This but ideally the Lopez/Mendez rhythm section & Peter Lindgren era version, Axe is a great drummer but there's just something about Martin Lopez playing metal drums with a slightly swung jazzy feel & his chemistry with Mendez that felt unique. And Peter might not technically be at Fredrik's level but his vibe live & how Mikael and he used to have less of a dedicated lead guitarist role was special in it's own way also.
In terms of their musical background, Mikael, who composes most of their stuff, isn't very well versed in theory. He has stated numerous times that he doesn't know the theory behind their music, and for example, can't read music. Basically, he's just writing what sounds good to him by ear, trial and error - which is impressive!
Looks like Sweden is a huge pool for uneducated musicians with perfect ears! Roine Stolt is quite similar but with a much "softer" approach (maybe his music was even more complex).
Best early Opeth: The Moor, April Ethereal Best Mid Opeth: Blackwater Park, Deliverance Best Transition Opeth: Hessian Peel, Lotus Eater Best Late Opeth: Moon Above Sun Below, Faith In Others Best Soft Opeth: Burden, Windowpane, To Bid You Farewell
Add serenity painted death to early, add harlequin forest to mid. I think transition is good but add strange brew to late opeth and harvest to soft opeth. That's a pretty good list
It's played beautifully but his growl kinda sucked in that live, something from the roundhouse tapes or the live in London from 2003 for that kind of era maybe
@@Zodd-pi8st Nonsense! His growls have been on point every time i've seen them since Watershed (which is every tour) Not as good as the early days, i'll give you that, but to say they sound terrible is just bullshit. Clearly they were off on the RAH dvd, but that was all to do with the transition to in ear monitors.
I'm old, so I can reach back that far. A lot of this reminds me of the best of the GOOD stuff coming out of the late 60s and early 70s. The stuff that made you kick back, light up something you had grown yourself, and let your mind get thoroughly, truly blown. Utter tension obliviation! A gentle, meandering journey with the coolest of suede dudes. With interesting , educational sight seeing stops along the way. Oh, with culturally significant galleries to stroll through, with accompanying snacks. These guys aren't just professional musicians. They're THERAPISTS!
this is so well put, Sandra! The music you referred to is the kind of music, Mikael ( the vocalist/ main composer of Opeth) is inspired by... so no coincidence there , just apprechiation :)
Iron butterfly Inna Gadda da Vida comes to mind for me, I 100% agree its a journey where you kick back close your eyes and let the music take you where it may
Sandra, you have such a way with words...make me laugh out almost every comment you write! :-) But for sure, these guys write and play music that will take you on the best of journeys, if you're but willing to take the ride!!
To answer your question at the end of the video, this song is Opeth at the tail end of their heavy period, so it's more of the "middle" Opeth you asked for. For earlier Opeth, their first four albums (Orchid, Morningrise, My Arms Your Hearse, Still Life) are sort of their "early" period (1995-1999). This music was heavier, had a bit of a folk tinge, and was a bit blacker. It's less obviously prog, but the songs are still mostly in the ten minute range. (Personal song recommendations are "The Night and the Silent Water", "When", "Demon of the Fall"). I consider the "middle" Opeth period I described above to be from 2001-2008 (Blackwater Park, Damnation, Deliverance, Ghost Reveries, Watershed). This is also the end of growling metal Opeth. This is their most obviously prog metal era, and probably their most influential. Blackwater Park was a huge step up in production value that also kinda laid out the sound for the rest of this "middle" period. Damnation/Deliverance was a double album, and Damnation is the most unique in Opeth's catalogue, being an entirely clean/soft album with a lot of '70s prog influence. Deliverance is one of their heavier albums, in contrast to Damnation, and I think is the closest Opeth gets to their early period while working within the more modern prog metal sensibilities they pioneered in this period. Damnation/Deliverance are also the last albums Steven Wilson produced for Opeth (btw you definitely need to check out Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree if you haven't already!). Ghost Reveries and Watershed, in my opinion, are the most mature albums in Opeth's metal era. I think they're the most diverse albums Opeth has released. (Personal song recommendations: from Damnation, "Windowpane", "Hope Leaves". From other albums, "The Leper Affinity", "Blackwater Park", "Deliverance", "Master's Apprentices", "The Grand Conjuration", "Coil/Heir Apparent", "The Lotus Eater", "Burden", "Porcelain Heart".) One of the reasons why Opeth's transition to later non-metal period is so controversial is that it was kind of a 90 degree turn with very little warning. They went from Watershed, which was very much in the vein of all of Opeth's previous works straight into Heritage, which was very not metal and had psychedelic prog vibes. Anyone who followed the band at all knew this was more where Akerfeldt's roots are (he's the singer/guitarist who's the center of the band), but it was still very abrupt. I won't give recommendations on this era because it's unfortunately just not my cup of tea, and so I haven't listened very closely to the albums in it. That said, there's plenty to listen to in both metal and non-metal Opeth, and we've had almost just as much time now in each (dear god where did the time go...).
Whereas I love the Middle and newer prog rock Opeth. Not so keen on early, never been a huge fan of death metal. All of their newer albums are great. Probably my two favourite would be Sorceress and In Cauda Venenum. For me, everything from 2001 to present is golf. There is no other band out there like these guys. This article is a really good view into how Mikael operates. www.guitarworld.com/features/opeth-prog-rock-has-become-all-about-intricate-guitar-solos-and-weird-time-signatures-theres-more-to-us-than-that
While I mostly agree, i would group Still Life with their mid era honestly. It's essentially the same sound as Blackwater Park, just not quite as beefed up production wise. It has nothing in common with the first two albums, and MAYH is kind of a bridge between
Opeth - BLACKWATER PARK Just so you can get a hint of what type of song it is, let me quote one of my favourite comments under that song: "This song is sung by a 1000-year old dragon living in a cave in a mountain."
