I love that she's really analyzing the reasoning behind why he sings things the way he does and if you ask Mikael directly he'd probably be like "Ah it's because my singing is shit."
He’s so humble and self conscious but that makes it even better because he absolutely shines with talent and is a unique person which always brings out art.
He's like that smart guy in your school that always get good grades and everybody think as a genius, but he always say something like "Nah, I didn't study last night. I have no idea. It's just pure luck."
There was a band from NZ called the Datsuns. The lead singer has a unique style. They asked him how he developed his style and he said "cos i can't sing for shit" lol
@@generaldoof7334 Yeah, Deliverance is great, but has to be a bottom-tier choice for a vocal-focused reaction. Opeth's got dozens of songs that would be more interesting to have dissected in this manner.
What I love about Micke is that if he saw this, his reaction would be "Oh hey! She's making it sound like I know what I'm doing, that's cool." Which is the most Swedish reaction you can have to compliments.
Mikael said himself that his lyrics should not be taken too seriously and not be looked into too deeply. He even said that lyrics are a "necessary evil" when writing music. Edit: I know realize that you were referring to her analysis of his elongated vowel and consonant sounds as well. You are right, Mikael was probably just messing around with pronouncing the words to make it sound cool.
@@sollyross998 Yeah I mean Maynard says the same shit, but you look at the lyrics and you're like "Yeah, I'm not buying the edgy lackadaisical attitude, my guy." For comparison, there are plenty of bands with a clear disdain for editing past the "rough draft" stage.
Two things worth noting here: 1 - This song is the second last song in a three--hour performance, and he still sounds that good. 2 - The song is the middle chapter in a concept album that tells the story of someone dealing with guilt. The album is called Ghost Reveries and it opens with Ghost Of Perdition too. One of the few albums I never skip a track on. I enjoyed this. Great video.
I think the album is about someone killing his mother to gain the favor of the devil and then running away. He becomes absorbed with guilt as he has to accept it wasn't the devil's fault but entirely his
Harvest is such a boring and stale composition, a 6 minute song with barely enough material for a 3 minute ballad. I appreciate that the long drawn performance is fitting with the atmosphere of the record, and it's not a bad track in that context but it's far from being one of their essential tracks for any content creators to single out and give their take on.
It is so good to see Opeth and this track finally get the recognition it deserves. The complexity in their musical composition along with the "feel" of the composition is not only misleading, it's borderline mysterious in where it is leading you as your listening. As is the ambiance of their entire discography, their albums feel as if they lead you into a forest, leave you there and force you to find your way home. You really need to listen to this album as a whole. The songs taken out of context are works of art by themselves, but as an album.... it's a masterpiece.
The ending represents getting lost in the forest and coming across the same trees over and over again. And the syncopated hits are like his terrified and panicked heartbeats
Actually it doesn't represent a shit. It's just what Mikael wanted to play. He says, most of his songs doesn't mean anything, even the most emotional song of him. Sorry to kill the vibe. Good day.
@@ogulcanyolcu8714 What Mikael says and what he does usually contradicts itself. He says their songs don't mean anything but almost always the music matches the mood and the story of the song. Thus, the music Opeth plays make the listener feel the story even if Mikael says otherwise
@@TheCharismaticVoice Just wanted to let you know that when it comes to Mikael and his growls, you so far have been hearing those vocals at their worst. This performance here is known for when he started to lose strength in those vocals. When you get around to pre-2010 performances you'll see what I mean. He stopped doing those vocals on their albums ever since. I'd suggest live performances from two of their DVDs, The Roundhouse Tapes and Lamentations.
@@TheCharismaticVoice Also, Mikael elongating the 's',...you should watch an interview with him and you'd hear he does the same when he talks. So I don't think it's overly intentional for him when singing.
I absolutely love .... love........LOVE the way you treat each song with respect and understanding of what the artist might be trying to convey!! Even if it’s not your favorite type of music. The attention to detail in your reactions Really sets you apart as a reactor and your honesty really shines through!!
Opeths entire Blackwater Park album is worth your time. I just imagine being in highschool finding it and being like WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SWEDISH GENIUS EXPERIENCE
My first Opeth experience was on Myspace browsing through QOTSA's top 8 friends they had at the time (2006). The more I browsed through, the darker the music got and at the same time beautiful. But I didn't return to them until 2012 when I stumbled across Shepherd's Hall London Album on Spotify.
I was in high school when BWP came out too. My first Opeth experience was hearing "When" on a Century Media sampler. I thought it was cool, a different take on death metal, and had it on in the background. When I realized it was 9 minutes later and it was the same song, I was kind of blown away. This was right around the time Blackwater Park was about to be released so I went and bought My Arms, Your Hearse and then Blackwater Park the week it came out, and they've been one of my favorite bands ever since.
Now imagine you're having a conversation with a friend, your friend puts on Orchid, and you just zone out and stop talking for an hour because you've literally never heard anything like it before. Because there wasn't. The closest was Edge of Sanity, at the time.
Coming over from MCore, the song that got me into progM is Dream Theater's Dance of Eternity 😂 I've been searching more bands like DT and I think Opeth is something similar
The story of this song is a continuation from Ghost of Perdition where he murders his mother at the devil's behest and the guilt and regret he feels. Ghost Reveries was initially intended to be a concept album, with numerous tracks linking together a story of a man's turmoil after committing an unconscionable act, symbolised by killing his own mother. However, Mikael Åkerfeldt commented: "I had intended to do a occult concept piece lyrically and got off to a great start with some downright evil lyrics like "The Baying of the Hounds" and "Ghost of Perdition", then I did "Isolation Years" which had nothing to do with the intended concept but I liked it so much I decided to ease up on the concept idea in favour of this one lyric. Why I decided on a occult theme? Well, I've always been intrigued by it, especially Satanism and stuff like that. I studied some books that oddly enough my wife had in her collection like "Servants of Satan" as well as "Witchcraft and Sorcery" + some more. I figured it'd be interesting to see what a mature 31 year old mind would make of this subject as opposed to the 16 year old kid who used to pose in front of his Bathory poster. I'm quite happy with them to be honest, and they're ... evil!" - Akerfeldt "Death becomes a Jest" means that death is no escape to his guilt - he will be going to hell when he dies and his torment will continue. The Harlequin mocks him "oh you want to die?, you can never escape what you have done, go ahead, die, I will see you soon >:)" I see "they are the trees, rotten pulp inside and never well" as he thought he could escape into the forest to outrun his sin, but his seclusion and flight from his deeds infects the forest and the devil will not allow his torment to end. To me this is the essence of the title "Harlequin Forest' - he thought he could run away and hide from what he has done but even the forest mocks and torments him, there is no escape from what he has done. This is my all time favorite Opeth song, I could literally talk for hours on just this song :)
@@TheCharismaticVoice Opeth's live sets can vary wildly - sometimes they play through an entire album (usually for an anniversary or new album cycle) and then do a second set of "best of". Opeth have a couple concept albums, namely Still Life and My Arms Your Hearse, although many of their albums (and songs in general) have interlinked concepts, narratives, and themes.
Absolutely 100% agree, here - all time favorite Opeth song, and favorite album as well. I didn't know those details about what he said in that interview, though - I feel lame for that, being such an intense fan and all! Very cool to hear him speak with interest and positivity towards the occult, and to know more about his intentions with the incorporation of such themes. Thank you...I love to see these insights. I've tended to focus more on their musicianship itself rather than lyrical background; although of course that's a vital part of it all too. I should expand my gaze a bit it seems...
Best band ever imo. Mikaels growls are inhuman and his clean singing is beautiful. Perfect for Opeths music that switches so often from death metal to acoustic passages. Edit: As far as lyrics go, this was part of a concept album that was eventually scrapped, the story is still there within the album though just out of order track wise. Opeth also really likes to make the listener feel uneasy by doing strange rhythms and playing them for longer than you would expect to keep the listener on edge.
