can you come up with?

[Pale-Folklore]

i just bought damnation for $8.95 used

[ZEROthirtythree]

what can you come up with?

Demon of the Melinda?

I'm going to the Opeth show in Towson. :thumb:

[Biancazzurri]

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.
Morningrise IS a masterpiece
stop talking about **** like amateur or not tight or not ****ing technical or not
who cares if you can hear the album 10 times a day???

[Flynn]

Morningrise IS a masterpiece


I'll drink to that. :chug:

[Det_Nosnip]

Zakath also posted about his heterosexuality by backing it up with a picture of a transvestite. :-\ That was the manliest jawline I've ever seen. And those wrists!

Zakath is a very...special child. :lol:

[TojesDolan]

Even so, Mikael isn't particularly fond of it.

At least some parts of it.

That's what he says.

[Deth]

I really do love Morningrise. I can't explain why, and every criticism seems to be well supported, but I love to listen to it.

[ok lateralus]

Morningrise is my favorite Opeth album. I just love it, it has something all the other albums dont. Whereas Orchid is more mystical and just plain eerie, and very nature-oriented, Morningrise is darker, but in a human, depressing way. The lyrics are also more personal- a song like TNATSW would be out of place on Orchid. It just feels like a very epic album, and as I guitarist I appreciate and love all the classical guitar parts... they're so beautiful. The only thing that was present on Orchid that I love that Morningrise lacks is the more melodic, higher-pitched dual guitar lines like at the end of In Mist...
All in all, I would say Morningrise is definitely a masterpiece of sorts. The only true flaws are that a couple parts in Black Rose Immortal sound a little stapled together loosely, as some have already said. But I still love it. If I had to choose a second favorite it would be MAYH, though, because it keeps the amazing vocals and has even better lyrics, and it feels even more cohesive. Still, I will always probably have MR as my no. 1.

[MidnightRider]

Morningrise is definitely some of Opeth's best work.

Not trying to sound like a free music whore, but could someone upload a couple of live Opeth songs? I've never heard any. :D

[Jude]

Morningrise is definitely some of Opeth's best work.

Not trying to sound like a free music whore, but could someone upload a couple of live Opeth songs? I've never heard any. :D
I have some crappy live version of Bleak if you want, but it sucks (sound quality wise). AIM = mistergroovy1023

[Pale-Folklore]

i have a wicked live video of them playing demon of the fall

oh and, i listened to damnation, it's a good album but i found it to be a little short

[Kage]

oh and, i listened to damnation, it's a good album but i found it to be a little short
I never understand criticisms dealing with the length of something.

"Oh, that's my specialty, length. It's the perfect length. How about the width of it?"

-Larry David

[guitrguy]

Morningrise IS a masterpiece
stop talking about **** like amateur or not tight or not ****ing technical or not
who cares if you can hear the album 10 times a day???
Heres the thing he has something backing his statement up, you don't.
Don't be an idiot please.

[Det_Nosnip]

I never understand criticisms dealing with the length of something.


Well, complaints that something is too short are generally better than complaints that it is too long. ;) I could see two hypothetical cases where shortness of length would be a valid complaint: first, where the songs lack sufficient development and don't give the musicians time to express themselves. See: almost any modern rock or metal band who gets airplay. Sometimes, musical ideas or phrases will be started, and right when it seems like they're going somewhere, the chorus will refrain and then end the song, cutting the music short. A second instance would be where the material is just so damn good, that you're left wanting more at the end. This is my personal opinion of Damnation. :)

[guitrguy]

Well, complaints that something is too short are generally better than complaints that it is too long. ;) I could see two hypothetical cases where shortness of length would be a valid complaint: first, where the songs lack sufficient development and don't give the musicians time to express themselves. See: almost any modern rock or metal band who gets airplay. Sometimes, musical ideas or phrases will be started, and right when it seems like they're going somewhere, the chorus will refrain and then end the song, cutting the music short. A second instance would be where the material is just so damn good, that you're left wanting more at the end. This is my personal opinion of Damnation. :)
But things can drone on, its all opinion, where the phrase gets old and won't reach the cadence.

Im fan of morningrise, BTW, I'm just saying the I can see where Cain is coming from.

[Flynn]

I just got a cool Opeth Guitar Lesson video with Akerfeldt, Mendez and Lindgren covering certain riffs from Blackwater Park. Post your email if you would like it.

-Thanks.-

[Txus]

That sounds great.

Txus.mx@gmail.com

Thanks :thumb:

[ok lateralus]

^i'll have what hes having

oklateralus@yahoo.com

[Darkness]

Flynn I'm pretty sure its The Drapery Falls, I have it to.

[Flynn]

Give me a few minutes guys, it's over 40 mb.

Flynn I'm pretty sure its The Drapery Falls, I have it to.

Yes, Dissecting The Drapery Falls. I thought there were other songs from Blackwater Park on this too, I was wrong.

[MidnightRider]

I have some crappy live version of Bleak if you want, but it sucks (sound quality wise). AIM = mistergroovy1023

Could you possibly YSI? I don't have AIM, just AOL. Thanks.

[Panvium]

I just got a cool Opeth Guitar Lesson video with Akerfeldt, Mendez and Lindgren covering certain riffs from Blackwater Park. Post your email if you would like it.

-Thanks.-

Me too please
ObsoL33T@hotmail.com

[Shattered_Future]

I'm interested in the lesson.

anemiate@yahoo.com

Much thanks. :thumb:

[Flynn]

Sent.

[Pale-Folklore]

i have that too, it's pretty awesome

[Pale-Folklore]

I never understand criticisms dealing with the length of something.

"Oh, that's my specialty, length. It's the perfect length. How about the width of it?"

-Larry David

i don't know, i just felt it wasn't quite as "epic" as the other opeth albums, it finished pretty quickly, the songs are all great though, my favourites are windowpane, closure, weakness, and in my time of need.

Det_Nosnip pretty much explained it

[Darkness]

Indeed, Damnation leaves me wanting more.

[milkman41]

Sent.

I hope its not too late to still get it, sparklepinknick@gmail.com

[Flynn]

I hope its not too late to still get it, sparklepinknick@gmail.com


Sent. Thanks to Dunkelheit for part 2. :chug: Peace out - It's playoff time!!!

[raz0r]

Sent. Thanks to Dunkelheit for part 2. :chug: Peace out - It's playoff time!!!

:o

I missed it :(

You couldn't by any chance re-upload it, could you?

raz0rraz0r@gmail.com

Thanks

[The Cynic]

I just got a cool Opeth Guitar Lesson video with Akerfeldt, Mendez and Lindgren covering certain riffs from Blackwater Park. Post your email if you would like it.

-Thanks.-


andrewarana@aol.com

Thanks.

[JamJar]

Indeed, Damnation leaves me wanting more.

It's a pretty good album, though a bit dissonant at times. *cough* weakness *cough*

Death Whispered A Lullaby and Windowpane are my favourites on the album.

[Jude]

Could you possibly YSI? I don't have AIM, just AOL. Thanks.
If you have AOL then you have AIM.

[Det_Nosnip]

It's a pretty good album, though a bit dissonant at times. *cough* weakness *cough*


Right...that's the point.

[Toaster]

It's a pretty good album, though a bit dissonant at times. *cough* weakness *cough*

Death Whispered A Lullaby and Windowpane are my favourites on the album.

Dissonance isn't inherently bad. I actually really like Weakness, it's one of the very few songs on that album that really catches my interest.

[Pale-Folklore]

Dissonance isn't inherently bad. I actually really like Weakness, it's one of the very few songs on that album that really catches my interest.

i agree, i love weakness

if anyone still wants dissecting the drapery falls, i can send it as well

oh and i was wondering, does anyone have videos of opeth playing any morningrise songs? that would be awesome

[ZEROthirtythree]

if anyone still wants dissecting the drapery falls, i can send it as well


VolaciousSalvation@gmail.com

[Pale-Folklore]

VolaciousSalvation@gmail.com

ok. for some reason it isn't working

:upset:

[The Cynic]

i agree, i love weakness

if anyone still wants dissecting the drapery falls, i can send it as well

oh and i was wondering, does anyone have videos of opeth playing any morningrise songs? that would be awesome

andrewarana@aol.com

Thanks.

[Pale-Folklore]

HOLD ON EVERYONE!

can someone explain to me why when i try to send the video (.wmv) i get this message:

Oops, the system was unable to perform your operation. Please try again in a few seconds.

and i try over and over

[ZEROthirtythree]

Just upload it over yousendit or something and send the link in an email.