@@lucianoastudillohenriquez2866 True, however I'm not into a lot of Death Metal bands but I can't get enough of Opeth. Their music just feels far beyond what anyone else in that scene are producing. I refer to them as the Pink Floyd of metal.
@@Loftus4345 Rofl hard agree on that. I have nothing with death metal, but Opeth is opium to my soul. And hard agree on Opeth being a true successor to Pink Floyd, although Porcupine Tree also fits that bill extremely well imo.
@@TFOLLT I actually just heard Porcupine Tree for the first time recently and I can see how you'd make that correlation. They have that same level of sophistication in their music. It kinda shows how Pink Floyd was so ahead of their time if the best prog bands are still producing music from foundations Pink Floyd have created.
@@Loftus4345 porcupine tree and opeth feel like to sides of the same coin to me. Opeth a little more heavy and dark, pt more psychedelic but for some reason they feel alot alike to me. Steven Wilson and mikael akerfeldt are actually good friends, and SW did produce some of opeths albums.
I agree the watershed album was kind of the last album that had a perfect mix of growls and cleans. Wish you could just react to the whole album cause it is quite an experience.
Another vote for Watershed. Great middle ground for their evolving sound, and the one I tend to revisit the most these days. Also, if you're wondering about the album/song that epitomises their older sound, you can do no better than Blackwater Park.
I was going to say this is kind of the middle (when they signed with Roadrunner)... early stuff is what they released on Candlelight (Orchid, Morningrise, and My Arms, Your Hearse)
Glad to see that I'm not the only one who thought that. I fell in love with their music for the same reasons that I love Pink Floyd. Also, some of their solos remind me of Gilmour's work.
The problem about opeth reactions is that newbies only found the live versions and official videos, which are good, but less than 10% of the band greatness. Nobody check songs like the moor, to bid you farewell, a fair judgement, these masterpieces are always forgotten :(
Between this and BMTH live at The Royal Albert Hall London, I can't think of any live performances that sound so good and crystal clear. The sound engineers deserve stellar status. The acoustic solo here always got me, reminds me of David Gilmour's solos.
Joakim going ham on the keyboard is definitely me at work 😆 Yup your face at 12:47 is a meme..that double kick does NOT sound right to me too, so filthy probably the sound of the Underworld calling. Hope you have a damn good day, friend.
They still play some of the heavier stuff live. The track "Deliverance" has been their show closer for about the last 10 years, and as you will discover when you react to it (it's a must along with "Blackwater Park"), it's plenty heavy enough to keep the purists happy. Ps, all Opeth is good music, whatever era. #Hereforthepauses
Holy hell i love this band. I'm glad that you reacted to this song. Your channel is probably one of the best with the most know-how right now. Keep it up! Greetings from Germany 💪🏼
So cool to see you doing an Opeth reaction. This is the stuff I cut my teeth on, metal-wise. This album era - Ghost Reveries, Deliverance, Damnation, Blackwater Park, and Watershed - was, for me, the perfect mix of prog and brutal death metal. Top heavy recommendations from me from these albums: "Deliverance" (best outro in metal IMO) "Heir Apparent" (brutal throughout with a killer guitar solo) "Reverie/Harlequin Forest" (heavy, with mostly clean vocals) "Hessian Peel" Top clean/soft recommendations from this era: "Atonement" "Windowpane" (anything from the Damnation album, really) "Burden" "Harvest"
Chase, every so often I go down a rabbit hole and I find new bands (or just bands that I haven't heard of) that I just love. I love going down that hole, finding this new music that just blows me away. Yesterday was one of those days. I was listening to Bloodywood and the RUclips algorithm kept finding me other bands that are just amazing. Bands from China and Russia, Mongolia, bands that used different instruments I had never seen before and I would never have thought they could sound so good within the rock/metal genre. I think rock music is the only type of music that can do this and that's why I love it so much. Watching you and a couple other people react to music and seeing that light in your eyes is how I feel when I find a new band that I just end up loving. Keep up the good work. If you want some of my suggestions let me know and I'll send you some. Have fun and stay safe.
So glad you've made a revisit to Opeth, they feature regularly in the music I want to listen to the most...all eras!! Another great reaction to another great song....these guys really know how to craft fantastic music!
For the record Ghost Reveries was middle-era Opeth. You haven't listened to early Opeth yet, for that you want Serenity Painted Death or Demon of the Fall.
I understand why you want to do it, but you really need to stop apologizing for the pauses Chase. I know others have said it, but I will add my two cents, we are here for the pauses.
I think it depends on the kind of reaction, in this case the pause are desirable cause he adds some valuable insights, when people don't have a real content to add other than the emotional response to the music then I would rather not see the flow of the music stop..
If you pause and have something to add and analyze then it is great. That is what reaction videos are for. If you just do it to avoid copyright, then it gets annoying. Generally just someone repeating themselves over and over. This is a great reaction.
Sometimes pauses can be annoying during pivotal points in songs which is why every pause should always be turned back 10 or 20 seconds. This guy does it well I find
HOLY SHIT YES OPETH! Loving this channel more and more! I remember when I first heard this song, I think it was from a time when I didn't really much like growls or was just getting into them maybe, but that part that starts at 16:24... That is THE most badass piece of music I have EVER come across. I must be one of those in the minority that loves both Opeth. I don't like their super old stuff, but anything from Blackwater Park on = GOLD. "We are doing more." YEEEESSSS Maybe next time do something that heavily contrasts with this song? Devil's Orchard. Or you could do Ghost of Perdition's brother and sister songs on the album, Harlequin Forest and Baying of the Hounds. I don't think there is a clear 'transition album' or whatever, but Watershed (2008) is the last album they did with harsh vocals. Way back in 2003 they put out an all soft album called Damnation. The album with Ghost of Perdition, Ghost Reveries, came out in 2005 so you can see the transition here too.
