By what metric are they under rated? Most of their albums are met with almost universal acclaim from critics and fans alike. Routinely place on best of lists etc
@@ChromeXk I find that they're very rarely known outside of metal fans. System of a down is basically a household name amongst people my age but hardly anyone has heard of Opeth.
@@ChromeXk definitely not underrated but maybe... unpopular? even in the vast spectrum of the metal scene their work as a whole is still niche and bit too specific to be enjoyable for a major audience.
Been a loving fan since 1998, when my friend showed me Orchid. Following their journey, the last couple of albums have really let me down about them. But! All these new ‘People racting to Opeth’ trend as of these times, has had me re-experience what Opeth was and has always been all about: exploring new and distant territory. I’ve heard every album to death, but still (because of all reactions) I STILL discover new details in Opeths albums. So I’m with you, I too wish I could experience their albums for the first time again.
@@HanOnkel bing-f**kin-GO brotha! Especially this album, it covers basically their entire repertoire and to see an established musician listen to it for the first time takes you back to your first time
@@justsomejusstsome8994 depends on how much you love classic prog rock dude. I'm not that much into that style but I can recognize the beauty in the new albums as well. Heritage for example is one of my fav albums of all time but In Cauda Venenum is pretty hit or miss.
Definitely in the same vein of more progressive, experimental music. Especially with the more recent albums. I'm sure your son's probably heard of Porcupine Tree as well, but I'd give them a shot too if you haven't.
Opeth is a definitely one of the most unique bands I've ever heard, listening to their entire discography was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
@@TheFbiFilesRepeat I think that may be the same with me. Benighted is one the most beautiful songs I've ever heard and the ending riff to Moonlapse Vertigo is probably my favorite Opeth ending riff.
I love when someone hears Opeth for the first time and are just blown away when they go from a super heavy riff/vocal section to an absolutely beautiful, eerie, melancholic transcending vibe.
The whole "they are the trees part" gives me a lump in my throat every time. Too beautiful. Opeth is out of this world. Edit: By the way, my husband and I are audiophiles and we both agree that the sound engineering on this album is one of the very best we've ever heard across any genre. We are always awed by the sonic qualities combined with the masterful compositions on this album. It's worth checking out (Ghost Reveries).
First ever Opeth song I ever heard. Back when Ghost Reveries was getting ready to come out this dude was super pumped about it. I'd never heard of Opeth before and when I asked him what should I listen to he said "Just get either Still Life or Blackwater Park and listen to the whole thing." which is exactly what I did. I'm not sure why I picked it but Still Life was my choice and from the moment Mikael came in with the clean vocals for the first time I was immediately sucked in and hooked. Right now my CD changer in my car (which yes I actually listen to all the time) has Still Life, Blackwater Park, Ghost Reveries and Your Arms My Hearse in it, all started with The Moor which is still one of my favorite Opeth songs to this day.
@@larshaugseth3743 I don't think so, as there's nothing stopping you listening to both. However it's a build up of almost nothing happening for nearly two minutes. It's alright the first few times, but after the hundredth time, I only ever end up skipping to 1:40 anyways. It's my own personal preference, I get that. I just don't think it needed to be 'that' long of a build up.
Love that you praised his growls, as Mikael is the one who actually got me to appreciate growling in my life. It's energetic, it's brutal, but it's also so... soft? Listenable? Very pleasant to the ear? For some reason I find his growling very cozy.
It’s because he’s not screaming at you. Not too deep, not too high-pitched. He’s doing it just right. There’s a vocal coach reacts video that explains it all.
Hahahaha cozy growling, I love this definition! He was the one that made me appreciate growling too!! And to the present day, is the only one I really love! It is perfect, not only the cozy sound of it as you say, but also its use in the songs, coming in in the right moments, bringing the perfect energy needed!
Same, I started listening to Opeth at 15 or 16 years old and I'm now about to be 28. This was the first album I listened to and I was so obsessed that I would literally listen to the entire album every night for months and months. I basically don't even have to turn the music on anymore, I can just listen to it in my head.
Thats exactly what I thought. Especially when he talked about even if they pass tracks back and forth to put them together, they know what the other is dping so smoothly. Opeth is the band that yraveled that westward road to his Northern, and met at the crossroads at the PERFECT time!
This is my first time listening to Opeth as well. While the instrumental is absolutely beautiful and perfect, the vocalist has the most beautiful, controlled and soothing gutturals I've ever heard.