[Flynn]

I got it.

[Flynn]

andrewarana@aol.com

Thanks.

VolaciousSalvation@gmail.com

I sent them, Enjoy. :chug:

[Pale-Folklore]

I sent them, Enjoy. :chug:

thanks - couldnt figure it out :upset:

[Darkness]

It's a pretty good album, though a bit dissonant at times. *cough* weakness *cough*

Death Whispered A Lullaby and Windowpane are my favourites on the album.
Actually, I love Weakness and dislike Death Whispered A Lullaby. :p

[Flynn]

Weakness is a great song. I can drift away whenever I listen to it.

[Darkness]

Me to, it's excellent to fall asleep to.

[Det_Nosnip]

oh and i was wondering, does anyone have videos of opeth playing any morningrise songs? that would be awesome

They perform Advent in this one video I have. It's also available for streaming...

mms://straum.nrk.no/Musikk/2003-06-16/Opeth_300k.wmv

Enjoy. :)

[Flynn]

Hah, come to think of it, when I first bought Damnation, I layed down for the listen and fell alseep after Hope Leaves, then awoke to the end of Weakness. I can't remember what I was dreaming, but it was crazy.

[Darkness]

They perform Advent in this one video I have. It's also available for streaming...

mms://straum.nrk.no/Musikk/2003-06-16/Opeth_300k.wmv

Enjoy. :)
I'm pretty sure that link doesn't work anymore, we went over this a while ago. Sucks..

[The Cynic]

I got it.

Hey Flynn, Do you have anymore?

I got the email but ti's just a bunch of words and numbers, what do I do?

[Jude]

I don't get why everyone hates Death Whispered a Lullaby. I think it's a great song.

[Flynn]

Hey Flynn, Do you have anymore?


Anymore Opeth videos? Nope that's it, Oh I have Demon Of The fall life, but I think everyone has already seen that.

I don't get why everyone hates Death Whispered a Lullaby. I think it's a great song.


I like that song. I listen to it frequently.

[Jude]

I have a new topic for discussion.

Everyone seems to associate Opeth's music with winter, and forests, and preferably forests in winter at night with a full moon. Why is this? I do it too, but I have no clue why it is. As far as I know, it's not like a certain style of guitar playing creates a foresty atmosphere. And very few Opeth lyrics actually refer to forests, it's just a once in a while thing.

All I've noticed is, certain albums do it and others don't. Deliverance, for example, doesn't. And Orchid doesn't so much as others, either (for me anyway.)

Any explanations?

[Darkness]

I get a really foresty and night time mood from Orchid, specially because of the acoustic guitars... I think the lyrics often play a big role in that to. "We entered winter once again", for example. Deliverance I agree with, no winter moods or any of that. More like a hot summer or something.. I don't know..

[Flynn]

I have a new topic for discussion.

Everyone seems to associate Opeth's music with winter, and forests, and preferably forests in winter at night with a full moon. Why is this?
Any explanations?

Song Titles:

The Forest Of October
Under The Weeping Moon
Into The Frost Of Winter
Moonlapse Vertigo
The Night And The Silent Water
Dirge For November

Lyrics:

Black Rose Immortal - ''Lullaby of the crescent moon, took you...''
Karma - ''The cold season...''
Demon Of The Fall - ''Torn by the arrival of Autumn...''

They tend to have a lot of that structure in their song titles and lyrics.

[Crysiss]

whats the word called.

uhhh,I dunno, i guess forests and winter sort of creates an atmosphere of darkness.

I just made a banner for my site check it out

http://williamtmamakeesic.myknet.org/index.php

[Flynn]

The reason why Akerfeldt used to write about the moon a lot, I think, is because they got their band name from Opet taken from a book by Wilbur Smith called Sunbird in 1972. In the book, Opet is ''The City Of The Moon.''

[Whale and Wasp]

in guitar world, mikael said his most influential album was camel's moonmadness so that might have something to do with it too

[Jude]

But like...what I'm saying is that, despite that not all that many songs have references to winter or forests, a LOT of people always tend to associate Opeth's music with foresty, wintry atmosphere. I was just wondering if anyone has any stories about starting to do that themself and any insight into why it is.

I can see some songs, yeah, like Forest of October, Apostle in Triumph (mentions some "vast enchanted forest") Moonlapse Vertigo (leafy pathways, etc) and so on. But how about everything else?

[Flynn]

in guitar world, mikael said his most influential album was camel's moonmadness so that might have something to do with it too


Hahaha yeah, they're druids. :chug:

[Whale and Wasp]

But like...what I'm saying is that, despite that not all that many songs have references to winter or forests, a LOT of people always tend to associate Opeth's music with foresty, wintry atmosphere. I was just wondering if anyone has any stories about starting to do that themself and any insight into why it is.

I can see some songs, yeah, like Forest of October, Apostle in Triumph (mentions some "vast enchanted forest") Moonlapse Vertigo (leafy pathways, etc) and so on. But how about everything else?
ah yeah i sorta know what you mean....


well i personally think about trees for some reason when i hear a good acoustic piece of music (not just opeth)....acoustic guitars make me think of trees in general :lol: maybe cause thats what theyre made from

does that ever occur to you? or maybe its just me

[Pale-Folklore]

I'm pretty sure that link doesn't work anymore, we went over this a while ago. Sucks..

it does work, thanks alot man :)

[Jude]

I don't know, but it definitely is the acoustic parts (mostly) that create the atmosphere the most.

Ok check THIS out. In a discussion of the Deliverance/Damnation cover art on the official opeth.com forum, I found out the art came from photos of a haunted house in the US called Whaley House.

Check this photo someone took of a certain bedroom in Whaley. Click on the link, click on "Whaley Pictures" on the menu on the left, and go to picture 21.

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Crete/8136/

Look familiar?


If you need a memory jog....check this.

http://www.opeth.pl/pliki/tapety/deliverance_800.jpg

Browse around the first website I linked to and you may find some other interesting connections as well.

[Flynn]

That would be crazy if it was the same bed.

[Jude]

That would be crazy if it was the same bed.
Dude, it is the same bed. It's the same everything. The only things that were really added in the cover were the eerie coloring, the doll on the bed, face in the mirror and creepy dude by the window.

[Flynn]

Here's a pretty cool Opeth wallpaper for you all. It was my desktop before I got Skydancer. Enjoy!

http://tinypic.com/md15lh.jpg

[Whale and Wasp]

Here's a pretty cool Opeth wallpaper for you all. It was my desktop before I got Skydancer. Enjoy!

http://tinypic.com/md15lh.jpg
that looks great

[Jude]

oy....i was just listening to orchid....and i just thought maybe its like a prequel album to still life? "in the mist she was standing" could have been where he first met melinda in a forest or something, and then theres "under the weeping moon" which i havent htought of yet....in "silhouette" i imagine they get chased by some wraithlike beast (the fast part) and then they scramble up a mountain and finally the beast lost them (the resolution at the end of the song) and then when that epic intro of forest of october starts, they finally look around them and theyre standing on a high cliff and looking down on the vast forest of october beneath them...and then in the rest of the tracks somehow the guy goes into exile and something bad happens to melinda but i havent thought about that yet....but its interesting :)
I don't know, sounds far fetched. One time some dude tried to push some wacked up theory that the first two albums were both concepts and the first four albums were all linked by some insane storyline he made up. It was retarded though.

[Whale and Wasp]

I don't know, sounds far fetched. One time some dude tried to push some wacked up theory that the first two albums were both concepts and the first four albums were all linked by some insane storyline he made up. It was retarded though.
oh...well nevermind about it then. it was just a random musing i had.

[Flynn]

I don't know, sounds far fetched. One time some dude tried to push some wacked up theory that the first two albums were both concepts and the first four albums were all linked by some insane storyline he made up. It was retarded though.


Lyrically, I can sort of see Orchid and Morningrise do have that potential, but I don't know about 4 albums linked, that's pretty far fetched.

[Jude]

Lyrically, I can sort of see Orchid and Morningrise do have that potential, but I don't know about 4 albums linked, that's pretty far fetched.
All his connections were absurd...after all, he not only had to try and prove that Orchid and Morningrise were concept albums (which it's common knowledge they're not) but that all four were linked, which was ridiculous. And IIRC some of his connections were based on misinterpretations of Still Life's lyrics as well.

