If I remember correctly, Martin Lopez was getting somewhat sick either physically or mentally to the point where he couldn't perform with Opeth anymore
YES... anything... pooh... world hunger... candy... how good are roads in europe... the lifes of rats... hot dogs... the weather... anything REALLY lol :) thanks for the video
For me, if his heart is not in it, then he is right not to do it. His demon voice is what got me into death metal, but, on a broader sense, he also introduced me to multiple sides of progressive rock/metal/death metal, because Opeth is so much more than just the growls.
While I agree, and I look forward to new albums (and I think In Cauda Venenum is the best of these), I am still saddened that he doesn't growl anymore. When Opeth first made waves, there were multiple things that made them stand out - the progressive (rock) aspect they included, the slinky, bluesy, swing they could bring to metal, and above all the dynamic range they employed, from their lightest acoustic picking to their heaviest riffing. Since Mikael has stopped growling, they don't reach the heavy end of their old dynamic spectrum, so it is a compressed range shown on the recent albums. I don't know if they avoid heavy music because it would demand harsh vocals, or if they avoid growls because the music they now make doesn't suit it, but either way they now use a smaller dynamic range than they did in their earlier music.
@@MattVogt2I would agree that they don't use that darkest ("heaviest") color from the palette, but they use more "color nuances" than ever before. I also miss the prog-death though. For me, Watershed stands out as their most "colorful" album with death metal in it.
Hi Lauren! Watershed was the 1st album I had listened to & I became a fan immediately. Couldn’t stop listening to it. I loved the mix of demon & clean vocals intertwined with elements of “Prog” throughout. Then I went back & listened to Ghost Reveries & Blackwater Park & my god, they became my favorite “go to” band. Every song takes you on a journey. I was sooo happy to have discovered this band.
You do know that Mikael plays on the Ghost song "Helvetesfönster"? (The window of hell). The last 2 minutes of acoustic guitar is Mikael. Don't miss that out 👍
I got into Opeth in late 2005, right after Ghost Reveries was released. Top 5 fav band ever now. To be honest, Mikael's "screams" are ok at this point, but even in 2008 he started to go downhill....he lost the power and range. His cleans are now unbelievable...he is a true crooner now! Love the guy!
Martin Lopez left due to health issues. I discovered Opeth around the time Ghost Reveries came out, immediately fell in love with Deliverance, Damnation, GR and then when I bought Watershed on release day, a love forever was born. They use Mellotron because Mikael is a huge fan of 60's and 70's music and all kinds of weird, obscure and underground music. Definitely check out more interviews with him, he's explained it many times and he can talk about it beautifully. Oh and one question for you too - do you ever plan to go to an Opeth concert?
My first album was My Arms Your Hearse. This was back in the days where you might see an album in a list of 10 from a particular label in a magazine, and you would love the cover and convince yourself it was worth going to the record shop to order it. And it would arrive 6 weeks later and you would find out if it sounded anything like you had been imagining in your head. Opeth sounded better than i could have imagined, that's still possibly my favorite of their albums.
Hi Lauren! What do you think about hearing some of the death metal bands Mikael mentioned? Personally, I would recommend Death - especially "Spirit Crusher".
I discovered them just after they released Deliverance. I was a fan of the music guy who wrote for the newspaper we read (Newark Star Ledger)...and he named Deliverance as one of the top 10 rock albums of the year (2002). I trusted the journalist so I bought the CD (I had never listened to any death metal at that point). After about 3-4 listens I finally got Opeth, and the rest is history.
1. Lopez was having anxiety problems and couldn't get well enough at the time to continue touring. 2. Blackwater Park. They became a lot more known at that time and were actually able to tour. They made the cover of a metal magazine, and the inside of some bigger publications. 3. Yes, you answered your own question :)
Actually, their previous 4 are now my favorites. I still LOVE MAYH, Deliverence, Still Life. . . But I’m 66 and early 70’s Prog is my favorite genre. So yeah, I am in love with In Cauda Venenum.