Took me some time to like these cats, but as my musical horizons expanded I kept coming back to them and finding myself liking one more track. One more album. I am still going through their discography. Every song is a journey I have to go on unconvinced and the more I listen to it the more it convinces me. This band is a grower, but looking back I wonder was I deaf for not loving them immediately? Loads of influences going on with them. Their bass riffs are so funky, bluesy and soulful. There is a slap part in there. Guitar out of this world. Drums on point. Composition for the ages.This will be remembered for a long time after we are gone :)
@@nietzscheente1271 The thing about prog metal (the real stuff influenced by prog rock, not the weird genre it has become) is, like he said, the intricate layers and re-listenable nature of it. I'm still a sucker for a good hook and will still listen to Dethklok, King Diamond, etc but I generally find a lot of vanilla metal boring. Check out Ihsahn
'The drapery falls', as well as 'Harvest' are just absolutely incredible pieces. Two of my favorite songs, not just by them, but in musical history. They make such warm and full bodied music.
Opeth has the beauty and brutality, in equal measure. I've followed them for practically 20 years and never have I regretted the journey. First time I heard "To Bid You Farewell," it was the most moving musical experience of my life.
Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree is buddies with the lead of Opeth and has worked with them and mixed some of their work. Storm Corrosion is a nice collaboration between both frontmen. Also, mellotron is used at times in Opeth.
"I know I probably stopped at the most sacrilegious time..." lol! As many here say, it's great to see someone experience Opeth for the first time and appreciate it for the great music it is :)
Love seeing musicians being introduced to Opeth. The musicianship in this band far exceeds expectations every time, every album. There's something for everyone.
Hey man, how about a video talking about some of the albums you have been involved in, as engineer or producer? We're about the same age (I even also have 7 grandkids!) and it seems like we have similar musical tastes/thoughts. I would love to hear if you've worked on some of my most loved albums. Not to mention, I'd love to hang out for an afternoon /evening just talking music!
I’ve been a drummer 20 years. Also a wannabe composer for at least ten of those years. Not knowing much about musical theory... I’m so happy I stumbled upon your channel! @18:25 one of those drum fills features a very nifty use of techniques on the snare you might notice the high cracking whipping noise changes pitch? Those are (from an educated guess and having listened 100+ times to this track) rim-shots played with the drumstick tip placement varying further then nearer to the centre of the drum skin. To do this (well) is actually extremely difficult as the angle of your forearm has to adapt to the placement otherwise you’ll hit the rim too hard or too soft. Anyways that was just something I thought you might want to know - sort of an exchange of musical knowledge?!? I really appreciated all your thoughts and ideas on this band I’ve been listening to since 2008. Would love to hear more stories like the one about setting up drum mics in 80’s Hollywood studios! I guess I will need to subscribe eh 🤣. Keep it up! I’ll be watching.
Hi I'm also a drummer since the 80s. Martin Lopez is the drummer. Those fills are almost hertas and listen to Window Pane by Opeth of off Damnation . It really showcases these almost throwback fills to the way Chuck Panozza played in More Than a Feeling by Boston. Check out Soen the bandMartin Lopez played w after Opeth.
I must say as a casual musician myself I absolutely love your reactions and analysis of songs. Watching someone who is more educated in music makes reactions so much more enjoyable for me then watching someone who isn't. Its like we talk in secret language or something. In any case love the vids you have been putting out. Cheers!
What i really dig and struggled to define at first when i started listening to opeth is their aim with composition. What makes them so special is that they want to create an atmosphere with sound which one can easily visualize. They want to evoke emotions and thought rather than make you headbang 24/7 , which is why the "solo" had so much impact eventhough it was technically pretty easy, the fact that it breaks up that haunting mood the song itself creates throughout makes it special. Also the chords they use are fan-fu**ing-tastic. They use so many semitone harmonic chords that you really dont hear much of outside of some jazz and blues. Truly a unique prog band.
We've all been waiting for this. When the growl kicked in, you paused, considered, nodded, got stank face and then your head bobbed like we all knew it would. Opeth are my favourite band. They have evolved...for some purists for the worse but to me and most others everything they have done is magical, just in a different way. Blackwater Park is must for you to listen to, some lesser reacted to tracks are Eternal Rains Will Come, Sorceress, Dignity and In My Time Of Need. Keep up the great videos!!