My favorite band ever. I have seen them over 20 times and they've always been amazing. So glad to have seen them at New England Metalfest and it's cool that it shows me headbanging and signing along to them during "The Drapery Falls." So many favorites "When" "The Moor" "Drapery Falls" "Deliverance" and "Harlequin Forest" are up there for me. This is such a great song.
@Brit Sehnsucht It's because Mikael wrote the song Isolation Years and loved it so much he had to put it on the album even though it wasn't part of the concept.
Please please please check out "Vrain" by "Hamferd", it's a Faroese doom metal band and the song has the biggest difference between the beauty of the clean vocals and harshness of the growls that I know. People mention Akerfeld in the comments of how good it is
"The Drapery Falls" is another amaaazing song. Makes you feel so many feelings. Its almost like a lullaby at times. Id love to watch your analysis on it :)
That was the first song I ever heard by them. I was stunned, enchanted; I couldn't believe how magical the atmosphere it created was, and how immersively it drew me into it. It does make you feel so many feelings. Masterful stuff
You exposed me to Opeth in the first video, Ghost of Perdition. I've become quite a big fan since, hoping to travel to Europe for the first time ever and see them live!!!
How I love re-discovering my favourite songs through your always pertinent, in-depth analysis. Thank you for being so musically open-minded, it really is a treat to watch your journey through the shaded woods of metal :)
Awesome analysis thank you Elizabeth! Ive seen Opeth live twice and met them too! Mikael seems like such a nice, chill, laid back guy in person. Theyve been my favorite band for years, every song is like this one, in the way that theres all these layers and different feelings. Such a talented group of guys.
Yeah, I gotcha guys. I'm here for sure. But man, these guys used to bring the pain 20 years ago. It was great. But I am not normal. I am a forty year old that loves metal.
When it comes to growls, Mikael is king. Quite awesome when you realize his clean singing voice is contrastingly beautiful. Most bands try to do this and fall short.
Opeth beautifully weaves their lyrics so well through their riffs in a way I’ve never heard before. They have such a unique sound. Their lyrics are so deep and meaningful; so existential and so human. These deep existential themes conflict throughout their songs. You can hear it as Michael screams but then sings beautifully a moment later to show that existential dichotomy. He has this way of delivering the lyrics alongside the melody to complete this full picture of what is happening. It’s late and I butchered this, but they’re one of the few metal bands that can just bring me to tears as the music is just so beautiful yet dark, ghostly yet alive; the battle within ourselves. You go through this mysterious depressing yet uplifting journey that seems like it has an ending but then ends with this very unsettling vibe to it. Almost as if the lyrics are telling you that you have only just begun. The snake/dragon eating it’s tail. As soon as you go through the journey, “It’s only just begunnnnn.”
Opeth is something you can’t ever forget if you really love music. Some people remember harsh vocals and syncopated rhythms, some remember the journey they had, almost visual, theatrical in some way. Not a lot of non-fans know that Akerfeldt started as a not-so-good bassist but then found himself as a unique vocalist and a great composer. From the first ever Opeth record people started to recognize their style as a Progressive Death Metal to distinguish it from the more common at the time, straightforward death metal. They already had all the features you can hear in this particular song: clear vocals, chiming acoustic guitar, calm and bittersweet melodies. If it wasn’t for that, they wouldn’t have been working with one of the most valuable adepts of progressive rock, Steven Wilson. And this period in their career has developed their style, quenched and tempered it. Akerfeldt started to investigate his jazzy vocal style after that. This particular song is from their first after-Wilson album, and really close to the period when they shifted from death metal to fusion jazz/rock territory, letting the features listed above truly bloom and develop. I suggest you explore their path more thoroughly to truly understand the development of Mikael’s (yes, not Michael but Mikael) voice and composing skill. From iconic things from their first albums, through Steven Wilson production to the very recent times. My own list, in order of time (things parenthesized are the most exceptional): Apostle in Triumph Black Rose Immortal To Bid You Farewell (as far as I know, the first one with completely clear vocals) Demons of the Fall Remember Tomorrow (Iron Maiden cover, just check how Mikael’s voice added bitter sweetness to the song) The Moor Benighted (this one has really nice music and soft vocals) Harvest (almost completely acoustic, with clear vocals only) Drapery Falls (one of the most beautiful songs of them) Deliverance A Fair Judgement (if I remember correctly, it also has completely clear vocals) Windowpane To Rid The Disease Ghost of Perdition Harlequin Forest (these two are here just to point out their place in timeline) Coil (Mikael’s training in vocals made it to this point, one of the most significant songs preceding the fusion period) Burden Porcelain Heart Hessian Peel The Devil’s Orchard (from their first fusion album) Slither Famine Eternal Rains Will Come (really jazzy one) Elysian Woes Faith in Others The Wilde Flowers (on the Sorceress album the band started to sound heavier again but they kept rock organ in most of their songs) Will o the Wisp (another acoustic masterpiece) Spring I know, the list turned out to be a little too big. But it should illustrate how their development in style evolved through time. These are for your personal experience but maybe some of them will make it into another video of yours :)
This is the first time I've heard Opeth because, frankly, I was sure I wouldn't like them. Boy was I wrong! Now I need to hear a lot more. Once again, thanks, Elizabeth, for introducing me to someone new and helping me understand/appreciate them.
Ghost Reveries and Damnation are so good. You're in for a wild ride! Damnation for when you want some laid-back, pink floyd-ish music. Ghost Reveries for when you don't.
Their last album has some of the most intense vocal performances ever, truly beautiful and powerful. You should listen to "All things will pass", really touching song
Opeth is my all-time favorite Prog metal band, because they are so complex. I've been following them for about 15 years on and off. I keep coming back and I'll spend months infatuated by all of there albums from Damnation to present. They're music takes you on a journey into light and dark crevices of the soul and brings them to the surface. They help me work through my depression. It's quite healing believe it or not. Additionally, I may not have the education you have to pick out the process in which they perform but love to listen to your critique, describing what seems like alchemy to me. You have increased my respect for their abundant talent that I could certainly sense but couldn't quite understand before.. Thanks..
Please react to the "The Drapery Falls" - live at Shepherd's Bush Empire, London! An incredible combination of clean and guttural vocals, with Mikael's voice at its peak!
This song holds the record for me of most consecutive goosebumps moments. So beautiful. And now an extra dimension was added by Elisabeth by pointing out things I've never actually paid attention to in this song.
I’ve loved Opeth’s music for years now. I know that his compositions are brilliant, but I don’t have the musical background to explain why, it’s just *feels* brilliant when I listen. You so eloquently put into words why the music is brilliant. I value your videos immensely, please continue with Opeth. Maybe Blackwater Park.
Opeth is a band that just keeps blowing your mind almost 20 years after the first time you hear their music. The ending to this song makes my skin crawl, my thoughts darken and my fist tightens! It's such a powerfull riff! Love your reactions as usual! Keep up the great work :)
BY FAR one of my favorite Opeth songs. Ive heard it a billion times and every time its like the first time. when i first heard the song, it struck me as a person struggling with this inner being telling them that the people around them couldn't survive without ridiculing them. the ups and downs in tempo, being that peaks and valleys of ones inner mental states. the ending being that battle lost, allowing the listener to hear that the evil won, changing the course of what you were hearing. I LOVE OPETH \m/
I keep watching your videos simply because I get a kick out of how super excited you get by listening to all these different rock and metal bands(nothing like I would ever expect by an opera singer (Kudos on that major achievement in itself) and giving such an in depth response to the songs). Looking forward to watching many more to come.
Opeth lyrics, pre Sorceress, were almost all written by Mike immediately before he recorded the vocals - a process he described as unimaginably stressful. They read like epic poetry and he's literally making it up as he goes because he absolutely has to. Insane. And yes, they're good enough that he could probably sell them as collections in their own right.
I know I already commented during the premiere, but here's a recommendation: Therion - Clavicula Nox - The Miskolc Experience Lori Lewis is your countrymate and an Opera Soprano which is just incredible. They have many many cool songs, but I guess this would really be up your alley, given your background.