Heard Windowpane around the time Ghost Reveries came out (so roughly 2006). Thought it was alright, friend kept talking about needing to warm up to their then new record, heard another song, forgot which one it was but it had harsh vocals as well as cleans (might have been from Deliverance?) and I was convinced that those were two different singers. One day decided to search the YT and give them a proper listen. Back then that Godhead's Lament live version was the first thing that popped up. Was somewhat into death metal vocals at the time (heavily into In Flames who took a lot of inspiration from At the Gates btw.), but what drew me in were the tasteful guitar parts and the heavy/clean contrast and the dissonance. Been a fan ever since, saw them live a couple of times as well. But sadly never saw them with Martin Lopez on the drums, which remains my favorite Opeth drummer. He had the best tone and feel, maybe not as technical as the others, but who cares.
I started listening to Opeth at the release of Morningrise (was 16 at the time). So been a fan for a long, long time. As to why mellotron, look no further than Mikael's love of 70s progressive rock. I'm definitely one of those that love all the eras of Opeth. It probably doesn't hurt that growing up I listened to a lot of progressive rock courtesy of my dad and uncle. I was recognizing those elements within Opeth and their brand of death metal that drew me to them in the first place. The fact that they now play "modern progressive rock" for me feels like coming full circle.
Oh, I love all the bands he mentioned, and I love Opeth, but I don't condider Opeth death metal. I also love the mellotron. And I love this channel. Cheers! ❤ 🍷
Ghost reveries was the first album I heard by them. I heard it around that time when it came out. It blew me away, I had never heard anything like that before. And the growls was a major part of why I liked it so much, in my ears it was just perfect and unique. After that I discovered all their older albums and I liked them a lot as well. Then Watershed came, and I kind of digged it but was a bit disappointed cause of all the clean singing, and that was it. No more Opeth album for me that I would say I enjoy, because the really dark, evil and haunting sound was lost after Watershed. But I still enjoy them to this day because I can listen to their old stuff and 20 years down the line and I still haven't got bored listening to their old music. And I love seeing them live since they still play those death metal songs. I still consider them to be one of my favourite bands. I got a selfie with Mikael actually 😎
there is this album by edge of sanity, crimson where a certain mikael akerfeldt contributes guest vocals...and i thought oh my god how awesome his band must be if he alone sounds so fantastic...the first album i got my hands on was still life...
First album I bought from them was Morningrise (their second album), and I just knew from the first few notes that I'd like it. Their last few records haven't interested me, just not my thing. I got into Nile about the same time, which is much heavier, so Opeths heavy sound was sort of the easier music I listened to then :P
You have the correct answer from other posters about Martin Lopez and his health issues, but he’s doing well, now, with another band, Soen, and they’re quite good. Mikael answered the question about retiring “The Demon” from new recordings (of course he still does them live) and I trust his reasoning for doing so. His growls are what finally got me into & loving that style of singing and I still think his are the absolute best I’ve ever heard, which is why I believe it’s been so hard for the fans to get over the loss. But, since the change, I think his clean vocals have absolutely flourished to the point where I think he has one of the best voices out there(.) I was very, very late to the Opeth dance (dammit) as I was in a different place, personally, back then. The song “Deliverance” was the first thing I heard of them and it whipped my head around in shock, wonder, surprise, curiosity, & complete awe! “Watershed” was the first full album I bought and listened to front to back, and I discovered their back catalog (YEA!) and my musical world was never to be the same, again! I even love the new direction as much as any of the earlier material and can’t wait to see what he may have up his sleeve…… Thanks, Lauren, and pleas dive a bit deeper into these last four albums, even if there’s no suspense about whether or not “The Demon” will appear. 😂 🖤🔥🤘🏼
I's only one question because it is repeated a million time, there's not other questions. I confess, I am one of those. yes we'll never get over it. The questions about the rawrs will persecute Mikael as long as he lives or as long as he finally cedes and drops moar. (just kidding, i think. not sure though) by the way, the fact they lately had fun revisiting some old bangers like black rose immortal and now they're recording, keeps my hopes alive for the next album (yeah i know that sounds like what an addict would say) Regarding Lopez, i recall him referencing a difficult personal situation, especially in terms of mental health regarding touring and performing. I think he found his dimension with Soen and i'm glad he's still producing very good music (last album wasn't the best tho)god's s
I first heard Blackwater Park album around the time Deliverance and Damnation were coming out 02'-03'. It took a while to fully get into them, but by the time Ghost Reveries came out I was excited for the new album and I've bought each one after that as soon as it came out. I've only come to appreciate them more and more the older I get, I listen to the whole discography regularly now. There's great stuff in every era of the band's recordings, I even like going back to Orchid and Morningrise. I have to listen to "Forest of October" every dark and rainy October.