@@Celatra We've all got different fave albums, the most common ones being Still Life, Blackwater Park and Ghost Reveries. I don't really have a fave album but if I had a gun to my head I'd go with Blackwater Park. It cemented and perfected their middle era sound that Still Life started. (first era = Orchid - Morningrise - My Arms Your Hearse, second era = Still Life to Watershed, third era = Heritage to In Cauda Venenum atm., waiting for news that a new album is coming since Mikael have probably written a ton of songs during the pandemic).
@@scyphe thing is, i feel like blackwater is a step down from still life. first of, all but 3 songs are in the key of E minor. secondly, honestly, the songs lack individuality like they do on still life. it took me a while to be able to tell when exactly Leper Affinity ends and when we're over on Bleak. the vocals are also more monotone . the album opener is good but nowhere near as haunting as The Moor, and I LOVE the leper affinity. Harvest is a good ballad, but it just doesn't set the mood in the same way as Benighted. The Drapery Falls is excellent as is Dirge for november, but The Funeral Portrait is just so weak. the main riff just doesn't hir you at all and it doesn't get expanded upon. the song also has way too little clean vocals for what it is- a leading song to Patterns in the ivy and to the heaviest song on the album. where as in Still life, Moonlapse Vertigo, face of melinda, serenity painted death and white cluster all FEEL like they belong together and they don't feel out of place or like road blocks. where as in, the funeral portrait just kind of bumps on you after dirge for november. and not in a pleasant way. in a kind of sore way. Bleak is the only 2nd song i'd put a bit over Godhead's Lament, although Godhead's lament is darker in tone.
It would be really great if you can tell him that he managed to influence people who tried to end their lives(probably heard that alot but still)... Not just him but everyone from opeth... Including lopez and axe both of them are my fav drummers. Everyone... I even saw them live... Best day of my life... ❤️
You have one of the fastest growing channels I have seen ...and I state this as a some what of an aficionado now that COVID lockdowns have kept me in all year ..I think it is because you are so genuine. .keep up the great work
"I just love the journey" exactly my experience with pieces from Opeth. My personal favorite piece from one of their older albums, Blackwater Park (track of the same name as album name).
@@pvdaele I think they had a keyboard player since the album Ghost Reveries.. I know there was a Piano in one song on Blackwater Park - but that was either Mikael, or Steven Wilson (I think Steven played the outro piano of The Leper Affinity) actually also in Patterns in the Ivy, but again, that was probably just Mikael, or a guest musician.
@@pvdaele in Still Life there was no keyboard or piano.. The parts when they sound like a keyboard, is actually guitar, where they do the long notes, I don't know how they do it, but it's pretty cool like in Serenity Painted Death, sounds like keyboard but I think it's just a guitar.
@@lopolik There were a bunch a synths on Blackwater Park, Deliverance and Damnation. Most of them I think are Steven Wilson's doing. But not all. Michael uses a keyboard when writing and arranging the songs, so I assume that some of the synths were his. But they have used additional synths in the production since before Still Life. The prelude in My Arms, Your Hearse, eg
This guys are way older now, and you will get tons of requests for one of their greatest tracks GHOST OF PERDITON. I would suggest you react to the Garden of the Titans live versión they released on a DVD 2 years ago so you get to hear and see them in action. It is absolutely beautiful, perfect execution. Great mix.
The part 16:46 is probably my favorite moment from all their catalog. Right before it they play the same phrase with some variations several times and do these "fake" drum fills when you expect that huge drop, but it doesn't come. So when it comes, it feels sooo satisfying. It's even cooler when you are familiar with the song and re listen
My favourite part of this track is the transition from the "instrumental hook" as you called it and the heavier section where the singer "Mikael Åkerfelt" sings "Its all false pretention, harlequin foooooorest". That gives me the majorest of goosebumps every single time, and Ive listened to this song hundreds if not thousands of times. This whole record is absolutely amazing, and is sort of their "The wall". It has a story running through every song and every single one is damn near perfect. Also, if you wanna do more Opeth stuff, the song "When" has always been a favourite of mine. A bit heavier but man o man what a great song it is.
You hit the nail on the head with that virtuosity of Prog/Math/Metal musicians. Opeth are such an incredible band from the "Sonic Sphere" perspective. The dynamics they play with between the "cookie monster vocals" growls and clean sections, from distortion to acoustics and strings. I've seen them live a few times and one thing that always struck me is that their mix is **QUIET**. It's more about the balance of the music instead of blasting out the speakers and trying to find the balance of 9's and 10's in volume. It's so awesome to go to a death metal gig and not have mild tinnitus the next day. Keep up the awesome work man. You've got a viewer for life in me because nearly every band you've reacted to so far is right in my wheel house of tastes.