[bucket]

I think you all may enjoy a complaint on GR by a fan, then a nice reply by Mr. Akerfeldt

I have just watched the interview with Mikael, and have to get somethings off my chest which I have been wanting to say since I first heard the new LP. Incidently, I am just wondering if anyone else shares my thoughts, as I have read nothing similar...

Basically, what I want to say is that I personally think that Ghost Reveries is the worst Opeth LP so far, and that interestingly it seems to be because of the more pleasant environment in which it was recorded. Here is my take on the LP: The first three tracks are pretty good, Ghost of Perdition in particular was what I was hoping for and when I put the LP on and heard this I was relieved. But then things went down hill! Baying of the Hounds and Beneath the Mire, yes both good, not amazing in terms of the general Opeth oveure, but listenable. Then Atonement. Ok. I understand wanting to go in a new direction and try new things etc, but really as far as I am concerned this song does just not measure up to past Opeth songs of a less hard nature. I dont know if it is an attempt to reach a wider audience or what, but compared with benighted say, this simply, in terms of lyrics, melody and general song writting, is not on par with what has gone in the past. Then Reverie, ok may be it was just a slight jilt, and back to normal Opeth. But then, whats going on with the lyrics? Can anyone who holds My Arms.. in any sort of regard be satisfied with 'These are...The Trees?' I know that it is would be almost impossible to do better than My Arms, as an LP generally, but at least the same standard has to be maintained, and again this simply does not measure up, and I fail to see how this is a matter of taste. It seems obvious, especially if you compare the song as a whole to 'A Fair Judgement'.

And then theres Hours of Wealth!. What on earth is going on here? The LP started with 3, solid Opeth tracks. And then it somehow has unravelled to this, which is like some kind of blues, middle of the road guitar song from america, again with fairly bad lyrics. Can anyone seriously think this is on par with Face of Melinda, Credence, Harvest, perhaps To Rid the Disease? As far as Opeth Ballads go this song is way behind any of the past offerings, which has to then make is inferior to all that has gone before. And after this, we then reach the low point of the LP? Mikael says in the interview that the Grand Conjuration was veyr different from how it is, and it seems to only have been changed because of the amount of rehersal time they had. For me this is by far and away the worst Opeth song ever, and they choose to release it as a single? I am beginning to question my own taste and sanity. Am I missing something? I was going to list my favourite Opeth songs, but really Opeth are not like other bands for me, as I dont list my fav songs, I list my fav lps. I can listen from My arms through every LP to Deliverence (excluding Damnation) from start to finish and they are all my favourite songs. There is not really one bad song amongst any of those LPs. Can any true Opeth fan really look themselves in the mirror and say that this song, the Grand Conjuration, the first single and video they do, is the best song they have ever done? Pick any song from past LPs and it just doesnt measure up in terms of melody, lyrics, song structure, etc. I mean, it almost isnt an Opeth song when I think that by Opeth I mean songs like Bleak, Masters Apprentice, the all time classic Demon of the Fall, Serenity Painted death, or in fact, any other hard song that has gone before.

Again I do not think this is a matter of taste. There are criteria of judgement that seem to make Opeth songs what they are, and the Grand ... falls short on all of them bar perhaps technical playing, which is a given for Opeth anyway so it doesnt count. And to add to all this, they make a video for the song without one of the band members!! anyone who doesnt know opeth is going to get the totally wrong impression if they see this song on television. They wont see Lopez drumming (who for me is the heart of Opeth), and will not hear the true melody, accumplished complexity and intricacy that has made opeth great.

And then finally there is Isolation Years. This is not too bad, but again is not AS good as former ballads, so at most is average. Again the lyrics let it down! it sounds like he is talking about his new child! but i wont repeat what I have written about hours of wealth as exactly the same applies here.

All in all, I now am back to where I have been since 2003, waiting for the new Opeth LP to come out. I do not understand why no one else seems to have any similar views, or how you can go from listening to My arms, to Still Life, to Blackwater, to Deliverance, all of which show a progression of style, but which maintain the same identity, and then go to GR and think that it maintains what these LPs have (the unbalanced structure of the LP after track 3 alone is one of the more obvious points). And I dont see how Mikael of all people cannot see this. But may be I reall am loosing my mind?

And all this because there was no studio pressure! Mikael said he was done with the songs before recording, and that there were 3 weeks of rehersals. And this is what comes out, compared with all the previous LPs which seem to have been partly written whilst being recoded and which were not rehersed at all. I understand not wanting a painful recording experience, but it obviously does not bring out the best in the band. As it is, GR is the first and only Opeth LP I cannot listen to with complete pleasure from start to end; something which I never thought possible with this band.

Mikael wont care about this, which is good as I dont care that he doesnt care. I will just say one thing: Please, next time, no rehersals before recording!

I will not mention anything about taste or your devotion to the earlier stuff we've done, but for me it's clear some of you guys simply are not on the same wavelength as us in the band and me in particular writing the songs, and you need to move on. "Hours of wealth" is a song I was particulary proud of and it is actually not the fruit of many hours of rehearsals (that comment that we shouldn't rehearse was bordering to stupid, sorry!) but was actually done in the studio. The vocals done in one take and I have a certain connection with this song and if you don't get "it" I won't even bother trying to hype it. We're a phase of "your" musical evolution but maybe your journey ends here and you need to move into new territories?

I never reply to stuff like people don't like us, cause believe me, I hear more complaints and how "opeth suck" these days that I can't be bothered, but coming down on "HOW" is an attack that I feel the need to comment on. And "Isolation years"...man, that's on of my personal fave opeth song ever and I was literally in tears singing it. I feel gutted that somebody can take the piss out of GR so completely that I actually feel the need to respond and I feel angry. Plain and simple, your opinion is noted but by no means will I contemplate what you said because you're there and I am here, simple as that...

Best regards
Mike

[Flynn]

All his connections were absurd...after all, he not only had to try and prove that Orchid and Morningrise were concept albums (which it's common knowledge they're not) but that all four were linked, which was ridiculous. And IIRC some of his connections were based on misinterpretations of Still Life's lyrics as well.


:lol: he probably thought just these lyrics on Nectar reflect on Face Of Melinda

''I swear I will always love you
Leave me speechless
Release my yearning
The soil I walk is clad with light
Drifting moons thrust me with their rays
And I fall inside
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
Mine is yours, mine is yours
In the wake of dawn
The mist of morning linger before it leaves
Invisible eyes, red reflection
It is you
Smiling in the midst of the moor''

[Deth]

Poor Mike :(.

There! Reason to stop the GR bashing!

[Flynn]

Poor Mike :(.

There! Reason to stop the GR bashing!


roflmao, it's probably not really him. Like he would have the time to come on a Forum just to explain that little detail to one individual? Even so, I don't bash that album, It is simply my least favorite of Opeth's recordings...that's all.

[Deth]

I'm sure it is him, lots of band members post on their forums. Plus, there's probably some usertitle like "Band Member" that you can only have if your a band member (duh).

[Jude]

I saw that thread. It really is Mike Akerfeldt; that is the official forum and (IIRC) it's run and maintained by his wife as well as several band members post on there once in a while.

[Flynn]

I didn't know that about Hours Of Wealth, 1 take, that's awesome.

[Toaster]

I do find that hard to believe. But Hours of Wealth and Isolation years are two of my favourite Opeth songs.

[Jude]

I do find that hard to believe. But Hours of Wealth and Isolation years are two of my favourite Opeth songs.
I like Isolation Years, and the instrumental section at the beginning of HoW is great, but the singing part of it is meh.

[ZEROthirtythree]

I sent them, Enjoy. :chug:

thank you much

[Flynn]

I like Isolation Years, and the instrumental section at the beginning of HoW is great, but the singing part of it is meh.

I like to do a little solo on the intro to Hours Of Wealth, I don't mind the singing on that song actually. I like some songs on Ghost Reveries, but the main problem I have with it is it didn't really have a side to it, ya know? If it was all done with clean vocals, or all growling it would of rocked, it just seemed to be at a medium which loses me whenever I listen to it. Plus I don't really care too much for the electronic keyboards...but a Piano, that would of been kick ***.


thank you much


Anything for a fan. :chug:

[Toaster]

I like Isolation Years, and the instrumental section at the beginning of HoW is great, but the singing part of it is meh.

Wow, I don't feel that way at all. Tears have come to my eyes listening to that song.