My first Opeth album was Still Life (still death). I miss the "cookie monster"vocals, but as a former musician, I understand about wanting to evolve musically. By the way, the background music from the beginning of the video was their song Heart in Hand. Please consider giving It a listen on your wonderful channel. Love your show, Lady L. 🤘😎🤘
I dont fancy the demon retiring, but i still love hes cleans, and a artist should never do what is not near their hearth, i will still listen to Opeth without the demon voice, but my favorites might also be on the older albums then, Opeth is a great band, so they will make nice music no matter what, and yes i will still listen to all new stuff, and most likely enjoy it to..
First song I heard was Sorceress - led me down the rabbit hole. I avoided the growly songs for a bit, but eventually warmed up to them- now I love the mix of cleans and growls.
I discovered Opeth between the Damnation and Deliverance albums. Mind you, that sharing music was very different back then what it is now. So often you'd hear individual songs, and then if you liked them you would try to get hold of the album that song was on. As such "My Arms Your Hearse" is my favorite Opeth album, but one could argue that "Blackwater Park" is their BEST album. Or the red album. It is subjective. I love the new Opeth albums too. The only reason I personally dislike Heritage is cause I knew we would never get an "old" style Opeth album. And it wasn't just the fact it had "demon" voice. Damnation was an "old" style Opeth album without the "demon", yet everyone who heard it knew... And the thing is, I still like that album! "The Pale Communion" is one of my favorite prog rock albums of all time! But I would lie when I said that if Opeth would release a quintessential "OPETH" album again, I would be absolutely screaming from the top of the roofs. The thing is, I am also cognizant that this imaginary album would provide nothing new, thus lacking the "Opeth factor". So unless they are this monolithic godly being us fans like to see us as, they won't bring out an album that will scratch everyone's itch. And I feel like part of growing up is accepting that, and enjoying the music they have given us, and will give us in times to come for what they are: Prog masterpieces.
If one is using proper technique, age wouldn't be much of an issue unless they are really old. Mikael was having problems with growling for some years, but he was just kind of half way going about it. From watching some more recent shows, he sounds a lot better lately.
David Vincent was the vocalist of Morbid Angel on their first few records, and he's still going, in Vltimas these days. Must be late 50s or 60? John Tardy of Obituary must be of a similar age...
The demon is back!
If I remember correctly, Martin Lopez was getting somewhat sick either physically or mentally to the point where he couldn't perform with Opeth anymore
I would listen to him talk about ANYTHING.
YES... anything... pooh... world hunger... candy... how good are roads in europe... the lifes of rats... hot dogs... the weather... anything REALLY lol :) thanks for the video
We were fortunate enough to get a whole radio series in Sweden, where he talked about his favourites from his own record collection.
His music is magic, growls or not IMO.
For me, if his heart is not in it, then he is right not to do it. His demon voice is what got me into death metal, but, on a broader sense, he also introduced me to multiple sides of progressive rock/metal/death metal, because Opeth is so much more than just the growls.