I'v seen them numerous times over the past 20 years and the November 2019 show was as good and as heavy as any of their previous shows. People should remember that the 2003 album 'Damnation' was mild prog compared to the albums either side of it, Deliverance and Ghost reveries. So they try not to get stuck in a rut. I think that is why many people turned onto them in the first place. On the 'Blackwater park album 2001, it was the first time anyone had heard a death metal song go from insane riffing to acoustic guitars in the blink of an eye. They always had strong prog leanings and thats why we loved them.
That was awesome. I have had people tell me I should get into Opeth and now I see why. Also, that venue is spectacular. I have only made it out to Red Rocks once to see Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin and it was a great show in the coolest venue I have ever been to. If you appreciate the quality of a great outdoor venue, you owe it to yourself to see a show there. It's like a Bucket List level of venue.
Mikael, the lead singer/guitarist has no musical training whatsoever. He says himself that he doesn't know shit about music theory, which makes it all the more impressive that he composes EVERY part of their songs by making demos himself and then showing it to the other members (obviously they get to input their own ideas, but it's mostly Mikael). He just says he makes what he hears in his head. He even goes as far as to say he doesn't even know what chords he's playing. Also, I would recommend checking out Hessian Peel off Watershed, that's an album that's in the middle, as you asked.
he only had some guitar lessons as a kid, and not that much professional training, thats true.. but ofc he knows about chords and stuff, that is most basic for a musician at this level.. but i agree, he is crazy talented
Mikael Akerfeldt is a musical genius. Composes pretty much all the songs. Growls and sings like an angels. Plays leads and rhythm (although Fredrik, the other guitarist, is a technically better lead player who players solos as well), and is just an overall awesome and humble man.
ohhhh...nooooo! you didn`t!!!! Wait... You actually did! I´m in Love!!!! It is the many faces of Opeth and their ability to make musical technicality and composition sound so dense, intense and amazing, that made me fall in love with them many years ago. Their evolution over the years is an awesome adventure to experience. And Ghost Of Perdition sums all this up at an relatively early stage of their journey. (many other songs do too, please go down that road) . Mikaels voice and compositions, Mendez´s bass playing, Frederiks leadguitars and backing vocals... Joachims keys and also backing vocals... and why on earth would we call the drummer `Axe´, if not for his perfection (and... yes, his surname is Axenroth... but you get the drift ;) )? I think, I have seen them about 11 times live by now and it never gets old! Yea, it is just too awesome
"Exhausting". Yep. That is exactly how I feel every time after listening to Ghost of Perdition. Happily exhausted. And if you thought the live version was great, ofc try the studio version but I don't need to tell you that. :)
Mikael might seem like the lead guitar player in this song, but Frederik is definitely the lead, you should hear his solos on other songs, he's an absolute beast. Great reaction dude.
I'm sure many other's have reccommended it, but Opeth has another great live song called Harlequin Forest played at the royal albert hall, really nice audio engineering, crispy af.
Ghost of Perdition is the start of their shift. And to me encapsulates the Opeth sound and best of what they do. The "classic" Opeth sound ppl get so up in arms about is My Arms, Your Hearse/Blackwater Park/Deliverance. all worth checking out. What I have learned and been reminded of by your channel is that all music has merit whether we like it, or is our taste, and I'd rather focus on that rather than some of the agro comments I saw with this reaction. PS - I was lucky enough to see Opeth for the first time this year on March 4th in Los Angeles and it was everything! They played The Leper Affinity and ended with Deliverance, which shows they do still play old songs, just not very often. Thanks for doing this!
Opeth is a band that everyone will have different favorite songs. For me its Burden (which also makes a nice contrast to this one). And their guitar-tone is just brilliant. Loved the insight, nice reaction.
Another great reaction Chase. I absolutely love all Opeth have done through the years. From my understanding, their change in style/music was due to Mikael Akerfeldt (leader) having been listening to a lot of classic prog music, and desired to start making that type of music. Mikael purely enjoys making music that he himself is a fan of and sticks to his guns in that respect. This change occurred late 2000's early 2010's. Watershed was the last real 'heavy' album released in 2008, and the next release after that, Heritage in 2011, was the mark of the start of their classic prog sound. Even though their sound changed, they are still distinctively Opeth in their style. Favorite beginning era songs: Demon of the Fall, To Bide You Farewell, Godhead's Lament Favorite mid era songs: Blackwater Park, The Leper Affinity, Deliverance, Master's Apprentices From the Heritage album start of their change of sound: Slither (song written in tribute to Ronnie James Dio)
"These are musician's musicians"....that's maybe the best description of Opeth I've heard yet. Succinct and spot on. You sir have a new subscriber. I much prefer reaction videos where the reactor knows their shit 🙂
Another fun thing about Opeth is that the guy on keyboard wasn't in the band originally. It was just drums, 2 guitars and bass. But they always used the keys and the backing vocals. They were on a lot of the early albums and they were done by Steven Wilson, the vocalist of Porcupine Tree and also a musical genius
This performance is the current lineup doing the older stuff. I got into Opeth during the prog era, which I love. The 4 albums in the period are some of my favorites. This performance doesn't showcase him much, but the other lead guitarist is an absolute beast.
This was awesome! I know Opeth but in a limited capacity. I have the Blackwater Park CD which is great. Aside from that, Harlequin Forest is probably my favorite track from them from just other suggestions...which I believe is from Ghost Reveries. I'm not familiar with that album but what I do know is that Opeth is freaking phenomenal. Looking forward to more from Chase because it will undoubtedly drive me further into fandom.