[Cain]

roflmao, it's probably not really him. Like he would have the time to come on a Forum just to explain that little detail to one individual? Even so, I don't bash that album, It is simply my least favorite of Opeth's recordings...that's all.

No, it is Mikael. He does post on that forum with a fair amount of frequency: hence the comment "I doubt Mikael will care about this" by the poster bashing GR.

That's a nice reply, and it just goes to show you how much of a mistake it is to feel as though there is a clear line of demarcation between what makes Opeth "quality" and what makes them bad. I've seen a lot of people here do that too, try to act as though there's some sort of scientific way to show that GR or whatever is subpar to what has come before. "How does the Grand Conjuration compare to the Moor?! It doesn't, which means it's clearly worse!!!!!" What? Come on now, that's just silly.

It's so sad that Opeth, such a great band, is so good that the deification of their old albums by their fans causes them to get criticized for evolving beyond what came before.

And it REALLY irks me to say that an evolution or change in the lighter material is an attempt by the band to "appeal to a wider audience." That's the biggest sack of bullsh*t I hear from any fan everywhere, and certainly from an Opeth fan.

[Flynn]

No, it is Mikael. He does post on that forum with a fair amount of frequency: hence the comment "I doubt Mikael will care about this" by the poster bashing GR.

That's a nice reply, and it just goes to show you how much of a mistake it is to feel as though there is a clear line of demarcation between what makes Opeth "quality" and what makes them bad. I've seen a lot of people here do that too, try to act as though there's some sort of scientific way to show that GR or whatever is subpar to what has come before. "How does the Grand Conjuration compare to the Moor?! It doesn't, which means it's clearly worse!!!!!" What? Come on now, that's just silly.

It's so sad that Opeth, such a great band, is so good that the deification of their old albums by their fans causes them to get criticized for evolving beyond what came before.

And it REALLY irks me to say that an evolution or change in the lighter material is an attempt by the band to "appeal to a wider audience." That's the biggest sack of bullsh*t I hear from any fan everywhere, and certainly from an Opeth fan.

The Grand Conjuration doesn't compare to The Moor, you're right. They're two totally different style of songs. I dislike The Grand Conjuration not for that reason though, it seems to drag on, very repetitive plus the keyboards seem horribly off key at times. I do think Mikaels reply to whoever that was, was really well put. Mikael seems to be in another realm as opposed to whoever posted that in the first place. But he has to understand, music isn't for the band, it's for the fans. Without us, bands wouldn't exist leading to why certain forms of criticism is and always will be utterly important to bands worldwide. I don't hate Ghost Reveries at all, it's just not my favorite Opeth album.

[bucket]

Mikael seems to be in another realm as opposed to whoever posted that in the first place. But he has to understand, music isn't for the band, it's for the fans. Without us, bands wouldn't exist leading to why certain forms of criticism is and always will be utterly important to bands worldwide. I don't hate Ghost Reveries at all, it's just not my favorite Opeth album.

I'm pretty sure Opeth has been making music because that's what they like. They never have really done anything special for fans. Yes, I'm sure they enjoy the increasing fame and fortune, but all along their career they have made their own path, unhindered by anyone but themselves.

Like they say on their site, they threw in a ballad with To Bid You Farewell in the midst of a Black Metal trend. And then released a completely different style with My Arms, Your Hearse.

Opeth doesn't make music to please us, but the end result generally does.

[Cain]

The Grand Conjuration doesn't compare to The Moor, you're right. They're two totally different style of songs. I dislike The Grand Conjuration not for that reason though, it seems to drag on, very repetitive plus the keyboards seem horribly off key at times. I do think Mikaels reply to whoever that was, was really well put. Mikael seems to be in another realm as opposed to whoever posted that in the first place. But he has to understand, music isn't for the band, it's for the fans. Without us, bands wouldn't exist leading to why certain forms of criticism is and always will be utterly important to bands worldwide. I don't hate Ghost Reveries at all, it's just not my favorite Opeth album.

Are you kidding? Art is all about the expression of what the ARTIST feels. Any artist that panders to the whims and desires of his consumers and allows him/herself to be limited by a perception of what the population wants loses all rights to artistic integrity, and at worst he loses the ability to express himself at all. If the fans are too close-minded to not evolve along with the artist's sensibilities, then the true artist cuts them loose. Opeth aren't making music just so you can say it's the best they ever did. That shouldn't be on ANY musical artist's mind. I should think that if anything, THAT was the point of Mikael's post.

[Flynn]

I'm pretty sure Opeth has been making music because that's what they like. They never have really done anything special for fans. Yes, I'm sure they enjoy the increasing fame and fortune, but all along their career they have made their own path, unhindered by anyone but themselves.

Like they say on their site, they threw in a ballad with To Bid You Farewell in the midst of a Black Metal trend. And then released a completely different style with My Arms, Your Hearse.

Opeth doesn't make music to please us, but the end result generally does.

Yeah that's true. But this criticism isn't coming from non-faithful fans it seems. It's from old school Opeth fans. Well, maybe they'll try something different next album, and I for one, hope it's heavy.

Are you kidding? Art is all about the expression of what the ARTIST feels. Any artist that panders to the whims and desires of his consumers and allows him/herself to be limited by a perception of what the population wants loses all rights to artistic integrity, and at worst he loses the ability to express himself at all. If the fans are too close-minded to not evolve along with the artist's sensibilities, then the true artist cuts them loose. Opeth aren't making music just so you can say it's the best they ever did. That shouldn't be on ANY musical artist's mind. I should think that if anything, THAT was the point of Mikael's post.


Yes I understand his point clearly, and it's a good one. I guess I take that back considering that Opeth has, what, 8 albums and still kickin? That's legendary in my book. I think Mikael had a good point on where the band is now ultimately leading to bigger and better things in the future. I just think people were expecting too much before the release of GR which made it so bland.

[Cain]

Yes I understand his point clearly, and it's a good one. I guess I take that back considering that Opeth has, what, 8 albums and still kickin? That's legendary in my book. I think Mikael had a good point on where the band is now ultimately leading to bigger and better things in the future. I just think people were expecting too much before the release of GR which made it so bland.

Right on, I bet you anything expectations were what caused negative opinions. On the other hand, let's face it, the true Opeth fan, IMO, shouldn't really expect anything. I love Morningrise, but they're never going to do that again. Even Still Life and Blackwater Park's styles are things of the past, and I grew to love Opeth on those albums. I had already accepted that nothing on Ghost Reveries was likely going to contain anything I most wanted to see. With that, I was able to enjoy the direction they DID take.

[Flynn]

Right on, I bet you anything expectations were what caused negative opinions. On the other hand, let's face it, the true Opeth fan, IMO, shouldn't really expect anything. I love Morningrise, but they're never going to do that again. Even Still Life and Blackwater Park's styles are things of the past, and I grew to love Opeth on those albums. I had already accepted that nothing on Ghost Reveries was likely going to contain anything I most wanted to see. With that, I was able to enjoy the direction they DID take.


That's a good point. When I first heard Damnation I thought to myself ''what the hell is this?'' Now, admittedly, it's been in my car CD case for over 3 months and listen to it frequently. Opeth is really good at coming up with something new upon each release, which is very healthy for a band especially in this genre. Who wants to listen to the same style 9 albums in a row? Not I. I also grew to love Blackwater Park and Still Life, yet at first, I didn't care for them. They grew on me like vines.

[MidnightRider]

I wonder if other Opeth albums were bashed as much as GR when they first came out? I'm sure in about a year or two, when their next album comes out, the general opinion on GR will be higher.

[Cain]

I wonder if other Opeth albums were bashed as much as GR when they first came out? I'm sure in about a year or two, when their next album comes out, the general opinion on GR will be higher.

MAYH caused an uproar in Opeth's first fans. SOOO many people hated it at first, from what I can tell.

The thing that kills me is that as they get lighter, they're more open to accusations of "selling out." Even if it's to gain a wider audience, that's not a bad thing, and I hate that people treat it that way.

[ElectricalStorm]

I wonder if other Opeth albums were bashed as much as GR when they first came out? I'm sure in about a year or two, when their next album comes out, the general opinion on GR will be higher.