By far my favorite Opeth song. Severely underrepresented in their catalog and always admired the deepness of the lyrics. Glad you dove into that. Mikaela voice is amazing.
Interesting analysis Elizabeth! I was brought up on classical and always enjoyed pieces that 'paint a picture', leaving the listener to interpret the music in their own way. Composers like Vivaldi or Dvorak (Slavonic Dance Op. 46/8 for example) who could take the listener through all states of emotion, from calm to crazy and back. I think that's why I (and a lot of others) are drawn to this type of music. I don't necessarily need the lyrics to enjoy a piece. The vocals are an instrument and harmony, just as much as the specific lyrical content. Like you say, you can interpret it any way you like. When I was younger, kids would say, how can you listen to that raaahhh raahhhh noise, but they wouldn't understand that the lyrics are not meant to be the sole focus of the artistic license in the same way pop music is created. Like you correctly say Elizabeth, the growling can also be incredibly relaxing if listened to correctly - for example, I would happily relax and fall asleep to the album 'Heartwork' by Carcass, as his voice is almost like white noise, engraved into harmonised guitars. You don't need to dive under the water, just float on top of it - i.e. don't try and focus too much on any particular element, but rather the composition as a whole. It takes you on a journey, it can take you into another world, in a way that only progressive music styles can. Thanks again for your sharing your educated and personal thoughts on this! Forgot to mention - I went to this performance at the Royal Albert Hall and they were amazing as they always are, but the acoustics in that place made that particular event extra special :)
I could listen to beautiful women talk about Opeth all day. Opeth has been my favorite band for years. Their music has cradled my heart with their beautiful melodies and dark aggressive riffs and lyrics. The duality of their music, the Grim a celluloid has always made me a huge fan. Watching your expressions and hearing how Mikael's words and the band's music touches you is so gosh darn refreshing. Thank you so much for this video. Please, cover more Opeth.
One of the first things I shared with my now fiancé was Opeth. They've been so intertwined with my life for this past decade, similar to how you describe it - so it was quite personal to share them and explain what it means to me. I went on to him about their musical genius, how powerful and beautiful and uniquely GOOD the vast majority of their works are; how blackwater park and ghost reveries and watershed and such are simply masterpieces. I got him into the band bit by bit, it took him a minute but now he deeply respects and enjoys their music as well. A lot of women who appreciate things like this are out here. Although it does take someone with the intelligence to perceive all these things about music, and the love of art to want to do so in the first place. People who are really able to feel and to think about their feelings, too; whether man or woman. At least that's how it seems to me.
opeth is one of those few bands that make me wish I could relive my discovery of their music. hearing songs like this for the first time is mindblowing. pure poetry
I've seen them live a few times and I think I can safely say it's been the nicest, most laid back metal shows I've ever been to🙂 Mikael is super chill, talks a lot of bs between the songs and makes the whole experience quite different from most other bands I've had the pleasure to experience in a live setting🙂
You, my dear, have figured out the joys of Opeth! I can tell you’re intrigued. Your analysis and interpretations are on point! Please dive deeper into the rabbit hole! You’ll become a full on Opethian!
Analysis of this is awesome, everyone watches these videos and talks about the music, and no one talks about the incredible versatility, range, and smoothness of his voice. He's amazing, the vocals are just as impressive as every other part of their songs, if not more. I love all the comments too, all of us as Opeth fan's know EXACTLY how he'd react hearing you say these things. He's so gentle and humble, he'd just play it off like he thought thats what sounded good or whatever, and that he's really not that great... When in reality he's a musical mastermind. I don't know if he just pretends, or if he genuinely has just got such an incredible natural talent and ear, and heard so much music, that he can come up with such amazing sections everywhere. Everything is so purposeful. Opeth is hands down right up there with the most talented metal bands ever
The middle section of this song is just pure magic, and the outro isn't half bad either (though nothing tops their song *Deliverance* in that regard :D). Really looking forward to your analysis!
Loved this review of Opeth’s song. They are a very special band ! … and your face at the ending part was priceless … thank you! Some Opeth recommendation : Hessian Peel and The Lotus Eater from the album Watershed
Akerfeldt's growl is the creme de la creme of guttural vocals. He's consistent, powerful and has a pristine diction that is really, REALLY difficult to have when growling.
This is one of my favorite Opeth tracks. I was pumped to see your reaction to not only Mikael's voice, but to the last minute of the track. It is viscerally unnerving, and a counting nightmare. I was lucky enough to hear them do this live, and it's even more impressive in person. Glad that you touched on his lyrics, they are always powerful.
The neat thing about it is that if you watch them, they’re practically relaxing into the offbeats. There’s hardly any body tension, they’re probably internally counting in half time, the comfortability with playing those accents makes it all seem normal. That feeling is wonderful, it’s the point where you’re going “all right, all the tough stuff is done, now we can relax on these repeats.”
This has been one of my favourite songs for almost 7 years now, and your interpretation seems like it should be one that resonates with me -- and yet I never caught it until you brought it up. That's brilliant.
Came back to watch this video only because your reactions to growl are always GOLD I love all the technical details you can pull out of these video. Thanks again :)
YES!!!! This song has been on repeat for me this past week!! Both Opeth songs you have analyzed are off the same album, hmmm.... this will be great, I can’t wait. Thank you!
Dear Elizabeth! Today I discovered your channel and at first I was smiling at you….just another „Reaction - on“-channel. But the I got a little closer to what you are doing there and I was quite surprised about a very successful opera singer, that gives comments on rock classicals like Child In Time and so on. But this one here, yes, now I am lacking the right words, but you are simply a wonder, young lady! How can it be, that you can go inside an Opeth song so close? You are a really music loving human being. Shall I tell you, that in 2019, I have been to Bayreuth at the Wagner Festspielhaus to see the Lohengrin and quite a few weeks later I attended an Opeth Gig in Cologne, Germany? And what shall I say? Nobody understood me so far that I found out connections between the two different music styles of E- and U-Music. But I did. And now someone like you offers me a harbour of my world of music that somehow belongs together. I appreciate for what you are doing there and you sense and love for music. I wanna say thank you and so I gave you a like and an abo. Kindest regards, BERNHARD
@@felipeostrufkmelo3641 Pena? Aquele é o melhor dvd deles justamente por isso. Primeira metade totalmente acústica e segunda metade com distorção é ideal pra um show do Opeth.
I've seen them live about 10 times between 2005 and 2019. But in these new blurays Mikael growls are really a lot worse than what I've heard, used to and always loved.
That Darren Korb reference surprised me. He's one of my favorite video game soundtrack artists. Definitely worth a lookup to those unfamiliar. Great stuff as always, Elizabeth!
What a comprehensive analysis, it really opened up the song for me in a completely novel way. This channel totally fine-tunes my understanding of already cool songs!
I've always looked at this era of Opeths vocal as a sort of back and forth between the conscience. Like the old cartoons with the angel and devil sitting on the shoulder.
I feel that is the power of Opeths music...The Ying and Yang it displays is a refection of reality , whether it's human perception or the true function of nature..
I absolutely adore that you understand the art of this music. Even to the point of appreciating the artistically evocative intent of a section that makes you feel uncomfortable. Ma'am... You totally rock! 🤘
Omg yes yes yes gotta remind her in this live recording the lead singer has 1 lung. So amazing. One of my all time favorite songs in metal. Sits right next to Opeth. Something about that scandinavian metal man!!
@@davidramirezrodriguez3373 Jari got 2 lungs, however he is indeed missing something like 1/4 or 1/3 from one of his lungs, due to him getting tuberculosis during military service. If my memory serves me correctly, his lung operation was what inspired him to write song Death and the Healing on the debut Wintersun album
20:57 is what i came to see.. That smile.. There are many reaction videos on Harlequin Forest and everyone have that moment where they feel sooo good and have a smile on their face at that part.. The main reason i love Opeth btw.. The masters of transition.