And I love how you are one of the few RUclipsrs that actually knows when to pause a video. You pause it exactly on the right moments, a lot of guys don't know how to do this
Your reactions are priceless! You were advised well on the signature Opeth song :) This era of Opeth pretty much ended with the album Watershed in 2008.The next four ablums all came after that big musical switch - starting with the album Heritage back in 2011. So the shift happened somewhere between 2008 and 2011. They simply started incorporating more of jazzy elements to their sound, the progression is still there, however, the band started being more of a progressive rock than progressive death metal from that point onwards. Still love them, still enjoy them. Love your videos, I learn so much from your deep dive into song structures! Keep it up :)
I know this song, a staple in my Spotify playlist, but probably the only Opeth I listen to. I think I might have missed your other reaction, I'll try and find it back. Maybe it'll be a nice addition to my list. ;)
A song few people mention, but was the one that first got me into Opeth, is Devil's Orchard from the Heritage album. Very enjoyable and it also has a great video. You mentioned the venue. It's called Red Rocks, and it's a natural amphitheater cut out of a mountain in Colorado. The view and acoustics are spectacular and many bands use it as the location for their live videos.
Their album Watershed was literally a watershed album that divided their old era and the new (the last 4 albums to date). Two songs off Watershed that are kind of a mix of old and new (and great songs at that) are "Hessian Peel" and "Porcelain Heart".
I do love this song! And can appreciate the evolution of this band I may not be the biggest fan of everything they do but they don't get stale. And even cooler I was at that show. I do recommend that you see a show at Red rocks at some point in time!
Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Great analysis for a song which is truly a masterpiece. If you are looking to a great Opeth song in the 'middle' of their evolution, I would advise 'Porcelain Heart'.
D - E - L - I - V - E - R - A - N - C - E
Great song to go for next
This but ideally the Lopez/Mendez rhythm section & Peter Lindgren era version, Axe is a great drummer but there's just something about Martin Lopez playing metal drums with a slightly swung jazzy feel & his chemistry with Mendez that felt unique. And Peter might not technically be at Fredrik's level but his vibe live & how Mikael and he used to have less of a dedicated lead guitarist role was special in it's own way also.
The Shepherd's Bush / Lamentations video is on Opeth's RUclips channel........
Shepard's Bush live version is out of this world!
best song ghost is place 2
Yes. Yes. And yes. I would LOVE to hear you cover this one Chase!
Oh, I video I can finally watch because I ALREADY KNOW IT! LET'S GO!!! Hope you dig Opeth.
We need to be friends hehe
He will. He will 😉
Hey Tank, are you up to date with later Opeth? If not, try reacting to "Cusp of eternity" live at Wacken or "Sorceress" live at Red Rocks :)
Same here! I love it when Chase (and you) do songs we've already reacted to and I get to learn along with everyone else! :D
i started reading the comment, saw LET'S GO!!! Then looked at who wrote the comment. lol
In terms of their musical background, Mikael, who composes most of their stuff, isn't very well versed in theory. He has stated numerous times that he doesn't know the theory behind their music, and for example, can't read music. Basically, he's just writing what sounds good to him by ear, trial and error - which is impressive!
Looks like Sweden is a huge pool for uneducated musicians with perfect ears! Roine Stolt is quite similar but with a much "softer" approach (maybe his music was even more complex).
That's why it's called theory..
Anyone can make their own theory and be correct.. there is no music fact..
Best early Opeth: The Moor, April Ethereal
Best Mid Opeth: Blackwater Park, Deliverance
Best Transition Opeth: Hessian Peel, Lotus Eater
Best Late Opeth: Moon Above Sun Below, Faith In Others
Best Soft Opeth: Burden, Windowpane, To Bid You Farewell
Add serenity painted death to early, add harlequin forest to mid. I think transition is good but add strange brew to late opeth and harvest to soft opeth. That's a pretty good list
I support this comment! ;D
Best Transition is hard to choose, Opeth has lot of good things, but for me is Forest of October or Advent (Royal Albert Version)
Demon of the Fall, Karma, Credence, Blackrose Immortal, Nectar,...
My picks for best early work are without a doubt Black Rose Immortal and Nectar, but then again I do favour somewhat different song than many others.
Ok, but how about OPETH- Harlequin Forest at the Royal Albert Hall ?
It was my intro to Opeth and still my favorite. That live video is great.
Best song ever
It's played beautifully but his growl kinda sucked in that live, something from the roundhouse tapes or the live in London from 2003 for that kind of era maybe
Yeah his live growls sound terrible now. Its sad. He was my favorite growler.
@@Zodd-pi8st Nonsense! His growls have been on point every time i've seen them since Watershed (which is every tour) Not as good as the early days, i'll give you that, but to say they sound terrible is just bullshit. Clearly they were off on the RAH dvd, but that was all to do with the transition to in ear monitors.
I'm old, so I can reach back that far. A lot of this reminds me of the best of the GOOD stuff coming out of the late 60s and early 70s. The stuff that made you kick back, light up something you had grown yourself, and let your mind get thoroughly, truly blown. Utter tension obliviation! A gentle, meandering journey with the coolest of suede dudes. With interesting , educational sight seeing stops along the way. Oh, with culturally significant galleries to stroll through, with accompanying snacks.
These guys aren't just professional musicians. They're THERAPISTS!
this is so well put, Sandra! The music you referred to is the kind of music, Mikael ( the vocalist/ main composer of Opeth) is inspired by... so no coincidence there , just apprechiation :)
Haha Mikael has joked his band is Camel meets Morbid Angel.
Iron butterfly Inna Gadda da Vida comes to mind for me, I 100% agree its a journey where you kick back close your eyes and let the music take you where it may
Sandra, you have such a way with words...make me laugh out almost every comment you write! :-) But for sure, these guys write and play music that will take you on the best of journeys, if you're but willing to take the ride!!
Gosh, the sound mixing of this is just sexy.
I don’t know what it is. But probably one of the best live mixes I heard... Thumbs up to the badass engineers...
Also one of the hardest places to have a good mix, and to actually play well, with it being on an exposed cliff in the wind and cold.