Imagine hearing that guitar solo played perfectly live, after midnight, after two days of festival partying, with 30 000 other people. I did at Wacken 2019, it was fucking magical and Opeth is one of the tightest bands I've ever heard live! By the way, the syncopations in the end of the song, those are also played perfectly live. You should watch a song from one of their live shows, you will be impressed!
Opeth IS a journey. It's what I love about them. Their music is symphonic, with movements high and low, soft and brutal. Opeth and Tool are hands-down my two favorite bands. Thank you for doing these. Your breakdowns are insightful.
The breaks these guys come up with are probably the most gorgeous and musical of any music. They are maybe my favorite band ever and every time I have seen them live, I was never disappointed.
Hahaha, good video! It's groovy isn't it. Always loved Opeth, it's an absolute trip learning the guitar parts too. They can pull that off live too, very cool.
FINALLY, Opeth!!! Way to go man, I'm jealous - I wish I could hear them for the first time all over again. Mikael has a phenomenal voice whether he's singing or growling. Next the whole album: Blackwater Park. Thank us later.
me too, knowing the lyrics while listening to it somehow ruins the experience. but seeing the lyrics a secind or third time i listen to it, if the lyrics are good, is an added bonus :D
I’ve done that all my life. Only after I like a song and listen to it again, I listen to the words. Unless it’s simple pop of course. Maybe cause i grew up listening to English music, not knowing the language.
Just started watching you man this is really fun because these are all the types of music I love. Just watched you do a few tool songs then I saw you had an opeth song and my favorite song by them to boot! Alright. Let's see this! Enjoy this song thoroughly and how beautiful and dark it is.
Harlequin Forest is a perfect song for a first Opeth listen in my opinion. It's got heavy parts, melodic parts, syncopation, growls, cleans, and everything else they do to create an all-encompasing atmosphere. If you go earlier in their discography you get more of the heavy stuff, if you go later you get more of the prog/melodic feel. I especially liked what you said about the nuances in their music and I think you're totally right. When I first discovered Opeth I basically didn't listen to anything else for about 18 months, as I was enraptured by their sound and constantly discovering new things hidden in every track. Tumble down the rabbit hole my friend! Aloha!
This was extremely enjoyable! Your commentary is so insightful, even though it is on a first listen through, it's impressive. As a huge Opeth fan, it gives me so much joy to see someone enjoy a track I love with such enthusiasm. Keep up the great work and wholesome vibes!
Love the reactions man. Thanks. Opeth’s Ghost of Perdition is a masterpiece. It’s a perfect song in my opinion. Also I see you write a lot of electronic based chill/ ambient tracks. If you haven’t heard of Trifonic, please go check him out. Absolutely incredible writer. He also does a lot of video game tracks under another pseudonym with someone else too. Listen to Trifonic- Parks on Fire with the headset on from start to finish. It’s a journey and a masterpiece. Not sure it’s worth a reaction video but I think you would love it.
LOVED THE EXPLANATION OF THAT WONDERFUL DRONE. I’ve been listening to this music for years and that drone is pure gold, I’m very happy that you enjoyed it, and the explanation is perfect. Thanks for the video!
Great song also! You know, Steven Wilson produced "Blackwater Park". My favorite album! (I like how you all guys in the comments have all different favorite Opeth albums. It is sign that most albums are masterpieces :) ..)
If you want a long proggy technical Opeth song - Lotus Eater A smooth no growl song - In My Time of Need or Hope Leaves A pure heavy banger with insane riffs - Blackwater Park And if you just wanna hear the greatest song ever - Moonlapse Vertigo🤘
Very good selection. On banger with insane riffs I would probably go with "Demon of the Fall". On greatest song... just the whole "Still life" album. :)
Lotus Eater = A masterpiece of mathematical and poly-rhythms while spanning many styles of music from Metal to Funk to Jazz and back. IMO it is a perfect display of the diversity, knowledge of musical theory, the skill to blend multiple genres, and the pure genius and talent that Opeth so beautifully respresents.
I’m enjoying your reactions to some of my favorite bands. Yours are unique because your looking at them as a composer not just a joe shmo listening to someone for the first time.