I’ve really always thought that Opeth planned each note out for a reason. They write out a storyline and seem to fit music around it. A very rare group of musicians
Nice reaction. Enjoy seeing your interpretations of Opeth music. I have always felt that Opeth creates music that can impact you physically. Something with their compositions will make you "feel" unnerved, uneasy, uplifted or inspired, always. Songs like Hessien Peel on the Watershed album will take you on a journey from nostalgic beauty to a unforeseen nightmare, musically. Few musicians can create music that can summon such hair raising reactions. And that's before you even interpret the lyrics. Amazing. Give Hessien Peel a look (studio version) for a real musical journey. Thank you.
I also do think it's pretty important to point out the fact that this was performed at the end of a 2½ hour concert where over half the songs involved a lot of screaming!
I love the fact that you’re geeking out to them! We all geek out to these world class musicians. It would be awesome to see you as a guest singer with a metal band!
One of the best, if not THE best experimental metal bands out there. What can you say about Metal music? 38 years listening and even now, metal never stops to amaze me.
Wow!! I had such a great time enjoying this journey of a song with you. This is one of my favorite opeth songs and your reactions and analysis of the lyrics were so great! 🤘🏼
Mikael has said many times that the essence of Opeth is contrasts--in volume, tempo, style, vocals, you name it, and you can hear it all here.. When you reflect on the shifts in mood and feeling in this song across soooo much terrain of that forest, you begin to sense this is a band that really takes you on a subtle, complex journey with every song. Across their albums Mikael is always changing and always experimenting--much like his friend Steven Wilson, who produced this album. Opeth transcends descriptions and genre. They are truly original and uncompromising.
Really hope you can check out King Diamond one day, suggest "Black Horsemen" live at The Fillmore, Philadelphia. Jaw drop incoming! You won't have heard anything like it before... I'll add that King had triple bypass heart surgery in 2010 only 54 years young, and this concert was in 2015 almost exactly to the day 5 years later. Cheers!
So excited to see you do another video on my favorite band. Your analysis was amazing and its exciting to see how you interpret a song that I have listened to so many times; It made the song feel new in a sense. The jarring chaotic ending is my favorite part of the song I thought it was hilarious watching your reaction. There is no band that does weird, eerie and dark better than Opeth. I love your channel thank you for the awesome video!
Her: "this song has so many meanings, dark atmosphere and look this riff, they played this for so long to symbolize searching for something..." Me: " it makes me chill a bit, you know, relax a little bit."
Such a great interpretation of this amazing song! I hope you continue to go down the Opeth road and listen to more, they have so many great songs to hear... depth upon layers and its really great to hear someone like you be able to peel back each layer and put some thought behind each one!
I remember when I discovered your channel and Opeth by this video year ago, Opeth became my favourite band and Charismatic voice favourite reaction channel since that moment. maybe you want to react to more Opeth, if yes I am proposing song "Isolation years" without harsh vocals and distorted guitars but beautyfull singing and lyrics. Greetings from Poland (sorry for my bad English)
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Hi Elizabeth, as an Opeth and Porcupine Tree(Steven Wilson) fan, I would like to ask you to listen to Storm Corrosion album made by Steven Wilson and Mikael Åkerfeldt(Opeth's Vocalist and guitarist), especially songs that you might like are; Hag, Happy, Storm Corrosion, and finally you might like Mikael's beautiful voice in Ljudet Innan song. Let us know please if you like it :D, cheers and love from Turkey.
Yes. yes I do. I feel I may finally rid myself of the cover musician's bane - 'the impostor syndrome' if I pay attention to your observations! Plus you make it so fun! I want to sing like ME, and with Mikel's effortlessness and I think you are on to some great points! I cant help but like a woman who can hear he genius of Opeth either! I'll try to contribute when I hit some new stuff. The look on your face is how I feel about Opeth, so..SOLD 😏 Thank you for the effort you put in, Elizabeth
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So do you listen to Opeth recreationally now or what?
You should listen to "When" next.
I love that she's really analyzing the reasoning behind why he sings things the way he does and if you ask Mikael directly he'd probably be like "Ah it's because my singing is shit."
He’s so humble and self conscious but that makes it even better because he absolutely shines with talent and is a unique person which always brings out art.
Yeah it’s funny. He gives such lame reasons for such complicated elements in their songs.. even during interviews..
He's like that smart guy in your school that always get good grades and everybody think as a genius, but he always say something like "Nah, I didn't study last night. I have no idea. It's just pure luck."
There was a band from NZ called the Datsuns. The lead singer has a unique style. They asked him how he developed his style and he said "cos i can't sing for shit" lol
We really watch too many of the same videos😂
Guys, we might have reached the point where Elizabeth will react to Deliverance by Opeth. May the mighty metal gods be blessed !
One of us one of us! Gooble gobble gooble gobble! We accept her we accept her!
Deliverance is a fantastic song but i don't know that it's in her wheelhouse.
@@generaldoof7334 agreed
Yes, please! For me Deliverance is best metal song ever written... ;)
@@generaldoof7334 Yeah, Deliverance is great, but has to be a bottom-tier choice for a vocal-focused reaction. Opeth's got dozens of songs that would be more interesting to have dissected in this manner.
What I love about Micke is that if he saw this, his reaction would be "Oh hey! She's making it sound like I know what I'm doing, that's cool." Which is the most Swedish reaction you can have to compliments.
The elongated s's are sth he'd explain equally stoic: "not a stylistic choice, mostly my accent"
Spot on.
Mikael said himself that his lyrics should not be taken too seriously and not be looked into too deeply. He even said that lyrics are a "necessary evil" when writing music.
Edit: I know realize that you were referring to her analysis of his elongated vowel and consonant sounds as well. You are right, Mikael was probably just messing around with pronouncing the words to make it sound cool.
@@sollyross998 The artist's intent is just the beginning of the possibilities. Free your mind, Neo. 😉
@@sollyross998 Yeah I mean Maynard says the same shit, but you look at the lyrics and you're like "Yeah, I'm not buying the edgy lackadaisical attitude, my guy."
For comparison, there are plenty of bands with a clear disdain for editing past the "rough draft" stage.
"Smooth jazz or forrest monster." That's the best description of of Mikael's voice I've ever heard, I think.
Omg. Whoever requested this, bless you. One of my all time favs!
That was me. Your welcome. 😎
One of my favorites too..cant wait
@@akarm5000 Nice!
@@akarm5000 I want to thank you, too^^
Two things worth noting here:
1 - This song is the second last song in a three--hour performance, and he still sounds that good.
2 - The song is the middle chapter in a concept album that tells the story of someone dealing with guilt. The album is called Ghost Reveries and it opens with Ghost Of Perdition too. One of the few albums I never skip a track on.
I enjoyed this. Great video.
I've never skipped a single Opeth song...I listen to whole albums like 1 song haha
I think the album is about someone killing his mother to gain the favor of the devil and then running away. He becomes absorbed with guilt as he has to accept it wasn't the devil's fault but entirely his
I saw Opeth and The Charismatic Voice and I clicked immediately.
"Hope Leaves" is so gentle and emotional and would be a PERFECT next Opeth song to dig into
I'd love to hear "Harvest" by Opeth. It's one of their calmer songs and its beautiful.
Seconded
Thirded
Harvest is such a boring and stale composition, a 6 minute song with barely enough material for a 3 minute ballad. I appreciate that the long drawn performance is fitting with the atmosphere of the record, and it's not a bad track in that context but it's far from being one of their essential tracks for any content creators to single out and give their take on.
You know, I wouldn't mind one from Damnation, like In My Time of Need. It's just so different from the rest of their work.
Stay with me a while 🎶
It is so good to see Opeth and this track finally get the recognition it deserves. The complexity in their musical composition along with the "feel" of the composition is not only misleading, it's borderline mysterious in where it is leading you as your listening. As is the ambiance of their entire discography, their albums feel as if they lead you into a forest, leave you there and force you to find your way home.
You really need to listen to this album as a whole. The songs taken out of context are works of art by themselves, but as an album.... it's a masterpiece.
