the official OPETH thread

whoa....as much as I do love all the Opeth albums I have....man this has me excited! I'm practically drooling. When is the release date again? I don't think it can be soon enough

There was a definite 70s vibe to Watershed, especially the tune "Burden." I got a very strong ELP influence on Mikael's vocal on that tune in particular. I can't wait for this!

QuothTheRaven wrote:

There was a definite 70s vibe to Watershed, especially the tune "Burden." I got a very strong ELP influence on Mikael's vocal on that tune in particular. I can't wait for this!

We should convince him to do a cover of "From The Beginning".

To be honest I really hoped they would take a direction similar to what was said a few posts back. The growling doesn't bother me at all, but lately I've gotten tired of it. Actual singing just sounds so much better, especially when it's done well. When I'm pissed I love me some of the crazier stuff, but Opeth aren't really crazy in the first place.

Shawn D. wrote:

QuothTheRaven wrote:

There was a definite 70s vibe to Watershed, especially the tune "Burden." I got a very strong ELP influence on Mikael's vocal on that tune in particular. I can't wait for this!

We should convince him to do a cover of "From The Beginning".

Oooooo! That would be awesome!

new song "The Devil's Orchard" is up for streaming now:

http://stereogum.com/766792/opeth-the-devils-orchard-stereogum-premiere/franchises/haunting-the-chapel/

Very much modern prog rock (not to be confused with prog metal).

Wow, that is a great track. I'm not wild about the lyrics, but the music is superb. Definitely sounds like Opeth, and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything without the death metal vocals.

Tur-Thalion wrote:

Wow, that is a great track. I'm not wild about the lyrics, but the music is superb. Definitely sounds like Opeth, and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything without the death metal vocals.

I know, it's still Opeth just no death vocals. Not wild about the lyrics either.

I think it's a concept album, the lyrics fit the song title, but we're hearing it out of context with the rest of the piece.

I agree with Shawn, it doesnt seem like Mikael is being anti-God, but it seems to me that the song is a narrative and that seemingly anti-God statements are just parts to a whole. I guess we will find out when the album is released.

GREAT song by the way. I am totally psyched for this album now.

I love this song.

Jesusandmetal23 wrote:

I agree with Shawn, it doesnt seem like Mikael is being anti-God, but it seems to me that the song is a narrative and that seemingly anti-God statements are just parts to a whole. I guess we will find out when the album is released.

GREAT song by the way. I am totally psyched for this album now.

I agree with this, plus I've listened to plenty of songs that are waaaay more offensive. The only problem is when family or someone else is in the car and they hear that line haha.

Got this on preorder... very excited hear it, and resisting the temptation to youtube it!!

Heard the whole album. Don't think there's one word sung in death-metal style. I'm not surprised by the style shift, but I expected them to evolve into it a bit slower. This is a pretty big leap, I think.

Though I admit, I'm not familiar with all their stuff.

I took a few listens to the album over the last couple of days and I can't believe I'd ever be saying this about a new Opeth album, but I don't like it much at all. I was super excited when I heard Mike was ditching the grunts for his singing voice, but man.....the songs don't gel for me at all. Its way to free form jazzy or disjointed sounding for me.

In fact I just trashed the downloaded files this morning.....yes...I tried before I buyed.

I'm of the exact opposite opinion, I think it's a brilliant record. The arrangements are superb and Steven Wilson's mix is impeccable. The album flows not unlike an early 70's King Crimson album, with lots of space and coloration in the songwriting.

I like all of Opeth's records, but this one comes closest to the type of music I love.

S.D. wrote:

I'm of the exact opposite opinion, I think it's a brilliant record. The arrangements are superb and Steven Wilson's mix is impeccable. The album flows not unlike an early 70's King Crimson album, with lots of space and coloration in the songwriting.

I like all of Opeth's records, but this one comes closest to the type of music I love.

It's the only Opeth album I have heard all the way through and I think it is fantastic!!!!!!

I'm really looking forward to this one.

Been listening to the new opeth a lot today.

Having been a fan since morning rise I have to say it was a surprise not to hear any death vocals but I don't think the album suffered for it at all. I don't know if it's the fact my tastes have been leaning heavily towards prog music over the last few years but boy am I enjoying this album.

Very arthur Brown 70's vibe going on. I have a feeling the death vocals will return as a few bands I like seem to have the odd album with none then use them again later.

Seeing opeth live in November, cannot wait. Awesome stuff.

This album reminded me of Damnation, but has a very different vibe. Way more jazzy. I expected a lot more distortion still, but I'm not disappointed at all.

I think it's a fantastic record, writing, playing, arranging and recording. The whole thing is very organic and you can tell Mikael really feels this material.

In the "making of" documentary he mentions that the first two songs he wrote for this album were very heavy metallic tracks....but that he "just wasn't feeling it", so he deleted those songs and started anew. The first song written was "Lines In My Hand" which sets the tone perfectly for the album.

The band seems genuinly inspired by the material and all the members put in stellar performances. Steven Wilson's mix brings out the bass more than in the past and the drums actually sound like drums. I love the guitar sound on this record, very natural with minimal distortion.

The "bonus tracks" on the DVD are excellent, Pyre being a particular standout.

I really hope it's a new direction for the band, but knowing Opeth no two records will sound the same. They had a trademark heavy-light style for a while but have slowly faded it out through the years.

A couple performances on Swedish TV. "Pyre" (one of the bonus tracks) and Nepenthe from Heritage. (both slightly shortened versions)

I am only just now listening to Heritage...about halfway through...it sounds amazing so far. Can't wait to fully digest it...

OK, a couple of spins into Heritage now...I think it's brilliant!!!!