To answer your question at the end of the video, this song is Opeth at the tail end of their heavy period, so it's more of the "middle" Opeth you asked for.
For earlier Opeth, their first four albums (Orchid, Morningrise, My Arms Your Hearse, Still Life) are sort of their "early" period (1995-1999). This music was heavier, had a bit of a folk tinge, and was a bit blacker. It's less obviously prog, but the songs are still mostly in the ten minute range. (Personal song recommendations are "The Night and the Silent Water", "When", "Demon of the Fall").
I consider the "middle" Opeth period I described above to be from 2001-2008 (Blackwater Park, Damnation, Deliverance, Ghost Reveries, Watershed). This is also the end of growling metal Opeth. This is their most obviously prog metal era, and probably their most influential. Blackwater Park was a huge step up in production value that also kinda laid out the sound for the rest of this "middle" period. Damnation/Deliverance was a double album, and Damnation is the most unique in Opeth's catalogue, being an entirely clean/soft album with a lot of '70s prog influence. Deliverance is one of their heavier albums, in contrast to Damnation, and I think is the closest Opeth gets to their early period while working within the more modern prog metal sensibilities they pioneered in this period. Damnation/Deliverance are also the last albums Steven Wilson produced for Opeth (btw you definitely need to check out Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree if you haven't already!). Ghost Reveries and Watershed, in my opinion, are the most mature albums in Opeth's metal era. I think they're the most diverse albums Opeth has released. (Personal song recommendations: from Damnation, "Windowpane", "Hope Leaves". From other albums, "The Leper Affinity", "Blackwater Park", "Deliverance", "Master's Apprentices", "The Grand Conjuration", "Coil/Heir Apparent", "The Lotus Eater", "Burden", "Porcelain Heart".)
One of the reasons why Opeth's transition to later non-metal period is so controversial is that it was kind of a 90 degree turn with very little warning. They went from Watershed, which was very much in the vein of all of Opeth's previous works straight into Heritage, which was very not metal and had psychedelic prog vibes. Anyone who followed the band at all knew this was more where Akerfeldt's roots are (he's the singer/guitarist who's the center of the band), but it was still very abrupt. I won't give recommendations on this era because it's unfortunately just not my cup of tea, and so I haven't listened very closely to the albums in it.
That said, there's plenty to listen to in both metal and non-metal Opeth, and we've had almost just as much time now in each (dear god where did the time go...).
i also consider the first four albums to be more melodic (especially morningrise) and the middle era opeth albums to be more groovy.
Whereas I love the Middle and newer prog rock Opeth. Not so keen on early, never been a huge fan of death metal. All of their newer albums are great. Probably my two favourite would be Sorceress and In Cauda Venenum. For me, everything from 2001 to present is golf. There is no other band out there like these guys. This article is a really good view into how Mikael operates. www.guitarworld.com/features/opeth-prog-rock-has-become-all-about-intricate-guitar-solos-and-weird-time-signatures-theres-more-to-us-than-that
While I mostly agree, i would group Still Life with their mid era honestly. It's essentially the same sound as Blackwater Park, just not quite as beefed up production wise. It has nothing in common with the first two albums, and MAYH is kind of a bridge between
Very well stated.
Opeth - BLACKWATER PARK
Just so you can get a hint of what type of song it is, let me quote one of my favourite comments under that song:
"This song is sung by a 1000-year old dragon living in a cave in a mountain."
Its not the best choice if you dont really like Death Metal.
@@lucianoastudillohenriquez2866 True, however I'm not into a lot of Death Metal bands but I can't get enough of Opeth. Their music just feels far beyond what anyone else in that scene are producing. I refer to them as the Pink Floyd of metal.
@@Loftus4345 Rofl hard agree on that. I have nothing with death metal, but Opeth is opium to my soul. And hard agree on Opeth being a true successor to Pink Floyd, although Porcupine Tree also fits that bill extremely well imo.
@@TFOLLT I actually just heard Porcupine Tree for the first time recently and I can see how you'd make that correlation. They have that same level of sophistication in their music. It kinda shows how Pink Floyd was so ahead of their time if the best prog bands are still producing music from foundations Pink Floyd have created.
@@Loftus4345 porcupine tree and opeth feel like to sides of the same coin to me. Opeth a little more heavy and dark, pt more psychedelic but for some reason they feel alot alike to me. Steven Wilson and mikael akerfeldt are actually good friends, and SW did produce some of opeths albums.
I enjoy the frequent pauses. You actually have something insightful to say.
In-the-middle-Opeth? - that would be Watershed album: The Lotus Eater, Porcelain Heart or Hessian Peel.
Porcelain Heart, despite its heaviness, has no growling. Which made me love it.
I agree the watershed album was kind of the last album that had a perfect mix of growls and cleans. Wish you could just react to the whole album cause it is quite an experience.
Another vote for Watershed. Great middle ground for their evolving sound, and the one I tend to revisit the most these days.
Also, if you're wondering about the album/song that epitomises their older sound, you can do no better than Blackwater Park.
@@floob3rdoob3r Lotus Eater, what a jem. An excellent intro to Opeth, despite that album being their last contribution to death metal.
I was going to say this is kind of the middle (when they signed with Roadrunner)... early stuff is what they released on Candlelight (Orchid, Morningrise, and My Arms, Your Hearse)
A song that I absolutely love by them and is very neglected (in my opinion) is Porcelain Heart. I'm SURE you'll love it.
Yes! Absolutely hauntingly pretty
Don’t forget the The Moor, Face Of Melinda...anything from Still life🔥
Opeth is like a metal Pink Floyd. They're an absolute trip.
We need more reactors to check out "epilogue" !!
90% sounds like pink Floyd lol
Was scrolling forever for a comment like this. Absolutely true, Opeth is a special band. They basically defined heavy prog.
I second this.
Glad to see that I'm not the only one who thought that. I fell in love with their music for the same reasons that I love Pink Floyd. Also, some of their solos remind me of Gilmour's work.