While I agree, and I look forward to new albums (and I think In Cauda Venenum is the best of these), I am still saddened that he doesn't growl anymore. When Opeth first made waves, there were multiple things that made them stand out - the progressive (rock) aspect they included, the slinky, bluesy, swing they could bring to metal, and above all the dynamic range they employed, from their lightest acoustic picking to their heaviest riffing. Since Mikael has stopped growling, they don't reach the heavy end of their old dynamic spectrum, so it is a compressed range shown on the recent albums. I don't know if they avoid heavy music because it would demand harsh vocals, or if they avoid growls because the music they now make doesn't suit it, but either way they now use a smaller dynamic range than they did in their earlier music.
@@MattVogt2I would agree that they don't use that darkest ("heaviest") color from the palette, but they use more "color nuances" than ever before. I also miss the prog-death though. For me, Watershed stands out as their most "colorful" album with death metal in it.
@@progperljungman8218 Yes, that's true. It just doesn't excite me in the same way, though. 'Colorful' is a great description of Watershed :)
Hi Lauren! Watershed was the 1st album I had listened to & I became a fan immediately. Couldn’t stop listening to it. I loved the mix of demon & clean vocals intertwined with elements of “Prog” throughout. Then I went back & listened to Ghost Reveries & Blackwater Park & my god, they became my favorite “go to” band. Every song takes you on a journey. I was sooo happy to have discovered this band.
I was a very late discoverer of Opeth, first heard a few of their songs back in 2014. Been a huge fan ever since and picked up all their albums.
When, was the first song I heard. My arms your hearse. Back in the late 90's.
You do know that Mikael plays on the Ghost song "Helvetesfönster"? (The window of hell). The last 2 minutes of acoustic guitar is Mikael. Don't miss that out 👍
I got into Opeth in late 2005, right after Ghost Reveries was released. Top 5 fav band ever now.
To be honest, Mikael's "screams" are ok at this point, but even in 2008 he started to go downhill....he lost the power and range. His cleans are now unbelievable...he is a true crooner now! Love the guy!
Martin Lopez plays drums in Soen. Great band.
Martin Lopez left due to health issues. I discovered Opeth around the time Ghost Reveries came out, immediately fell in love with Deliverance, Damnation, GR and then when I bought Watershed on release day, a love forever was born. They use Mellotron because Mikael is a huge fan of 60's and 70's music and all kinds of weird, obscure and underground music. Definitely check out more interviews with him, he's explained it many times and he can talk about it beautifully. Oh and one question for you too - do you ever plan to go to an Opeth concert?
I could listen to him talk all day. ❤ *sigh
My first album was My Arms Your Hearse. This was back in the days where you might see an album in a list of 10 from a particular label in a magazine, and you would love the cover and convince yourself it was worth going to the record shop to order it. And it would arrive 6 weeks later and you would find out if it sounded anything like you had been imagining in your head. Opeth sounded better than i could have imagined, that's still possibly my favorite of their albums.
Like many, BLACKWATER PARK was my first Opeth album. “The Leper Affinity” was quite an adventure. Literally the start of a greater musical journey.
Definitely go to an Opeth concert. They are great live and you will be pleasantly surprised
Hi Lauren! What do you think about hearing some of the death metal bands Mikael mentioned? Personally, I would recommend Death - especially "Spirit Crusher".
I discovered them just after they released Deliverance. I was a fan of the music guy who wrote for the newspaper we read (Newark Star Ledger)...and he named Deliverance as one of the top 10 rock albums of the year (2002). I trusted the journalist so I bought the CD (I had never listened to any death metal at that point). After about 3-4 listens I finally got Opeth, and the rest is history.
1. Lopez was having anxiety problems and couldn't get well enough at the time to continue touring. 2. Blackwater Park. They became a lot more known at that time and were actually able to tour. They made the cover of a metal magazine, and the inside of some bigger publications. 3. Yes, you answered your own question :)
Actually, their previous 4 are now my favorites.
I still LOVE MAYH, Deliverence, Still Life. . .
But I’m 66 and early 70’s Prog is my favorite genre.
So yeah, I am in love with In Cauda Venenum.