Yeah did anyone compile a list of forum members who liked Ghost Reveries shortly after its release? I'm currently starting an elitest circle called the "Longterm Opethites who liked Ghost Reveries First Club". </sarcasm>

Anyway, I found the progression on Ghost Reveries to be very natural--especially the clean vocals (I mention them because they factor into the "lighter" more "accessible" sound Cain's talking about). The vocals on many of the tracks simply weren't possible until now. Mikael's grown as a vocalist since Opeth's beginnings, its only logical that he's going to explore the new territory that goes along with such growth. I think similiar logic can be applied to many of the other concerns about GR.

I also remember Cain was initially dissappointed in GR since it wasn't quite a quantum leap in terms of sound and development. And although I think he was expecting too much, his feelings were also right--GR isn't exactly a radical departure from the Opeth sound we all know too well. I'm still surprised so many single it out as remarkably poor.

*Completely Unrelated* I'm currently really enjoying Pain of Salvation right now.

[Cain]

Yeah did anyone compile a list of forum members who liked Ghost Reveries shortly after its release? I'm currently starting an elitest circle called the "Longterm Opethites who liked Ghost Reveries First Club". </sarcasm>

Count me in. I've always been a defender of that particular faith. :)

Anyway, I found the progression on Ghost Reveries to be very natural--especially the clean vocals (I mention them because they factor into the "lighter" more "accessible" sound Cain's talking about). The vocals on many of the tracks simply weren't possible until now. Mikael's grown as a vocalist since Opeth's beginnings, its only logical that he's going to explore the new territory that goes along with such growth. I think similiar logic can be applied to many of the other concerns about GR.

Yeah, totally.

I also remember Cain was initially dissappointed in GR since it wasn't quite a quantum leap in terms of sound and development. And although I think he was expecting too much, his feelings were also right--GR isn't exactly a radical departure from the Opeth sound we all know too well. I'm still surprised so many single it out as remarkably poor.

Hmmm, I don't think I was ever disappointed in it, to be honest. I remember claiming that there was little difference in sound back when I was arguing with Flynn over whether or not it was the worst Opeth ever did, in which I used comparisons that may have led you to believe that I was disappointed, which was not the case. I have always from the moment I first heard it been quite taken with it (you may remember that I initially liked it more than I liked "Deliverance" when I first got that) and enjoy it even more now.

[Knifeboy]

I was blown away first time I heard GR.. And still love it

[mudvayne_bass_player]

When I listen to Opeth, it takes me somewhere else. I'm listening to Ghost Reveries right now (I'm at The Baying of the Hounds at the moment...KILLER SONG) and I can't get enough of them, I want more, like you (Flynn) said it'll do to you. I also own Still Life and Blackwater Park. I didn't start listening to them until about 4 months ago. I loved Blackwater Park and Still Life, but I didn't have the lyrics for them, so I could only understand the singing. But then I bought Ghost Reveries with some of my Christmas money, and OMG. The lyrics are wonderfull. Mikael Akerfeldt is a f*cking genious. He's such a great vocalist too. He has a beautiful singing voice, and deep monsterous growls. I'm hopein to see them next month in concert. Tickets are only $20. I have the money, but the only problem is, the place is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away from my house, and I need to find a ride there. If I find a ride, I'm going without a doubt. If you haven't listened to Opeth before, go get an album ASAP.

[Knifeboy]

But he has to understand, music isn't for the band, it's for the fans. Without us, bands wouldn't exist leading to why certain forms of criticism is and always will be utterly important to bands worldwide.

You just lost all my respect for posting that.

That way of looking at music should be reserved for britney spears fans

[UpperDecker]

The Walrus Of OCTOBER!!!
The Night and The Silent Fart

[Hells Bells]

Yeah did anyone compile a list of forum members who liked Ghost Reveries shortly after its release? I'm currently starting an elitest circle called the "Longterm Opethites who liked Ghost Reveries First Club". </sarcasm>

Anyway, I found the progression on Ghost Reveries to be very natural--especially the clean vocals (I mention them because they factor into the "lighter" more "accessible" sound Cain's talking about). The vocals on many of the tracks simply weren't possible until now. Mikael's grown as a vocalist since Opeth's beginnings, its only logical that he's going to explore the new territory that goes along with such growth. I think similiar logic can be applied to many of the other concerns about GR.

I also remember Cain was initially dissappointed in GR since it wasn't quite a quantum leap in terms of sound and development. And although I think he was expecting too much, his feelings were also right--GR isn't exactly a radical departure from the Opeth sound we all know too well. I'm still surprised so many single it out as remarkably poor.

*Completely Unrelated* I'm currently really enjoying Pain of Salvation right now.

I liked GR from the start :p

I don't see why people think that they're selling out with this album. Actually I think it's kind of ironic, because it isn't any more accessible than their previous releases, so there's no guarantee that it would appeal to a wider audience, and I'm sure they knew that they'd be pissing of a whole lot of old fans...in short they were going against the grain in every way. They were appealing to no one's taste but their own.

[guitrguy]

I do like mikaels growling on GR, I can understand the lyrics with out having to read them.

[Shadius]

Ghost Reveries <3

Oh, and GR is a little more accessable than their other albums. It'd say it was way more accessable than something like Orchid or MAYH.

[Jude]

I liked GR more before I heard other stuff by Opeth :\ but I don't dislike it now.

[Shattered_Future]

How does going lighter make Opeth sellouts? I find some of their lighter stuff even harder and more complicated to listen to than their heavier stuff.

[Ghost Of Perdition]

GR is still, imo, one of their greatest albums.
I mean, it doesn't quite compare to Still Life or Blackwater Park, but its a stonker of an album in its own right!

[Jude]

How does going lighter make Opeth sellouts? I find some of their lighter stuff even harder and more complicated to listen to than their heavier stuff.
Some people will call their favorite bands sellouts just for lack of anything better to do. Look at In Flames. All they did was start to suck and all of a sudden everyone's bitching about how they sold out.

[Flynn]

You just lost all my respect for posting that.
That way of looking at music should be reserved for britney spears fans

Yeah you're right, it makes more sense to play music in a basement only entertaining the band because everyone thinks they suck, eventually becoming penniless because no one will buy their crappy record. You misinterpreted my sentence and I never gave a **** about your respect to begin with.

[vashts80]

roflmao, it's probably not really him. Like he would have the time to come on a Forum just to explain that little detail to one individual? Even so, I don't bash that album, It is simply my least favorite of Opeth's recordings...that's all.

Yes, it's definitely Mike...M-Lo used to post there anonymously, Lee B. (their old tour manager) posted under Lee B., Anders Nordin posted there under ante.

[Deth]

Yeah you're right, it makes more sense to play music in a basement only entertaining the band because everyone thinks they suck, eventually becoming penniless because no one will buy their crappy record. You misinterpreted my sentence and I never gave a **** about your respect to begin with.
*Gets out of the way*

[Toaster]

Some people will call their favorite bands sellouts just for lack of anything better to do. Look at In Flames. All they did was start to suck and all of a sudden everyone's bitching about how they sold out.

I love StYE. They definitely changed to a more alternative-influenced sound, but it doesn't mean they got any worse.

[Flynn]

Yes, it's definitely Mike...M-Lo used to post there anonymously, Lee B. (their old tour manager) posted under Lee B., Anders Nordin posted there under ante.


That's kinda cool, it shows he cares a lot about what the forum community has to say. BTW, I had your back in that one thread the other day. They were being complete jerks; You know what I'm talking about.

[Jude]

That's kinda cool, it shows he cares a lot about what the forum community has to say. BTW, I had your back in that one thread the other day. They were being complete jerks; You know what I'm talking about.
What are you guys names on that forum? I'm also Jude on there.

[vashts80]

What are you guys names on that forum? I'm also Jude on there.

I'm NicholasDWolfwood

[Flynn]

What are you guys names on that forum? I'm also Jude on there.


I'm not a member there, I was reffering to the Metallica Inc. thread here.

[Jude]

I'm not a member there, I was reffering to the Metallica Inc. thread here.
Oh ok.

[Knifeboy]

Yeah you're right, it makes more sense to play music in a basement only entertaining the band because everyone thinks they suck, eventually becoming penniless because no one will buy their crappy record. You misinterpreted my sentence and I never gave a **** about your respect to begin with.

Opeth didn't start out making music to become famous. They didn't start out making Orchid to please anyone but themselves. It was sheer luck that anyone actually thought they had made good music. Everytime Opeth changes it is to please noone but themselves, and that's how good music comes about, good music doesn't come from trying to please the fans, usually if you try to please the fans, crappy music emerges. I can't believe any Opeth fan could even think the thought that Opeth owes them something, how incredibly arrogant.