The problem about opeth reactions is that newbies only found the live versions and official videos, which are good, but less than 10% of the band greatness. Nobody check songs like the moor, to bid you farewell, a fair judgement, these masterpieces are always forgotten :(
To Bid You Farewell is such a journey, I can't get tired of it.. I'll go listen to it right now.
Both, To Bid You Farewell and A Fair Judgement are consistently in the music I listen too....awesome songs!!
Between this and BMTH live at The Royal Albert Hall London, I can't think of any live performances that sound so good and crystal clear. The sound engineers deserve stellar status. The acoustic solo here always got me, reminds me of David Gilmour's solos.
Dude, you forgot Alter Bridge and Devin Townsend both live at the Royal Albert Hall.
Anesthetize
Opeth ...absolute KINGS of the transitions...
True
Joakim going ham on the keyboard is definitely me at work 😆 Yup your face at 12:47 is a meme..that double kick does NOT sound right to me too, so filthy probably the sound of the Underworld calling.
Hope you have a damn good day, friend.
Juliette McGee all Opeth is gnarly.
Yup that double bass is nasty. Axenrot is relentless 😉
They still play some of the heavier stuff live. The track "Deliverance" has been their show closer for about the last 10 years, and as you will discover when you react to it (it's a must along with "Blackwater Park"), it's plenty heavy enough to keep the purists happy. Ps, all Opeth is good music, whatever era. #Hereforthepauses
Holy hell i love this band. I'm glad that you reacted to this song.
Your channel is probably one of the best with the most know-how right now. Keep it up!
Greetings from Germany 💪🏼
Me reading the title: likes the video within 10 seconds.
So cool to see you doing an Opeth reaction. This is the stuff I cut my teeth on, metal-wise. This album era - Ghost Reveries, Deliverance, Damnation, Blackwater Park, and Watershed - was, for me, the perfect mix of prog and brutal death metal. Top heavy recommendations from me from these albums:
"Deliverance" (best outro in metal IMO)
"Heir Apparent" (brutal throughout with a killer guitar solo)
"Reverie/Harlequin Forest" (heavy, with mostly clean vocals)
"Hessian Peel"
Top clean/soft recommendations from this era:
"Atonement"
"Windowpane" (anything from the Damnation album, really)
"Burden"
"Harvest"
Chase, every so often I go down a rabbit hole and I find new bands (or just bands that I haven't heard of) that I just love. I love going down that hole, finding this new music that just blows me away. Yesterday was one of those days. I was listening to Bloodywood and the RUclips algorithm kept finding me other bands that are just amazing. Bands from China and Russia, Mongolia, bands that used different instruments I had never seen before and I would never have thought they could sound so good within the rock/metal genre.
I think rock music is the only type of music that can do this and that's why I love it so much. Watching you and a couple other people react to music and seeing that light in your eyes is how I feel when I find a new band that I just end up loving. Keep up the good work. If you want some of my suggestions let me know and I'll send you some. Have fun and stay safe.
So glad you've made a revisit to Opeth, they feature regularly in the music I want to listen to the most...all eras!! Another great reaction to another great song....these guys really know how to craft fantastic music!
Couldn't stay away too long
For the record Ghost Reveries was middle-era Opeth. You haven't listened to early Opeth yet, for that you want Serenity Painted Death or Demon of the Fall.
I understand why you want to do it, but you really need to stop apologizing for the pauses Chase. I know others have said it, but I will add my two cents, we are here for the pauses.
yeah man, pauses are so much better then someone just walking all over the song if they let it play.
I think it depends on the kind of reaction, in this case the pause are desirable cause he adds some valuable insights, when people don't have a real content to add other than the emotional response to the music then I would rather not see the flow of the music stop..
@@FabioLovaglio That is what chase does, he adds valuable insights when he pauses hence why he doesn't need to apologize.
If you pause and have something to add and analyze then it is great. That is what reaction videos are for. If you just do it to avoid copyright, then it gets annoying. Generally just someone repeating themselves over and over. This is a great reaction.
Sometimes pauses can be annoying during pivotal points in songs which is why every pause should always be turned back 10 or 20 seconds. This guy does it well I find
Awesome! Would love to see a reaction to Blackwater Park at Royal Albert Hall.
This song is a goddamn masterpiece. Also the lead vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt writes all the music.
I love chase trying to explaining music concepts in his own words, like harmonies, polyrhythms, falsetto, etc
I do my best.
Opeth is the band that got me into metal. Thanks for doing this reaction.
You have stunning analytic capabilities. Never boring.
Thank you 🙏🙏🙏
This is actually in the middle believe it or not. If you want one of the actual older ones that is super good, listen to serenity painted death.
that's an awesome track
Yes, that is a good remark. I agree...that is a nice track..also less mentioned. chapeu Ryan!
up this!
Opeth is the TRUTH
HOLY SHIT YES OPETH! Loving this channel more and more! I remember when I first heard this song, I think it was from a time when I didn't really much like growls or was just getting into them maybe, but that part that starts at 16:24... That is THE most badass piece of music I have EVER come across. I must be one of those in the minority that loves both Opeth. I don't like their super old stuff, but anything from Blackwater Park on = GOLD. "We are doing more." YEEEESSSS Maybe next time do something that heavily contrasts with this song? Devil's Orchard. Or you could do Ghost of Perdition's brother and sister songs on the album, Harlequin Forest and Baying of the Hounds. I don't think there is a clear 'transition album' or whatever, but Watershed (2008) is the last album they did with harsh vocals. Way back in 2003 they put out an all soft album called Damnation. The album with Ghost of Perdition, Ghost Reveries, came out in 2005 so you can see the transition here too.
I just saw Opeth live last week and they definitely played this song!