Heard Windowpane around the time Ghost Reveries came out (so roughly 2006). Thought it was alright, friend kept talking about needing to warm up to their then new record, heard another song, forgot which one it was but it had harsh vocals as well as cleans (might have been from Deliverance?) and I was convinced that those were two different singers. One day decided to search the YT and give them a proper listen. Back then that Godhead's Lament live version was the first thing that popped up. Was somewhat into death metal vocals at the time (heavily into In Flames who took a lot of inspiration from At the Gates btw.), but what drew me in were the tasteful guitar parts and the heavy/clean contrast and the dissonance. Been a fan ever since, saw them live a couple of times as well. But sadly never saw them with Martin Lopez on the drums, which remains my favorite Opeth drummer. He had the best tone and feel, maybe not as technical as the others, but who cares.
Have you listened to any Nupeth yet?
I started listening to Opeth at the release of Morningrise (was 16 at the time). So been a fan for a long, long time. As to why mellotron, look no further than Mikael's love of 70s progressive rock. I'm definitely one of those that love all the eras of Opeth. It probably doesn't hurt that growing up I listened to a lot of progressive rock courtesy of my dad and uncle. I was recognizing those elements within Opeth and their brand of death metal that drew me to them in the first place. The fact that they now play "modern progressive rock" for me feels like coming full circle.
I started listening to them in 2002, when I got a tip about this new album called Deliverance.
Oh, I love all the bands he mentioned, and I love Opeth, but I don't condider Opeth death metal. I also love the mellotron. And I love this channel. Cheers! ❤ 🍷
Ghost reveries was the first album I heard by them. I heard it around that time when it came out. It blew me away, I had never heard anything like that before. And the growls was a major part of why I liked it so much, in my ears it was just perfect and unique. After that I discovered all their older albums and I liked them a lot as well. Then Watershed came, and I kind of digged it but was a bit disappointed cause of all the clean singing, and that was it. No more Opeth album for me that I would say I enjoy, because the really dark, evil and haunting sound was lost after Watershed. But I still enjoy them to this day because I can listen to their old stuff and 20 years down the line and I still haven't got bored listening to their old music. And I love seeing them live since they still play those death metal songs. I still consider them to be one of my favourite bands. I got a selfie with Mikael actually 😎
there is this album by edge of sanity, crimson where a certain mikael akerfeldt contributes guest vocals...and i thought oh my god how awesome his band must be if he alone sounds so fantastic...the first album i got my hands on was still life...
First album I bought from them was Morningrise (their second album), and I just knew from the first few notes that I'd like it. Their last few records haven't interested me, just not my thing. I got into Nile about the same time, which is much heavier, so Opeths heavy sound was sort of the easier music I listened to then :P
Well let's give Martín López some love too, listen to Opal by SOEN the actual Martín lopez band 😊
You have the correct answer from other posters about Martin Lopez and his health issues, but he’s doing well, now, with another band, Soen, and they’re quite good.
Mikael answered the question about retiring “The Demon” from new recordings (of course he still does them live) and I trust his reasoning for doing so. His growls are what finally got me into & loving that style of singing and I still think his are the absolute best I’ve ever heard, which is why I believe it’s been so hard for the fans to get over the loss. But, since the change, I think his clean vocals have absolutely flourished to the point where I think he has one of the best voices out there(.)
I was very, very late to the Opeth dance (dammit) as I was in a different place, personally, back then. The song “Deliverance” was the first thing I heard of them and it whipped my head around in shock, wonder, surprise, curiosity, & complete awe! “Watershed” was the first full album I bought and listened to front to back, and I discovered their back catalog (YEA!) and my musical world was never to be the same, again!
I even love the new direction as much as any of the earlier material and can’t wait to see what he may have up his sleeve……
Thanks, Lauren, and pleas dive a bit deeper into these last four albums, even if there’s no suspense about whether or not “The Demon” will appear. 😂
🖤🔥🤘🏼
I's only one question because it is repeated a million time, there's not other questions.