[Toaster]

So.. have any of you guys heard the Bloodbath album with Mikael on vocals? I've heard it's nothing special, but I want to pick it up. I'd love to hear Mikael growl to some actual death metal.

[Jack Daniels]

So.. have any of you guys heard the Bloodbath album with Mikael on vocals? I've heard it's nothing special, but I want to pick it up. I'd love to hear Mikael growl to some actual death metal.

its allright, but his growls are very different from opeth.

[Hells Bells]

So.. have any of you guys heard the Bloodbath album with Mikael on vocals? I've heard it's nothing special, but I want to pick it up. I'd love to hear Mikael growl to some actual death metal.

I didn't even know that he did the vox for Bloodbath...

its allright, but his growls are very different from opeth.

Yeah I'd expect he'd change his style a bit to fit the music...how are they different?

[Deth]

It's a good album. Very old school death.

I still say that Nightmares Made Flesh is a better album.

[Shattered_Future]

So.. have any of you guys heard the Bloodbath album with Mikael on vocals? I've heard it's nothing special, but I want to pick it up. I'd love to hear Mikael growl to some actual death metal.

On side projects, fans of Mikael's older, more black metalish vocal style would be best advised to pick up Brave Murder Day by Katatonia.

Nothing like their newer stuff. It's very death doomish.

[Hells Bells]

I can't find that album anywhere....the only albums by Katatonia I was able to find were Viva Emptiness and Today's Decision, which are both very good. I wonder when he joined Katatonia....he released the album with them right after Orchid.

[Shattered_Future]

He didn't technically join, he just did guest vocals on it on a few tracks.

[Biancazzurri]

Yeah you're right, it makes more sense to play music in a basement only entertaining the band because everyone thinks they suck, eventually becoming penniless because no one will buy their crappy record. You misinterpreted my sentence and I never gave a **** about your respect to begin with.
no you didn't get him either. opeth don't ask the fans for what music to do. you know why? because then it will be crap. opeth present their music from different viewpoints like it or not. so it's FOR the fans but it's equally for opeth also. there is sometimes you know, when the artist makes pieces for his developement and you can only look at it or listen to it but your oppinion doesn't count for him at all.

[i am the robots]

:lol: yes, bands that play basements freaking suck.... wait... I saw Kill Your Idols in a basement.... I saw Mastodon in a basement... I saw Letdown in a basement... I saw Circle Takes the Square in a basement...

[Cain]

One Mikael thing that I want to hear is Crimson by Edge of Sanity: as Dan Swano actually had a large hand in writing the clean vocal melodies on Morningrise (Black Rose Immortal features a lot of Swano-penned melodies and To Bid You Farewell has guest vocals by him during the heavy section I believe), and Mikael apparently does some awesome death screams on that album (which is supposed to be like the greatest death concept album ever anyway), I'd be interested in picking it up.

yes, bands that play basements freaking suck.... wait... I saw Kill Your Idols in a basement.... I saw Mastodon in a basement... I saw Letdown in a basement... I saw Circle Takes the Square in a basement...

Vikingcore, ever since Dargon left and stopped harrassing you about your former worship of Korn, you seem to have been molding yourself in his image by acting like an elitist dick to people and dropping tr00 bands like mad when someone makes the slightest uninformed comment. This is a mistake. Give it a rest and respond to people with intelligently-thought-out arguments instead of asshattery.

[Det_Nosnip]

Mastodon is definitely not a tr00 band. :lol: Also, he still worships Korn.

[Cain]

Mastodon is definitely not a tr00 band. :lol: Also, he still worships Korn.

Ugh, you know what I mean though. Someone made a thread in the Pit about wanting more good music and Vikingcore listed like fifty metal bands that are all below mainstream-levels and was like "Here's GOOD music!" :rolleyes: And now he's doing the name-dropping game to intimidate Flynn with his superior knowledge of metal. It's just stupid.

Flynn's point was dumb, but it isn't because Eleventeen saw Mastodon in a basement.

[Hells Bells]

That does sound very interesting...especially if Dan Swano was behind some of the melodies in Black Rose Immortal. I had no idea they'd collaborated with anyone other than Steve Wilson.

[Cain]

That does sound very interesting...especially if Dan Swano was behind some of the melodies in Black Rose Immortal. I had no idea they'd collaborated with anyone other than Steve Wilson.

Yeah, Swano produced Orchid and Morningrise.

[Hells Bells]

So MAYH, Still Life, and GR were the only albums they did completely on their own?

[Cain]

So MAYH, Still Life, and GR were the only albums they did completely on their own?

MAYH was done by Fredrik Nordström and GR was done by Jens Bogren. Still Life is the only album where Opeth gets sole credit as producers.

[Jude]

MAYH was done by Fredrik Nordström and GR was done by Jens Bogren. Still Life is the only album where Opeth gets sole credit as producers.
And it has the worst production, whoa.

(still my favorite album though)

[bucket]

One Mikael thing that I want to hear is Crimson by Edge of Sanity

I have the hook up if you'd like. It's good... and long.. maybe too long. Definetly not as good as anything Opeth has done. Sometimes during Swano's clean vocal parts, he adds a power metal accent to some words. That's what I'm calling it anyways.

And if anyone else would like it just petethecowz me an AIM or email petethecow@hotmail.com

[Pale-Folklore]

i was reading the booklet for damnation, and i noticed that it says steven wilson does backing vocals on it - for some reason i can never hear him though.. can anyone tell me some points on the album where his voice is prominent?

(i could tell right away that wilson produced the album though, some parts are just so porcupine tree ! :p)

[Cain]

And it has the worst production, whoa.

(still my favorite album though)

You think so? Morningrise and Orchid have terrible production.

i was reading the booklet for damnation, and i noticed that it says steven wilson does backing vocals on it - for some reason i can never hear him though.. can anyone tell me some points on the album where his voice is prominent?

I can hear him singing the high harmony parts at the end of "Windowpane," and he sings the highest part in the three-part harmony of "To Rid the Disease."

[Knifeboy]

(i could tell right away that wilson produced the album though, some parts are just so porcupine tree ! :p)

Blackwater Park, and Deliverance were produced by steven too
I don't hear the "porcupine tree" in damnation, well, I can definately hear it was steven wilson who produced it, but the only musical influence he had was that he wrote the keyboard parts, and the lyrics to death whispered a lullaby.. and the keyboard parts definately doesn't sound like anything I've heard in PT

[Toaster]

You think so? Morningrise and Orchid have terrible production.



I can hear him singing the high harmony parts at the end of "Windowpane," and he sings the highest part in the three-part harmony of "To Rid the Disease."

While the production is thin on Orchid and MR, at least all the instruments are audible. On MAYH, the drum sound is totally muddy. The bass drum can barely be heard, and there's some problem with the cymbals (signal distortion?).

I never liked any of Wilson's singing in Opeth. When he does the harmonies he goes way over the top, it never sounds good. Examples: A Fair Judgement, Windowpane. He was okay in Bleak, but his voice is just really thin and weak sounding overall. It fits well in PT, mind you.

[Knifeboy]

I think they blend amazingly in bleak, but I agree that their voices doesn't match too well on the damnation songs.. (And I don't think they match too well on deadwing either)

[ok lateralus]

I think the worst production is on Still Life, really. It's extremely muddy and I don't like the tone of the acoustics. I do admit that Orchid and Morningrise have fairly ****ty production but I love them the way they are. And MAYH's production is great, very fitting for that album I mean. The drums sound so brutal and everything sounds so cold and dark that it just fits.

[Flynn]

I think the worst production is on Still Life, really. It's extremely muddy and I don't like the tone of the acoustics. I do admit that Orchid and Morningrise have fairly ****ty production but I love them the way they are. And MAYH's production is great, very fitting for that album I mean. The drums sound so brutal and everything sounds so cold and dark that it just fits.


Yeah, I'll have to agree with that. I really like the way My Arms, Your Hearse came out, it fit the entire mood of the album.

[Jude]

I think the production is worst on Still Life mainly because it's so muddy whereas on MR and Orchid, it's at least clear and all the instruments are distinct. While on those first two you could even say they're TOO distinct--the whole sound doesn't mix together so well--it's still better than Still Life where everything's really muddy and mushed together. You can't hear the bass at all, and a lot of the acoustic parts have really bad tone (Face of Melinda is the worst) and on some parts like the acoustic parts of Godhead's Lament the mix is just messy and doesn't sound good.