The ending represents getting lost in the forest and coming across the same trees over and over again. And the syncopated hits are like his terrified and panicked heartbeats
Actually it doesn't represent a shit. It's just what Mikael wanted to play. He says, most of his songs doesn't mean anything, even the most emotional song of him. Sorry to kill the vibe. Good day.
@@ogulcanyolcu8714 What Mikael says and what he does usually contradicts itself. He says their songs don't mean anything but almost always the music matches the mood and the story of the song. Thus, the music Opeth plays make the listener feel the story even if Mikael says otherwise
Those hits were amazing in every way. I wasn't expecting the emotional draw that reverberated through my senses. Very well done by them!
@@TheCharismaticVoice Just wanted to let you know that when it comes to Mikael and his growls, you so far have been hearing those vocals at their worst. This performance here is known for when he started to lose strength in those vocals. When you get around to pre-2010 performances you'll see what I mean. He stopped doing those vocals on their albums ever since. I'd suggest live performances from two of their DVDs, The Roundhouse Tapes and Lamentations.
@@TheCharismaticVoice Also, Mikael elongating the 's',...you should watch an interview with him and you'd hear he does the same when he talks. So I don't think it's overly intentional for him when singing.
One of the most epic ending riffs. Unbelievable musicianship.
I absolutely love .... love........LOVE the way you treat each song with respect and understanding of what the artist might be trying to convey!! Even if it’s not your favorite type of music. The attention to detail in your reactions Really sets you apart as a reactor and your honesty really shines through!!
Thank you, Rich!
Opeths entire Blackwater Park album is worth your time. I just imagine being in highschool finding it and being like WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS SWEDISH GENIUS EXPERIENCE
My first Opeth experience was on Myspace browsing through QOTSA's top 8 friends they had at the time (2006). The more I browsed through, the darker the music got and at the same time beautiful. But I didn't return to them until 2012 when I stumbled across Shepherd's Hall London Album on Spotify.
Yesssss...!!!!! Masterpiece
I was in high school when BWP came out too. My first Opeth experience was hearing "When" on a Century Media sampler. I thought it was cool, a different take on death metal, and had it on in the background. When I realized it was 9 minutes later and it was the same song, I was kind of blown away. This was right around the time Blackwater Park was about to be released so I went and bought My Arms, Your Hearse and then Blackwater Park the week it came out, and they've been one of my favorite bands ever since.
Now imagine you're having a conversation with a friend, your friend puts on Orchid, and you just zone out and stop talking for an hour because you've literally never heard anything like it before. Because there wasn't. The closest was Edge of Sanity, at the time.
Blackwater Park is my favourite Opeth album, it's perfect.
The song that got me into Opeth. And progressive metal as a whole -- still my favorite genre 15 years later!
He too, this and Ghosts of Perdition.
Did you notice the beginning rhythm is similar to the ending of Deliverance?
Coming over from MCore, the song that got me into progM is Dream Theater's Dance of Eternity 😂 I've been searching more bands like DT and I think Opeth is something similar
Yeah progressive metal/death metal/rock are just the best when done right.
The story of this song is a continuation from Ghost of Perdition where he murders his mother at the devil's behest and the guilt and regret he feels.
Ghost Reveries was initially intended to be a concept album, with numerous tracks linking together a story of a man's turmoil after committing an unconscionable act, symbolised by killing his own mother. However, Mikael Åkerfeldt commented:
"I had intended to do a occult concept piece lyrically and got off to a great start with some downright evil lyrics like "The Baying of the Hounds" and "Ghost of Perdition", then I did "Isolation Years" which had nothing to do with the intended concept but I liked it so much I decided to ease up on the concept idea in favour of this one lyric. Why I decided on a occult theme? Well, I've always been intrigued by it, especially Satanism and stuff like that. I studied some books that oddly enough my wife had in her collection like "Servants of Satan" as well as "Witchcraft and Sorcery" + some more. I figured it'd be interesting to see what a mature 31 year old mind would make of this subject as opposed to the 16 year old kid who used to pose in front of his Bathory poster. I'm quite happy with them to be honest, and they're ... evil!" - Akerfeldt
"Death becomes a Jest" means that death is no escape to his guilt - he will be going to hell when he dies and his torment will continue. The Harlequin mocks him "oh you want to die?, you can never escape what you have done, go ahead, die, I will see you soon >:)"
I see "they are the trees, rotten pulp inside and never well" as he thought he could escape into the forest to outrun his sin, but his seclusion and flight from his deeds infects the forest and the devil will not allow his torment to end. To me this is the essence of the title "Harlequin Forest' - he thought he could run away and hide from what he has done but even the forest mocks and torments him, there is no escape from what he has done.
This is my all time favorite Opeth song, I could literally talk for hours on just this song :)
When they perform in concerts, do they do these two songs back to back? Are there other songs in the series? This is FASCINATING!
@@TheCharismaticVoice Opeth's live sets can vary wildly - sometimes they play through an entire album (usually for an anniversary or new album cycle) and then do a second set of "best of". Opeth have a couple concept albums, namely Still Life and My Arms Your Hearse, although many of their albums (and songs in general) have interlinked concepts, narratives, and themes.
@@TheCharismaticVoice normally Opeth only play one song of each album in their shows
@@TheCharismaticVoice those songs are The Baying of the Hounds, Beneath the Mire and The Grand Conjuration
Absolutely 100% agree, here - all time favorite Opeth song, and favorite album as well. I didn't know those details about what he said in that interview, though - I feel lame for that, being such an intense fan and all! Very cool to hear him speak with interest and positivity towards the occult, and to know more about his intentions with the incorporation of such themes. Thank you...I love to see these insights. I've tended to focus more on their musicianship itself rather than lyrical background; although of course that's a vital part of it all too. I should expand my gaze a bit it seems...
Best band ever imo. Mikaels growls are inhuman and his clean singing is beautiful. Perfect for Opeths music that switches so often from death metal to acoustic passages.
Edit: As far as lyrics go, this was part of a concept album that was eventually scrapped, the story is still there within the album though just out of order track wise. Opeth also really likes to make the listener feel uneasy by doing strange rhythms and playing them for longer than you would expect to keep the listener on edge.
If you take "Isolation Years" from the album, then... yeah. It's the concept album they wanted to make.
@@KhriZippy Yup just out of order
My favorite band ever. I have seen them over 20 times and they've always been amazing. So glad to have seen them at New England Metalfest and it's cool that it shows me headbanging and signing along to them during "The Drapery Falls."
So many favorites "When" "The Moor" "Drapery Falls" "Deliverance" and "Harlequin Forest" are up there for me. This is such a great song.
@Brit Sehnsucht It's because Mikael wrote the song Isolation Years and loved it so much he had to put it on the album even though it wasn't part of the concept.
Please please please check out "Vrain" by "Hamferd", it's a Faroese doom metal band and the song has the biggest difference between the beauty of the clean vocals and harshness of the growls that I know. People mention Akerfeld in the comments of how good it is
"The Drapery Falls" is another amaaazing song. Makes you feel so many feelings. Its almost like a lullaby at times. Id love to watch your analysis on it :)
That was the first song I ever heard by them. I was stunned, enchanted; I couldn't believe how magical the atmosphere it created was, and how immersively it drew me into it. It does make you feel so many feelings. Masterful stuff
Seeing Opeth live is one of the best experiences of my life. Such a great band that covers many different styles.
You exposed me to Opeth in the first video, Ghost of Perdition. I've become quite a big fan since, hoping to travel to Europe for the first time ever and see them live!!!
honestly us Opeth fans wanna see a reaction to all their slow calm songs
Yeah Windowpane ftw.
Burden would be nice
Maybe Universal Truth too
Benighted, "short", sweet and lovely!
Hope Leaves
How I love re-discovering my favourite songs through your always pertinent, in-depth analysis. Thank you for being so musically open-minded, it really is a treat to watch your journey through the shaded woods of metal :)
10:04 That's what I love(d) about Opeth. They could go from melting your face to melting your heart in a split second.