I'v seen them numerous times over the past 20 years and the November 2019 show was as good and as heavy as any of their previous shows. People should remember that the 2003 album 'Damnation' was mild prog compared to the albums either side of it, Deliverance and Ghost reveries. So they try not to get stuck in a rut. I think that is why many people turned onto them in the first place. On the 'Blackwater park album 2001, it was the first time anyone had heard a death metal song go from insane riffing to acoustic guitars in the blink of an eye. They always had strong prog leanings and thats why we loved them.
Well said!!
This guy actually good at reaction and analysis omg, PLEASE DO MORE OPETH! OR WE RIOT LMAO JK
That was awesome. I have had people tell me I should get into Opeth and now I see why.
Also, that venue is spectacular. I have only made it out to Red Rocks once to see Disturbed and Breaking Benjamin and it was a great show in the coolest venue I have ever been to. If you appreciate the quality of a great outdoor venue, you owe it to yourself to see a show there. It's like a Bucket List level of venue.
Mikael, the lead singer/guitarist has no musical training whatsoever. He says himself that he doesn't know shit about music theory, which makes it all the more impressive that he composes EVERY part of their songs by making demos himself and then showing it to the other members (obviously they get to input their own ideas, but it's mostly Mikael). He just says he makes what he hears in his head. He even goes as far as to say he doesn't even know what chords he's playing.
Also, I would recommend checking out Hessian Peel off Watershed, that's an album that's in the middle, as you asked.
he only had some guitar lessons as a kid, and not that much professional training, thats true.. but ofc he knows about chords and stuff, that is most basic for a musician at this level.. but i agree, he is crazy talented
@@faultier3215 yeah, saying ackerfeldt doesn't know chords is ridiculous lol
Mikael Akerfeldt is a musical genius. Composes pretty much all the songs. Growls and sings like an angels. Plays leads and rhythm (although Fredrik, the other guitarist, is a technically better lead player who players solos as well), and is just an overall awesome and humble man.
Kille (Fredrik) is the lead guitarist in Opeth. But that's stating the fact how brilliant everyone in the band is.
For a fan and musician, there's nothing more satisfying, than watching a musician become a fan.
ohhhh...nooooo! you didn`t!!!! Wait... You actually did!
I´m in Love!!!! It is the many faces of Opeth and their ability to make musical technicality and composition sound so dense, intense and amazing, that made me fall in love with them many years ago. Their evolution over the years is an awesome adventure to experience. And Ghost Of Perdition sums all this up at an relatively early stage of their journey. (many other songs do too, please go down that road) . Mikaels voice and compositions, Mendez´s bass playing, Frederiks leadguitars and backing vocals... Joachims keys and also backing vocals... and why on earth would we call the drummer `Axe´, if not for his perfection (and... yes, his surname is Axenroth... but you get the drift ;) )? I think, I have seen them about 11 times live by now and it never gets old! Yea, it is just too awesome
Been waiting for this, thank you
The fact that it's a show is given; it becomes *"how* do we present it?"
Goddamn it Chase... you’re just reacting to all my favorite music now huh 😂
Haha I try 🙋🏼♂️
Gotta go older. The Drapery Falls, live at Shepard's Bush, 2004!!!
One of the greatest ever
I loved your reaction. I was one of the people to see opeth live, together with dream theater and symphony x in one concert. ❤
The three kings of prog! Love Symphony X
Gigantour, around 2007? Saw that too ;)
[music kicks into full gear]
"... Ohhhh"
That fuckin' killed me! 😂
this live album mixing is top notch, you need to check out "demon of the fall" from this concert
"Exhausting". Yep. That is exactly how I feel every time after listening to Ghost of Perdition. Happily exhausted. And if you thought the live version was great, ofc try the studio version but I don't need to tell you that. :)
You should check out Mikael Åkerfeldt(singer) when he sings in Bloodbath
Mikael might seem like the lead guitar player in this song, but Frederik is definitely the lead, you should hear his solos on other songs, he's an absolute beast. Great reaction dude.
I'm sure many other's have reccommended it, but Opeth has another great live song called Harlequin Forest played at the royal albert hall, really nice audio engineering, crispy af.
Ghost of Perdition is the start of their shift. And to me encapsulates the Opeth sound and best of what they do. The "classic" Opeth sound ppl get so up in arms about is My Arms, Your Hearse/Blackwater Park/Deliverance. all worth checking out.
What I have learned and been reminded of by your channel is that all music has merit whether we like it, or is our taste, and I'd rather focus on that rather than some of the agro comments I saw with this reaction.
PS - I was lucky enough to see Opeth for the first time this year on March 4th in Los Angeles and it was everything! They played The Leper Affinity and ended with Deliverance, which shows they do still play old songs, just not very often.
Thanks for doing this!
Opeth is a band that everyone will have different favorite songs. For me its Burden (which also makes a nice contrast to this one). And their guitar-tone is just brilliant. Loved the insight, nice reaction.
Another great reaction Chase. I absolutely love all Opeth have done through the years. From my understanding, their change in style/music was due to Mikael Akerfeldt (leader) having been listening to a lot of classic prog music, and desired to start making that type of music. Mikael purely enjoys making music that he himself is a fan of and sticks to his guns in that respect. This change occurred late 2000's early 2010's. Watershed was the last real 'heavy' album released in 2008, and the next release after that, Heritage in 2011, was the mark of the start of their classic prog sound. Even though their sound changed, they are still distinctively Opeth in their style.
Favorite beginning era songs: Demon of the Fall, To Bide You Farewell, Godhead's Lament
Favorite mid era songs: Blackwater Park, The Leper Affinity, Deliverance, Master's Apprentices
From the Heritage album start of their change of sound: Slither (song written in tribute to Ronnie James Dio)
Try : Anethesitize by Porcupine Tree! Masterpiece! This Opeth song is theatrical! I personally love all the cool unpredictable chord changes!