It's still my favorite album though, like I said. And interestingly the parts I just referred to (FoM and those parts of Godhead) are some of my favorite parts of the album.

[MidnightRider]

(And I don't think they match too well on deadwing either)

I think they match up great on DW, especially on ASBNH. I think Akerfeldt really makes that song better.

[Cain]

I think the production is worst on Still Life mainly because it's so muddy whereas on MR and Orchid, it's at least clear and all the instruments are distinct.

What? Still Life has very clear production. The only problem is the bassiness of the acoustics on Benighted and Face of Melinda. The electrics are very nicely done, though, as are the drums. Yeah, you can't hear the bass, but the type is so "wall-of-sound" anyway that it hardly matters.

The mix on MAYH is much worse.

[Toaster]

What? Still Life has very clear production. The only problem is the bassiness of the acoustics on Benighted and Face of Melinda. The electrics are very nicely done, though, as are the drums. Yeah, you can't hear the bass, but the type is so "wall-of-sound" anyway that it hardly matters.

The mix on MAYH is much worse.

Agreed, totally. MAYH is way muddier and dense-sounding. In my eyes, Still Life has almost as good production as Blackwater Park.

[Flynn]

I think the production is worst on Still Life mainly because it's so muddy whereas on MR and Orchid, it's at least clear and all the instruments are distinct. While on those first two you could even say they're TOO distinct--the whole sound doesn't mix together so well--it's still better than Still Life where everything's really muddy and mushed together. You can't hear the bass at all, and a lot of the acoustic parts have really bad tone (Face of Melinda is the worst) and on some parts like the acoustic parts of Godhead's Lament the mix is just messy and doesn't sound good.

It's still my favorite album though, like I said. And interestingly the parts I just referred to (FoM and those parts of Godhead) are some of my favorite parts of the album.


About the bass, Mendez joined right in time for the recording of the album, that might have something to do with it. Him getting used to the structure of Mikaels writing. I really wasn't too fond of the recording production on Still Life, but for some reason, I'm glad it turned out the way it did.

[Kage]

Agreed, totally. MAYH is way muddier and dense-sounding. In my eyes, Still Life has almost as good production as Blackwater Park.
It sounds good, but very few albums match the production of Blackwater Park. Combine that with amazing songwriting and you've got one hell of a recording.

[Toaster]

I used to really love the production on Blackwater Park, but it's worn off on me. The bass drum is fairly inaudible, and the guitars don't sound as good as on GR. I know that's a pretty rare opinion, but I love GR's production.. one of the best I've ever heard.

[Deth]

GR's production is fantastic. It's the first album with Mendez on (excluding Damnation) that you can hear everything he does. Only the vocals take a slight hit because Wilson is a god at vocal production, but everything else is perfect.

[Kage]

I think the production on Blackwater Park is extremely unique and sounds just amazing to my ears, while GR's production is just very good. The thing that strikes me about it is that it's crystal clear.

[Toaster]

I think the production on Blackwater Park is extremely unique and sounds just amazing to my ears, while GR's production is just very good. The thing that strikes me about it is that it's crystal clear.

GR you mean? I don't know what it is about Blackwater Park. I may have just overlistened the album, but the guitars just sound too dense or something.

[Kage]

GR you mean? I don't know what it is about Blackwater Park. I may have just overlistened the album, but the guitars just sound too dense or something.
BWP - Unique and amazing, layered sound
GR - Very good, crystal clear
:)

I really get an atmospheric feel from BWP, more than any other Opeth album. I love all the subtle E-bow floating around on the thick guitar sound. It's like being in a forest at night.

[Flynn]

GR you mean? I don't know what it is about Blackwater Park. I may have just overlistened the album, but the guitars just sound too dense or something.


I thought Blackwater Park had fantastic production in all areas, which I can't really say about Opeth's pre-existing albums to be honest. I think the production on Ghost Reveries is outstanding as well on the other hand.

[Nostalgia]

I love Orchid sooo much now, IMO Ghost reveries is nothing compared to Orchid. I even love Ghost Reveries to.

[Flynn]

BWP - Unique and amazing, layered sound
GR - Very good, crystal clear
:)


My thoughts exactly. :)

[ok lateralus]

I love Orchid because it's so mysterious. I really like that acoustic part near the end of Under the Weeping Moon, just full of darkness and mystery.

[Jude]

I love Orchid sooo much now, IMO Ghost reveries is nothing compared to Orchid. I even love Ghost Reveries to.
I like GR more than Orchid, but it's the only album that I like less than GR.

[vashts80]

That main riff in Under the Weeping Moon is awesome.

As for production: GR and Damnation have the best, bar none. GR's is absolutely clear as can be (possibly because of the longer time they had to record and produce due to rehearsing before hand), and Damnation's because everything is in it's own soundscape, while still being absolutely clear. The drum sound on Deliverance is great too (partly because whoever mixed it, I can't remember who, mixed the acoustic drums with samples to make them clearer)

[Darkness]

I know I missed those GR conversations a few pages back (didn't have internet for a few days :( ), but I just listened to the album today again, whole way through. My opinion of it, is pretty much the same I'm affraid... the first 3 tracks, very solid. Then, the album just seems to go down hill, but still has a few good moments... I don't know what it is, this album just repells me save those first 3 songs... Oh well, like you guys said, it was the probably the massive anticipation we all had for the album that recked it (for me, anyways)...

Anyways, I love the production on Still Life. I think the acoustic parts sound really dark and magical, and match and help create the over all atmosphere that Mikeal was attempting to create while writing the lyrics.

[Jude]

I know I missed those GR conversations a few pages back (didn't have internet for a few days :( ), but I just listened to the album today again, whole way through. My opinion of it, is pretty much the same I'm affraid... the first 3 tracks, very solid. Then, the album just seems to go down hill, but still has a few good moments... I don't know what it is, this album just repells me save those first 3 songs... Oh well, like you guys said, it was the probably the massive anticipation we all had for the album that recked it (for me, anyways)...

Anyways, I love the production on Still Life. I think the acoustic parts sound really dark and magical, and match and help create the over all atmosphere that Mikeal was attempting to create while writing the lyrics.
I guess I see what you mean about Still Life. Well, I love it anyway, no matter how the production sounds. I don't know if it would have been better or worse with BWP quality production.

About GR, another complaint I have is the lyrics...maybe it's the fact that the concept wasn't fully developed, but the lyrics on this album just don't seem up to par with earlier stuff. Harlequin Forest especially bothers me.

[Darkness]

Oh yeah. The lyrics on Harlequin Forest are the first lyrics of Mikeals that have actually, sucked. "These are the tree"... come on Mikey...

[Det_Nosnip]

I don't know what you guys are talking about with the Still Life production...I can hear the bass just fine. Maybe not as much as on Morningrise, but then again...:lol:

[Dannyboy15]

Why the hell aren't they gonna play in LA or Anaheim. This BLOWS!

[Nostalgia]

Though GR isn't my favorite album, Isolation years is one of the prettiest songs I have heard.

[Animus Light]

GR's production is fantastic. It's the first album with Mendez on (excluding Damnation) that you can hear everything he does. Only the vocals take a slight hit because Wilson is a god at vocal production, but everything else is perfect.

I actually very much dislike Wilson's vocal production on the OPeth albums. I felt that Mikael's voice has gotten a lot better, sure, since the earlier days... But that's because his voice has just gotten better (take GR for example compared to Orchid or Morningrise)... But the vocal production was just annoying when Wilson. You could hear Mikael's voice being better than it was... But there were qualities that were very annoying with Mikael's voice (namely, telephone voice).

[supra_speed]

Have they ever played B.R.I. live? I'd love to hear it live!

[Toaster]

I'm not the biggest fan of BRI. It's a pretty weak Opeth track, I think. I've never heard of them playing it live, though.

I don't know what you guys are talking about with the Still Life production...I can hear the bass just fine. Maybe not as much as on Morningrise, but then again...

Yeah, at some point there's too much bass. And when he uses effects on his bass? Yuck.

[UpperDecker]

[QUOTE=toaster135]I'm not the biggest fan of BRI. It's a pretty weak Opeth track, I think. I've never heard of them playing it live, though.



I think Black Rose Immortal is great. That might be due to the fact that i like to play it on guitar. There's alot of good riffs in the song. Also some good acoustic parts. The first time i heard that scream at the end of the song i almost soiled myself (this was before i heard any of his old high pitched screams).