Awesome analysis thank you Elizabeth! Ive seen Opeth live twice and met them too! Mikael seems like such a nice, chill, laid back guy in person. Theyve been my favorite band for years, every song is like this one, in the way that theres all these layers and different feelings. Such a talented group of guys.
YES. The greatest band of all time for me and there isn't even a close second.
I wish I coulda hung in there for Opeth. Once they abandoned metal, I was done.
@@christophejergales7852 you're missing out. The new albums are good and have some killer riffs. Especially the new Album
Of all time? They're not bad but better than Pantera or Trivium? They're not that good imo anyway
Yeah, I gotcha guys. I'm here for sure. But man, these guys used to bring the pain 20 years ago. It was great.
But I am not normal. I am a forty year old that loves metal.
@@zzzzzzzz8498 oh god. I love those 2 as well but they're not in the same class.
When it comes to growls, Mikael is king. Quite awesome when you realize his clean singing voice is contrastingly beautiful. Most bands try to do this and fall short.
I love his growl because it is possible to understand what he's saying. This is well demonstrated in his songs with Bloodbath.
The way Opeth work harmonically is incredible! Masters!
"And of course you have Mikeal's voice, which can be smooth Jazz.....Or Forest Monster" LOL best description of Mikael's voice I have heard, LOL
Opeth beautifully weaves their lyrics so well through their riffs in a way I’ve never heard before. They have such a unique sound. Their lyrics are so deep and meaningful; so existential and so human. These deep existential themes conflict throughout their songs. You can hear it as Michael screams but then sings beautifully a moment later to show that existential dichotomy. He has this way of delivering the lyrics alongside the melody to complete this full picture of what is happening. It’s late and I butchered this, but they’re one of the few metal bands that can just bring me to tears as the music is just so beautiful yet dark, ghostly yet alive; the battle within ourselves.
You go through this mysterious depressing yet uplifting journey that seems like it has an ending but then ends with this very unsettling vibe to it. Almost as if the lyrics are telling you that you have only just begun. The snake/dragon eating it’s tail. As soon as you go through the journey, “It’s only just begunnnnn.”
Those edits on the outro showing Fredrik completely still and ominous are hilarious hahaha
Opeth is something you can’t ever forget if you really love music. Some people remember harsh vocals and syncopated rhythms, some remember the journey they had, almost visual, theatrical in some way.
Not a lot of non-fans know that Akerfeldt started as a not-so-good bassist but then found himself as a unique vocalist and a great composer. From the first ever Opeth record people started to recognize their style as a Progressive Death Metal to distinguish it from the more common at the time, straightforward death metal. They already had all the features you can hear in this particular song: clear vocals, chiming acoustic guitar, calm and bittersweet melodies. If it wasn’t for that, they wouldn’t have been working with one of the most valuable adepts of progressive rock, Steven Wilson. And this period in their career has developed their style, quenched and tempered it. Akerfeldt started to investigate his jazzy vocal style after that.
This particular song is from their first after-Wilson album, and really close to the period when they shifted from death metal to fusion jazz/rock territory, letting the features listed above truly bloom and develop. I suggest you explore their path more thoroughly to truly understand the development of Mikael’s (yes, not Michael but Mikael) voice and composing skill. From iconic things from their first albums, through Steven Wilson production to the very recent times. My own list, in order of time (things parenthesized are the most exceptional):
Apostle in Triumph
Black Rose Immortal
To Bid You Farewell (as far as I know, the first one with completely clear vocals)
Demons of the Fall
Remember Tomorrow (Iron Maiden cover, just check how Mikael’s voice added bitter sweetness to the song)
The Moor
Benighted (this one has really nice music and soft vocals)
Harvest (almost completely acoustic, with clear vocals only)
Drapery Falls (one of the most beautiful songs of them)
Deliverance
A Fair Judgement (if I remember correctly, it also has completely clear vocals)
Windowpane
To Rid The Disease
Ghost of Perdition
Harlequin Forest (these two are here just to point out their place in timeline)
Coil (Mikael’s training in vocals made it to this point, one of the most significant songs preceding the fusion period)
Burden
Porcelain Heart
Hessian Peel
The Devil’s Orchard (from their first fusion album)
Slither
Famine
Eternal Rains Will Come (really jazzy one)
Elysian Woes
Faith in Others
The Wilde Flowers (on the Sorceress album the band started to sound heavier again but they kept rock organ in most of their songs)
Will o the Wisp (another acoustic masterpiece)
Spring
I know, the list turned out to be a little too big. But it should illustrate how their development in style evolved through time. These are for your personal experience but maybe some of them will make it into another video of yours :)
This is the first time I've heard Opeth because, frankly, I was sure I wouldn't like them. Boy was I wrong! Now I need to hear a lot more. Once again, thanks, Elizabeth, for introducing me to someone new and helping me understand/appreciate them.
They are awesome - enjoy the rabbit hole...
Blackwater Park album. Go!
Still Life album. GO!
Ghost Reveries and Damnation are so good. You're in for a wild ride!
Damnation for when you want some laid-back, pink floyd-ish music.
Ghost Reveries for when you don't.
I'd recommend Opeth - Burden, one of the most beautiful Opeth songs between the harmonies of the guitars, keyboards and the clean vocals...
Whoa! Masterpiece beyond what words from a regular ass lazy person like me can use to describe it. I want it to be played at my funeral.
Probably the best song ever written
Their last album has some of the most intense vocal performances ever, truly beautiful and powerful. You should listen to "All things will pass", really touching song
Opeth is my all-time favorite Prog metal band, because they are so complex. I've been following them for about 15 years on and off. I keep coming back and I'll spend months infatuated by all of there albums from Damnation to present. They're music takes you on a journey into light and dark crevices of the soul and brings them to the surface. They help me work through my depression. It's quite healing believe it or not. Additionally, I may not have the education you have to pick out the process in which they perform but love to listen to your critique, describing what seems like alchemy to me. You have increased my respect for their abundant talent that I could certainly sense but couldn't quite understand before.. Thanks..
The studio version is absolutely breathtaking. I almost get teary every time.
Please react to the "The Drapery Falls" - live at Shepherd's Bush Empire, London! An incredible combination of clean and guttural vocals, with Mikael's voice at its peak!
I was just watching the Ghost of Perdition reaction and was thinking that this song would be great to listen to next... what a coincidence!
Oh, as soon as I dropped the Ghost of Perdition video, everyone was clamoring for this one!
This song holds the record for me of most consecutive goosebumps moments. So beautiful. And now an extra dimension was added by Elisabeth by pointing out things I've never actually paid attention to in this song.
I’ve loved Opeth’s music for years now. I know that his compositions are brilliant, but I don’t have the musical background to explain why, it’s just *feels* brilliant when I listen. You so eloquently put into words why the music is brilliant. I value your videos immensely, please continue with Opeth. Maybe Blackwater Park.
Opeth is a band that just keeps blowing your mind almost 20 years after the first time you hear their music. The ending to this song makes my skin crawl, my thoughts darken and my fist tightens! It's such a powerfull riff! Love your reactions as usual! Keep up the great work :)
I love Elizabeth's face whenever Mikael roared 😆
@@Vastilious Have you tried? 😄
"Did he just say 'rawr'?" no, he rawred, there's a difference
BY FAR one of my favorite Opeth songs. Ive heard it a billion times and every time its like the first time. when i first heard the song, it struck me as a person struggling with this inner being telling them that the people around them couldn't survive without ridiculing them. the ups and downs in tempo, being that peaks and valleys of ones inner mental states. the ending being that battle lost, allowing the listener to hear that the evil won, changing the course of what you were hearing. I LOVE OPETH \m/
Very privileged to have been in that crowd. Recently saw them again at Hammersmith and his voice is as fantastic as ever
I keep watching your videos simply because I get a kick out of how super excited you get by listening to all these different rock and metal bands(nothing like I would ever expect by an opera singer (Kudos on that major achievement in itself) and giving such an in depth response to the songs). Looking forward to watching many more to come.