I confess, I am one of those. yes we'll never get over it. The questions about the rawrs will persecute Mikael as long as he lives or as long as he finally cedes and drops moar. (just kidding, i think. not sure though)
by the way, the fact they lately had fun revisiting some old bangers like black rose immortal and now they're recording, keeps my hopes alive for the next album (yeah i know that sounds like what an addict would say)
Regarding Lopez, i recall him referencing a difficult personal situation, especially in terms of mental health regarding touring and performing. I think he found his dimension with Soen and i'm glad he's still producing very good music (last album wasn't the best tho)god's s
I first heard Blackwater Park album around the time Deliverance and Damnation were coming out 02'-03'. It took a while to fully get into them, but by the time Ghost Reveries came out I was excited for the new album and I've bought each one after that as soon as it came out. I've only come to appreciate them more and more the older I get, I listen to the whole discography regularly now. There's great stuff in every era of the band's recordings, I even like going back to Orchid and Morningrise. I have to listen to "Forest of October" every dark and rainy October.
My first Opeth album was Still Life (still death).
I miss the "cookie monster"vocals, but as a former musician, I understand about wanting to evolve musically.
By the way, the background music from the beginning of the video was their song Heart in Hand. Please consider giving It a listen on your wonderful channel.
Love your show, Lady L.
🤘😎🤘
Lauren, this book has the most the answer you will know about the band
The book of Opeth.
This interview was my closure of the demon
Now I want Nu-Peth with rap vocals!
My Opeth journey started backwards. I got their latest album and am working my way backwards.
Discovered them on Ghost Reveries
I dont fancy the demon retiring, but i still love hes cleans, and a artist should never do what is not near their hearth, i will still listen to Opeth without the demon voice, but my favorites might also be on the older albums then, Opeth is a great band, so they will make nice music no matter what, and yes i will still listen to all new stuff, and most likely enjoy it to..
First song I heard was Sorceress - led me down the rabbit hole. I avoided the growly songs for a bit, but eventually warmed up to them- now I love the mix of cleans and growls.
I very much dropped off after the demon retired fully. I do enjoy the album “heritage” if I’m in the right mood though.
I discovered Opeth between the Damnation and Deliverance albums.
Mind you, that sharing music was very different back then what it is now. So often you'd hear individual songs, and then if you liked them you would try to get hold of the album that song was on. As such "My Arms Your Hearse" is my favorite Opeth album, but one could argue that "Blackwater Park" is their BEST album. Or the red album. It is subjective. I love the new Opeth albums too.
The only reason I personally dislike Heritage is cause I knew we would never get an "old" style Opeth album. And it wasn't just the fact it had "demon" voice. Damnation was an "old" style Opeth album without the "demon", yet everyone who heard it knew... And the thing is, I still like that album! "The Pale Communion" is one of my favorite prog rock albums of all time!
But I would lie when I said that if Opeth would release a quintessential "OPETH" album again, I would be absolutely screaming from the top of the roofs.
The thing is, I am also cognizant that this imaginary album would provide nothing new, thus lacking the "Opeth factor". So unless they are this monolithic godly being us fans like to see us as, they won't bring out an album that will scratch everyone's itch. And I feel like part of growing up is accepting that, and enjoying the music they have given us, and will give us in times to come for what they are: Prog masterpieces.
I became an Opeth fan around 2002. After Heritage, I kept buying their albums, but I barely listen to them at all.
I think it could also be age-related. I don't know a lot about the growl scene, but how old are the oldest growlers that are still going?
Randy Blythe is in his 50’s I think and he still sounds great
@@JordanJohnson-rt3qf Jens Kidman also
If one is using proper technique, age wouldn't be much of an issue unless they are really old. Mikael was having problems with growling for some years, but he was just kind of half way going about it. From watching some more recent shows, he sounds a lot better lately.
David Vincent was the vocalist of Morbid Angel on their first few records, and he's still going, in Vltimas these days. Must be late 50s or 60? John Tardy of Obituary must be of a similar age...
Crazy that he is the most metal person in every room he walks into, yet, the least metal person at the same time.