[bball_1523]

is anyone attending the Los Angeles show on march 14th? If so, how is the Wiltern theater? What are the best seats? Is level 3 seating any good?

[JamJar]

I'm not the biggest fan of BRI. It's a pretty weak Opeth track, I think. I've never heard of them playing it live, though.



Yeah, at some point there's too much bass. And when he uses effects on his bass? Yuck.

I agree whol heartedly. BRI is in my opinion lots of cool riffs thrown in and somehow connected by acoustic parts. I also agree about the bass,

[Cain]

I actually very much dislike Wilson's vocal production on the OPeth albums. I felt that Mikael's voice has gotten a lot better, sure, since the earlier days... But that's because his voice has just gotten better (take GR for example compared to Orchid or Morningrise)... But the vocal production was just annoying when Wilson. You could hear Mikael's voice being better than it was... But there were qualities that were very annoying with Mikael's voice (namely, telephone voice).

Ehrm, this is the way it is on records. Of course they're going to tune up the vocals. As long as he hits the notes live (which he does) I don't see why you'd complain.

[Biancazzurri]

I agree whol heartedly. BRI is in my opinion lots of cool riffs thrown in and somehow connected by acoustic parts. I also agree about the bass,
****ing noobs' you have no idea about what are you talking. so shut the **** up

[Cain]

****ing noobs' you have no idea about what are you talking. so shut the **** up

What the hell is wrong with you?

[Darkness]

What the hell is wrong with you?
I'd also like to know. It's called an opinion buddy, maybe you've heard of that concept.

[UpperDecker]

****ing noobs' you have no idea about what are you talking. so shut the **** up

That statement actually made me laugh.

[Toaster]

Yeah, I think he's kidding. But if not, I'd love to have a discussion about it.

[Jude]

I like Black Rose Immortal, even if it is just a bunch of cool riffs thrown together. That's what all their early stuff is, anyway.

What's the "telephone voice?"

[Darkness]

I like Black Rose Immortal, even if it is just a bunch of cool riffs thrown together. That's what all their early stuff is, anyway.

What's the "telephone voice?"
The clean vox on the first few verses of The Drapery Falls I think.

[i am the robots]

The clean vox on the first few verses of The Drapery Falls I think.

Haha, that's what it sounds like.

[Darkness]

Haha, that's what it sounds like.
I like it, I think it adds to the drama. :)

[Jude]

I'm busting out Drapery now to see if I can see what you mean.

Edit....and I have no idea why those are "telephone" vocals.

[Pale-Folklore]

What the hell is wrong with you?

yo, who's your avatar?

(just curious)

:)

[Toaster]

I'm busting out Drapery now to see if I can see what you mean.

Edit....and I have no idea why those are "telephone" vocals.

It sounds lo-fi or something, like you're hearing him sing through a telephone.

[ElectricalStorm]

I'm busting out Drapery now to see if I can see what you mean.

Edit....and I have no idea why those are "telephone" vocals.

It has nothing to do with how the vocals are sung, just how they're produced. In the beginning of the Drapery Falls its ment to sound like Mikael is singing through a telephone. There are instances of telephone vocals on Porcupine Tree albums as well as Brittney Spears singles--so its safe to say that the method is pretty widespread.

yo, who's your avatar?

(just curious)

I'm going to guess that it's an average white girl.:p

[Darkness]

Oh man, did you guys read the latest update on the site? Those evening with Opeth dates would be incredible... songs from all the records starting with Orchid ending on GR... Damn I wish that was happening here.

[Jude]

Oh I see what telephone vocals refers to now. Yeah, I've heard that on loads of PT songs, but I don't hear it on Drapery.

[Toaster]

Songs never played before.. If I were anywhere close to those shows, I'd be there in a flash.

[Cain]

yo, who's your avatar?

(just curious)

:)

Her name is Faith.

[bucket]

Article for the lazy:

"Chronology MCMXCIV - MMV A live observation by Opeth"
Yes folks, that is the "title" for three exclusive gigs scheduled for NYC's Town hall centre (23/2), Chicago's House of blues (2/3) and LA's Wiltern theatre (14/3). These special seated events will consist of a chronologically played setlist, starting with music from the very first record "Orchid" and ending with vibes from the latest opus "Ghost reveries". These extended sets are exclusive to the three dates and there won't be any support bands on these nights. A good advice is to get your tickets quick as these are bound to sell out fast! Opeth and crew will also bring in extra production and screens in order to try and make this the ultimate Opeth live experience! The band promise a very varied setlist and songs never ever played before live! The setlist boasts no less than 4 songs that never before have been played on American soil and several others that haven't been played for years!

[Stormrider]

Songs never played before.. If I were anywhere close to those shows, I'd be there in a flash.

Wasnt Demon of the Fall a rare one before the recent tours ?
I could be wrong...

[rhcp pman]

It sounds lo-fi or something, like you're hearing him sing through a telephone.
They're Steven Wilson's telephone effect of vocals. I think it sounds rather good actually.

[Toaster]

Wasnt Demon of the Fall a rare one before the recent tours ?
I could be wrong...

I'm fairly sure they play it extremely frequently as an encore, or their last song.

They're Steven Wilson's telephone effect of vocals. I think it sounds rather good actually.

Yes I know, if you read I was explaining what the term "phone voice" refers to.

[Stormrider]

I'm fairly sure they play it extremely frequently as an encore, or their last song.

Ah okay then. Its what someone had told me...

[Flynn]

Wasnt Demon of the Fall a rare one before the recent tours ?
I could be wrong...


When I saw them in Minnesota, it was like the 3rd or 4th song. People in that place went crazy.

[Deth]

All of you bass haters :angry:.

Bet you're all disgrunted guitar players.

[Darkness]

Face it Deth, Guitar > Bass. :D

[Deth]

Never in a million years.

[Darkness]

I should have guessed you'd have a comment like that... you're nothing but a stubborn bass player. :p

[Deth]

Hey, me sticking up for the truth has nothing to do with me being stubborn. It's just a coincidence.

[Darkness]

Truth? Hardly. Bass is easily the weakest instrument in a band. Especially a metal band.

[Deth]

I can't really argue with that point, but c'mon, a good bass adds a lot to a band.

[Darkness]

Tr00f. But, once again Guitar > Bass. :D :D :D


:lol: I'm just bugging you dude... it's ok, a real instrument like guitar isn't for everyone.

[guitrguy]

Tr00f. But, once again Guitar > Bass. :D :D :D


:lol: I'm just bugging you dude... it's ok, a real instrument like guitar isn't for everyone.
I hope you dont believe that.

[Darkness]

Theres one Deth, someone who thinks we're serious. :lol:

[Deth]

Sucker!

As a rule, never take any conversation between me and DoG seriously.

[Darkness]

:lol: Yep.

[guitrguy]

O ok, as you know I dont post in here regularly.

[Pale-Folklore]

I'm fairly sure they play it extremely frequently as an encore, or their last song.



Yes I know, if you read I was explaining what the term "phone voice" refers to.

that's what i was getting at about the parts that sound like PT on damnation

i mean, i think ive heard that in alot of PT songs

[vashts80]

In My Time of Need and Hope Leaves both have that telephone effect on it. I think Master's Apprentices does too somewhere, but other than those, I can't really remember anymore of them. It sounds, like somebody said, like he's singing through a phone or something.

[Toaster]

:lol: Yep.

I just got your user title. I previously thought it was a meaningless allusion to the song. Clever! :thumb:

[Darkness]

I just got your user title. I previously thought it was a meaningless allusion to the song. Clever! :thumb:
Heh thanks, I was hopeing someone would comment on that. :p

[i am the robots]

I don't get it :confused:.

[Darkness]

Theres a Nevermore song called I am the Dog. My old user title was Darkness Of Greed, people called me DoG.

[Toaster]

'Sup DoG?

:p

[i am the robots]

Theres a Nevermore song called I am the Dog. My old user title was Darkness Of Greed, people called me DoG.

Wait... that's you? Why did you change your name? I like the older one... but yes, I get it now, :lol:.

[Darkness]

Heh Heh.


Anyways I changed it because I was hacked, so I made a new account, then just merged them. "Dunkelheit" actually does meen Darkness, so it's not to different. :p

[i am the robots]

Yes, but why the 509... I hate numbers in names unless it's all numbers.

[Jude]

Heh He