Opeth lyrics, pre Sorceress, were almost all written by Mike immediately before he recorded the vocals - a process he described as unimaginably stressful. They read like epic poetry and he's literally making it up as he goes because he absolutely has to. Insane. And yes, they're good enough that he could probably sell them as collections in their own right.
Seeing Opeth live is awe inspiring. Seen them twice. No matter the lyrics, or the harshness of his voice...Mikael's face stay calm and serene. Always
I know I already commented during the premiere, but here's a recommendation:
Therion - Clavicula Nox - The Miskolc Experience
Lori Lewis is your countrymate and an Opera Soprano which is just incredible.
They have many many cool songs, but I guess this would really be up your alley, given your background.
By far my favorite Opeth song. Severely underrepresented in their catalog and always admired the deepness of the lyrics. Glad you dove into that. Mikaela voice is amazing.
Interesting analysis Elizabeth! I was brought up on classical and always enjoyed pieces that 'paint a picture', leaving the listener to interpret the music in their own way. Composers like Vivaldi or Dvorak (Slavonic Dance Op. 46/8 for example) who could take the listener through all states of emotion, from calm to crazy and back.
I think that's why I (and a lot of others) are drawn to this type of music. I don't necessarily need the lyrics to enjoy a piece. The vocals are an instrument and harmony, just as much as the specific lyrical content. Like you say, you can interpret it any way you like.
When I was younger, kids would say, how can you listen to that raaahhh raahhhh noise, but they wouldn't understand that the lyrics are not meant to be the sole focus of the artistic license in the same way pop music is created.
Like you correctly say Elizabeth, the growling can also be incredibly relaxing if listened to correctly - for example, I would happily relax and fall asleep to the album 'Heartwork' by Carcass, as his voice is almost like white noise, engraved into harmonised guitars. You don't need to dive under the water, just float on top of it - i.e. don't try and focus too much on any particular element, but rather the composition as a whole.
It takes you on a journey, it can take you into another world, in a way that only progressive music styles can.
Thanks again for your sharing your educated and personal thoughts on this!
Forgot to mention - I went to this performance at the Royal Albert Hall and they were amazing as they always are, but the acoustics in that place made that particular event extra special :)
This has still got to be my favourite reaction from Elizabeth.
I could listen to beautiful women talk about Opeth all day.
Opeth has been my favorite band for years. Their music has cradled my heart with their beautiful melodies and dark aggressive riffs and lyrics. The duality of their music, the Grim a celluloid has always made me a huge fan. Watching your expressions and hearing how Mikael's words and the band's music touches you is so gosh darn refreshing. Thank you so much for this video. Please, cover more Opeth.
One of the first things I shared with my now fiancé was Opeth. They've been so intertwined with my life for this past decade, similar to how you describe it - so it was quite personal to share them and explain what it means to me. I went on to him about their musical genius, how powerful and beautiful and uniquely GOOD the vast majority of their works are; how blackwater park and ghost reveries and watershed and such are simply masterpieces. I got him into the band bit by bit, it took him a minute but now he deeply respects and enjoys their music as well.
A lot of women who appreciate things like this are out here. Although it does take someone with the intelligence to perceive all these things about music, and the love of art to want to do so in the first place. People who are really able to feel and to think about their feelings, too; whether man or woman.
At least that's how it seems to me.
@@Rad_Akali for sure. My soul mate is definitely an Opeth fan
I showed my girlfriend Opeth and she left me for Michael
opeth is one of those few bands that make me wish I could relive my discovery of their music. hearing songs like this for the first time is mindblowing. pure poetry
I've seen them live a few times and I think I can safely say it's been the nicest, most laid back metal shows I've ever been to🙂
Mikael is super chill, talks a lot of bs between the songs and makes the whole experience quite different from most other bands I've had the pleasure to experience in a live setting🙂
You, my dear, have figured out the joys of Opeth! I can tell you’re intrigued. Your analysis and interpretations are on point! Please dive deeper into the rabbit hole! You’ll become a full on Opethian!
Try “Face of Melinda” next. It’s a calmer and has some beautiful vocals.
Analysis of this is awesome, everyone watches these videos and talks about the music, and no one talks about the incredible versatility, range, and smoothness of his voice. He's amazing, the vocals are just as impressive as every other part of their songs, if not more.
I love all the comments too, all of us as Opeth fan's know EXACTLY how he'd react hearing you say these things. He's so gentle and humble, he'd just play it off like he thought thats what sounded good or whatever, and that he's really not that great... When in reality he's a musical mastermind. I don't know if he just pretends, or if he genuinely has just got such an incredible natural talent and ear, and heard so much music, that he can come up with such amazing sections everywhere. Everything is so purposeful. Opeth is hands down right up there with the most talented metal bands ever
The middle section of this song is just pure magic, and the outro isn't half bad either (though nothing tops their song *Deliverance* in that regard :D). Really looking forward to your analysis!
Agree to disagree but I think this edges out Deliverance just a bit. Both are terrific though!
Studio version i prefer Deliverance, but their performance on this one was reeeeeally good.
Deliverance is amazing, but this is my favourite as well
Loved this review of Opeth’s song. They are a very special band ! … and your face at the ending part was priceless … thank you!
Some Opeth recommendation : Hessian Peel and The Lotus Eater from the album Watershed
I really think most of the peculiarities you mention regarding his diction come more from his native language being swedish.
I'm really enjoying watching you experience my favorite metal for the first time. It's like living it all over again.
Akerfeldt's growl is the creme de la creme of guttural vocals. He's consistent, powerful and has a pristine diction that is really, REALLY difficult to have when growling.
He's my fave death metal vocalist by far, especially in bloodbath. His growls just have that gross, nasty, festering putrid sound to them. Love it.
This is one of my favorite Opeth tracks. I was pumped to see your reaction to not only Mikael's voice, but to the last minute of the track. It is viscerally unnerving, and a counting nightmare. I was lucky enough to hear them do this live, and it's even more impressive in person. Glad that you touched on his lyrics, they are always powerful.
The musicianship needed to pull those "punches" this tightly, at the end of the song, is remarkable. Always a pleasure to listen to this :-)
The neat thing about it is that if you watch them, they’re practically relaxing into the offbeats. There’s hardly any body tension, they’re probably internally counting in half time, the comfortability with playing those accents makes it all seem normal. That feeling is wonderful, it’s the point where you’re going “all right, all the tough stuff is done, now we can relax on these repeats.”
They might be playing to a click track, which makes it a little easier but since they're (the punches) irregular, it remains impressive.
This has been one of my favourite songs for almost 7 years now, and your interpretation seems like it should be one that resonates with me -- and yet I never caught it until you brought it up. That's brilliant.
Symphony X - Paradise Lost. Russel Allen's voice doesn't get nearly enough love.
Or Symphony X - Egypt.
@@Hy-jg8ow i second this
Or the Odyssey
@@1337-Nathaniel That should be for the 2nd time around, cuz that'd be quite a commitment as an introduction!
Domination! That song made me say daaaaaamn
Came back to watch this video only because your reactions to growl are always GOLD
I love all the technical details you can pull out of these video. Thanks again :)
This is one of my favorite Opeth songs ever. I'm still trying to grab the story he's telling in this, but I love that too.
This is legit. I haven't listened to Opeth in a while, this is my first time hearing this song. Great analysis!
You will most definitely like their masterpiece "Moon Above, Sun Below" it has no growls at all.
That song is amazing.
Ive never heard anything from that album, still busy w the heavy stuff
@@TheFbiFilesRepeat you're really missing out
@@OmarChouikha yeah ill get to it. Im still hurt by they stop doing heavy stuff lol
After all these years I fibd myself almost only listetning to Blackwater Park and Still Life
The Final Instrumental Outro Of This Song Is The Best Outro Of All Time!!. I wish I would have made that comment 2 years ago... Luv U Liz!!