"These are musician's musicians"....that's maybe the best description of Opeth I've heard yet. Succinct and spot on. You sir have a new subscriber. I much prefer reaction videos where the reactor knows their shit 🙂
Thank you and welcome!!!
Another fun thing about Opeth is that the guy on keyboard wasn't in the band originally. It was just drums, 2 guitars and bass. But they always used the keys and the backing vocals. They were on a lot of the early albums and they were done by Steven Wilson, the vocalist of Porcupine Tree and also a musical genius
The expressions at 16m25s+ are classic!
I’m new to Opeth but the first song I heard was “Deliverance”. What a journey this is! Have fun.
First Opeth song I ever heard. First song with growls too. I love that you have been posting some more prog lately. Keep it up!
Yes!!! One of my favorite tracks of all time. It goes through so many changes and will absolutely kick you in the balls about 8 seconds in 😎
Nothing like drinking a nice cup of tea during a thunderstorm and watching a Chase reaction / analysis :)
Some suggestions:
Ne Obiviscaris - And Pague Flowers the Kaleidoscope
Ne Obliviscaris - Painters of the Tempest
Persefone - Spritiual Migration
Persefone - Consciousness pt1 +2
Haken - Prosthetic
Leprous - The Price
Beyond Creation - Omnipresent Perception
Archespire - Relentless Mutilation
Rings of Saturn - Mental Prolapse
Wow, what a blast from the past. Haven't heard that song for... idk... 15 years or so?
Absolutely awesome. Still remembered most of it.
Thanks, Chase
This performance is the current lineup doing the older stuff. I got into Opeth during the prog era, which I love. The 4 albums in the period are some of my favorites. This performance doesn't showcase him much, but the other lead guitarist is an absolute beast.
This was awesome! I know Opeth but in a limited capacity. I have the Blackwater Park CD which is great. Aside from that, Harlequin Forest is probably my favorite track from them from just other suggestions...which I believe is from Ghost Reveries. I'm not familiar with that album but what I do know is that Opeth is freaking phenomenal. Looking forward to more from Chase because it will undoubtedly drive me further into fandom.
And I love how you are one of the few RUclipsrs that actually knows when to pause a video. You pause it exactly on the right moments, a lot of guys don't know how to do this
The part at 18:00 and onwards makes me think of the hearse - blackwater park era, god damn the nostalgia.
Opeth live at 2am with fog etc is a Trip. So good.
Opeth - The Grand Conjuration, Deliverance and Porcelain Heart are a must!!!
Your reactions are priceless! You were advised well on the signature Opeth song :)
This era of Opeth pretty much ended with the album Watershed in 2008.The next four ablums all came after that big musical switch - starting with the album Heritage back in 2011. So the shift happened somewhere between 2008 and 2011. They simply started incorporating more of jazzy elements to their sound, the progression is still there, however, the band started being more of a progressive rock than progressive death metal from that point onwards. Still love them, still enjoy them.
Love your videos, I learn so much from your deep dive into song structures! Keep it up :)
The Drapery Falls, Harlequin Forest, Blackwater Park
Opeth - Windowpane !!
Also check out Porcupine Tree live in Tilburg
They are amazing. Sweden strikes again!!
Harlequin Forest live...... its gonna be a praise for the pause buttom in that song aswell
Fuck yeah! Love me some Opeth, especially when he pulls out his growls. Definitely best in the business back then!
Classic Opeth is one of the crown jewels of metal music. A seminal progressive melodeath band.
I know this song, a staple in my Spotify playlist, but probably the only Opeth I listen to. I think I might have missed your other reaction, I'll try and find it back. Maybe it'll be a nice addition to my list. ;)
D E M O N - O F - T H E - F A L L!
U won't regret it!
A song few people mention, but was the one that first got me into Opeth, is Devil's Orchard from the Heritage album. Very enjoyable and it also has a great video.
You mentioned the venue. It's called Red Rocks, and it's a natural amphitheater cut out of a mountain in Colorado. The view and acoustics are spectacular and many bands use it as the location for their live videos.
And the torture at work begins XD
The organ solo in Burden! and then for the lighter side- Will o' the Whisps.
Great reaction video. I would love to see you do Opeth’s Harlequin forest (live Royal Albert Hall). And hey, do I see.. Go Broncos! 🥰🤗
Just a complete masterpiece
The Moor!
I don't listen to Opeth, but I absolutely loved this guy as Fear on the Ayreon album The Human Equation. Amazing work.
His vocals on Trauma are godlike.
Porcelain Skin was how I got into Opeth, and that was right around the time that they changed their style.
i think you meant porcelain heart.
@@omkarbharambe8673 I think you are right.
Harlequin forest next...!☝
Their album Watershed was literally a watershed album that divided their old era and the new (the last 4 albums to date). Two songs off Watershed that are kind of a mix of old and new (and great songs at that) are "Hessian Peel" and "Porcelain Heart".
The Leper affinity off their older DVD is siccccccc
Best reaction ever! Thank you!
Thank you Peter!
My favorite song from their middle period is "Drapery Falls" from "Blackwater Park"
I've seen so many shows in my life, and I've never seen a band that sounded more like their albums live than Opeth does.
How about the song they play to get chicks backstage? (that's a quote from the singer Mikael) WINDOWPANE!!!
🤘🏼🇸🇪Now we are talking
🙋🏼♂️🇸🇪
Chase Carneson .. hmmm some REVAMP would be Nice 😉😉🤘🏼
I do love this song! And can appreciate the evolution of this band I may not be the biggest fan of everything they do but they don't get stale.
And even cooler I was at that show. I do recommend that you see a show at Red rocks at some point in time!
Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Great analysis for a song which is truly a masterpiece. If you are looking to a great Opeth song in the 'middle' of their evolution, I would advise 'Porcelain Heart'.
They do still play the old stuff, the fan favourites. They've done album anniversary shows too, of which there will hopefully be more!