YES!!!! This song has been on repeat for me this past week!! Both Opeth songs you have analyzed are off the same album, hmmm.... this will be great, I can’t wait. Thank you!
Dear Elizabeth! Today I discovered your channel and at first I was smiling at you….just another „Reaction - on“-channel. But the I got a little closer to what you are doing there and I was quite surprised about a very successful opera singer, that gives comments on rock classicals like Child In Time and so on. But this one here, yes, now I am lacking the right words, but you are simply a wonder, young lady! How can it be, that you can go inside an Opeth song so close? You are a really music loving human being. Shall I tell you, that in 2019, I have been to Bayreuth at the Wagner Festspielhaus to see the Lohengrin and quite a few weeks later I attended an Opeth Gig in Cologne, Germany? And what shall I say? Nobody understood me so far that I found out connections between the two different music styles of E- and U-Music. But I did. And now someone like you offers me a harbour of my world of music that somehow belongs together. I appreciate for what you are doing there and you sense and love for music. I wanna say thank you and so I gave you a like and an abo. Kindest regards, BERNHARD
I think Mikael’s best vocal performance is the one from Live at Shepherd’s Bush Empire (2003). His growls were at their best.
Real, pena que quase só tocaram músicas do Damnation
Yep
@@felipeostrufkmelo3641 Pena? Aquele é o melhor dvd deles justamente por isso.
Primeira metade totalmente acústica e segunda metade com distorção é ideal pra um show do Opeth.
I've seen them live about 10 times between 2005 and 2019. But in these new blurays Mikael growls are really a lot worse than what I've heard, used to and always loved.
@@tubelious Yeah, it started getting worse in this one. Another reason for Lamentations being the best dvd
That Darren Korb reference surprised me. He's one of my favorite video game soundtrack artists. Definitely worth a lookup to those unfamiliar. Great stuff as always, Elizabeth!
This song is from the Ghost Reveries album. It was originally planned to be a concept album about the stages of demonic possession.
What a comprehensive analysis, it really opened up the song for me in a completely novel way. This channel totally fine-tunes my understanding of already cool songs!
I've always looked at this era of Opeths vocal as a sort of back and forth between the conscience. Like the old cartoons with the angel and devil sitting on the shoulder.
I feel that is the power of Opeths music...The Ying and Yang it displays is a refection of reality , whether it's human perception or the true function of nature..
Black and forth
I absolutely adore that you understand the art of this music. Even to the point of appreciating the artistically evocative intent of a section that makes you feel uncomfortable. Ma'am... You totally rock! 🤘
Next thing you wanna do is
Sons of winter and stars live rehearsal in sonic pump studios
This is a masterpiece
It is by another band, namely Wintersun. Just to prevent confusion.
Omg yes yes yes gotta remind her in this live recording the lead singer has 1 lung. So amazing. One of my all time favorite songs in metal. Sits right next to Opeth. Something about that scandinavian metal man!!
Yasss
@@sydisticsandman wut? I did not known that, it's crazy
@@davidramirezrodriguez3373 Jari got 2 lungs, however he is indeed missing something like 1/4 or 1/3 from one of his lungs, due to him getting tuberculosis during military service. If my memory serves me correctly, his lung operation was what inspired him to write song Death and the Healing on the debut Wintersun album
20:57 is what i came to see.. That smile.. There are many reaction videos on Harlequin Forest and everyone have that moment where they feel sooo good and have a smile on their face at that part.. The main reason i love Opeth btw.. The masters of transition.
I’ve really always thought that Opeth planned each note out for a reason. They write out a storyline and seem to fit music around it. A very rare group of musicians
Nice reaction. Enjoy seeing your interpretations of Opeth music. I have always felt that Opeth creates music that can impact you physically. Something with their compositions will make you "feel" unnerved, uneasy, uplifted or inspired, always. Songs like Hessien Peel on the Watershed album will take you on a journey from nostalgic beauty to a unforeseen nightmare, musically. Few musicians can create music that can summon such hair raising reactions. And that's before you even interpret the lyrics. Amazing. Give Hessien Peel a look (studio version) for a real musical journey. Thank you.
I also do think it's pretty important to point out the fact that this was performed at the end of a 2½ hour concert where over half the songs involved a lot of screaming!
Aye. Whenever I get sad about his diminished growls these days I remember its cos he gave them all away to the fans over decades.
I love the fact that you’re geeking out to them! We all geek out to these world class musicians. It would be awesome to see you as a guest singer with a metal band!
One of the best, if not THE best experimental metal bands out there. What can you say about Metal music? 38 years listening and even now, metal never stops to amaze me.
Wow!! I had such a great time enjoying this journey of a song with you. This is one of my favorite opeth songs and your reactions and analysis of the lyrics were so great! 🤘🏼
I was there, one of the best gigs of my life.
Mikael has said many times that the essence of Opeth is contrasts--in volume, tempo, style, vocals, you name it, and you can hear it all here.. When you reflect on the shifts in mood and feeling in this song across soooo much terrain of that forest, you begin to sense this is a band that really takes you on a subtle, complex journey with every song. Across their albums Mikael is always changing and always experimenting--much like his friend Steven Wilson, who produced this album. Opeth transcends descriptions and genre. They are truly original and uncompromising.
Really hope you can check out King Diamond one day, suggest "Black Horsemen" live at The Fillmore, Philadelphia.
Jaw drop incoming! You won't have heard anything like it before...
I'll add that King had triple bypass heart surgery in 2010 only 54 years young, and this concert was in 2015 almost exactly to the day 5 years later.
Cheers!
I have seen King Diamond recommended a lot. I hope so too!
The way you explain my favorite song is just beautiful! I love you and you're commentary.
The next Opeth song you should listen to could be "Windowpane" or "Burden"
I loved the video
I was going to suggest Burden too. Such a great melody.
Burden.. oh.. brilliant song!
@@drumstix80yes Burden! The first Opeth song I heard many moons ago that started a lifelong obsession.
So excited to see you do another video on my favorite band. Your analysis was amazing and its exciting to see how you interpret a song that I have listened to so many times; It made the song feel new in a sense. The jarring chaotic ending is my favorite part of the song I thought it was hilarious watching your reaction. There is no band that does weird, eerie and dark better than Opeth. I love your channel thank you for the awesome video!
Her: "this song has so many meanings, dark atmosphere and look this riff, they played this for so long to symbolize searching for something..."
Me: " it makes me chill a bit, you know, relax a little bit."
Such a great interpretation of this amazing song! I hope you continue to go down the Opeth road and listen to more, they have so many great songs to hear... depth upon layers and its really great to hear someone like you be able to peel back each layer and put some thought behind each one!
I remember when I discovered your channel and Opeth by this video year ago, Opeth became my favourite band and Charismatic voice favourite reaction channel since that moment. maybe you want to react to more Opeth, if yes I am proposing song "Isolation years" without harsh vocals and distorted guitars but beautyfull singing and lyrics. Greetings from Poland (sorry for my bad English)
Amazing! I always love seeing your Opeth reactions, thanks for diving in again
You're welcome! Enjoyed it so much!
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Hi Elizabeth, as an Opeth and Porcupine Tree(Steven Wilson) fan, I would like to ask you to listen to Storm Corrosion album made by Steven Wilson and Mikael Åkerfeldt(Opeth's Vocalist and guitarist), especially songs that you might like are; Hag, Happy, Storm Corrosion, and finally you might like Mikael's beautiful voice in Ljudet Innan song.
Let us know please if you like it :D, cheers and love from Turkey.
Yes. yes I do. I feel I may finally rid myself of the cover musician's bane - 'the impostor syndrome' if I pay attention to your observations! Plus you make it so fun! I want to sing like ME, and with Mikel's effortlessness and I think you are on to some great points! I cant help but like a woman who can hear he genius of Opeth either! I'll try to contribute when I hit some new stuff. The look on your face is how I feel about Opeth, so..SOLD 😏 Thank you for the effort you put in, Elizabeth