Agree. I like what you bring Geebz. The vocal coaches are breaking down the vocal instrument, the music teachers are talking about a wide variety of elements but rarely very deep (which IS a good thing), and then you're covering a lot of the back end of the shop. And me not being a musician finds your angle the most interesting.
Opeth is one of those rare bands that is able to make one "feel" anyway they choose. As you listen to their songs unwind, you soon realize that you are now under their control, whether you like it or not, and It's completely disarming, even with a trained ear. If you have ever watched a magician do a trick that fools another magician, you start to realize the bands endgame. Music that doesn't surprise you is music you won't listen to again, and Opeth always has doves stuffed up their sleeves.
It's interesting that guys like Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and Mikael have amazing sence of melody and harmony even though they say they don't know music theory at all
Can't wait for you to do more Opeth, Animals as Leaders, and Tigran Hamasyan! You have the distinction of being the only youtube reaction channel to have hit all 3 (my favorite artists), so kudos for that! Your analysis is some of the best, and it's what I watch reactions for. For Opeth I recommend so many songs, but my shortlist is: Bleak, Ghost of Perdition, Deliverance, and Windowpane (for the soft side), but you literally couldn't pick a "bad" Opeth song to do. Their composition, production, performance is all world-class.
I think you picked the right song for this. They have a lot of great ones, but I love the diverse sections of this song. *EDIT* This is my first time discovering your videos. I really enjoyed this, good job man! Now a subscriber.
So happy you did this track, I was on the verge of commenting OPETH on another video of yours when I saw this pop up. It's hard to go wrong with much of their catalogue but I highly recommend checking out "The Drapery Falls" from the Blackwater Park album.
This album has to be taken as a whole, IMO. One of the greatest metal albums of all time. And their music runs the full spectrum. Immensely talented dudes.
Nice that you noticed the basslines and then later the drum patterns, they are very cool. This is probably my favorite Opeth song, although it depends on the day you ask, Blackwater Park is also very close to my heart. You said there's more Opeth to come so I'll be looking forward to that.
"one of their more adventurous tracks"
Boy are you in for a fucking ride
He should do either Leper Affinity or Bleak, his jaw will drop.
@@viki2133 could honestly do like 2 tracks from each album just to melt his brain on how drastically different they are
The whiplash from Heir Apparent and Lotus Eater to Nepenthe and I Feel the Dark.
Serenity Painted Death, it'll just f*ck him up
How many times do we have to teach you this lesson, old man?!
I like this guy, he's got that "cool uncle who everyone wants to talk to at family events" vibe.
Ne seri
@@DiskoKDiskoL Haha
100% I'd love to have a drink with this guy after a turkey dinner lol
He's th uncle u sneak off to get high with @ boring family gatherings🍻
I like that he's willing to explore music that has evolved beyond the time that he was really active in the industry.
Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone experience opeth for the first time.
Amen! (O-Men!)
it's one of these moments which blow your mind
Someone that hears them for the first time that can actually appreciate them right away
Right?! It's such a proud moment. Hahaha!
I couldn’t agree more
Opeth is simultaneously one of the most highly regarded and under rated bands ever. I truly believe they're one of the best ever.
By what metric are they under rated? Most of their albums are met with almost universal acclaim from critics and fans alike. Routinely place on best of lists etc
@@ChromeXk I find that they're very rarely known outside of metal fans. System of a down is basically a household name amongst people my age but hardly anyone has heard of Opeth.
@@ChromeXk definitely not underrated but maybe... unpopular? even in the vast spectrum of the metal scene their work as a whole is still niche and bit too specific to be enjoyable for a major audience.
Right, Opeth is one of very few bands in the last generation that I think of as truly classic in the same vein as Black Sabbath, Zeppelin or Purple.
And that's just science.
Yes finally Opeth, I clicked this the moment I saw it
preach!
Same here!
So did i!!!
Same
I hope he does Deliverance one day
I wish I could go back and re-experience Opeth's discography for the first time
I did that this week after getting obsessed with Blackwater Park...it makes me sad that ive been missing out on them for 20+ years
Same
Been a loving fan since 1998, when my friend showed me Orchid. Following their journey, the last couple of albums have really let me down about them. But! All these new ‘People racting to Opeth’ trend as of these times, has had me re-experience what Opeth was and has always been all about: exploring new and distant territory. I’ve heard every album to death, but still (because of all reactions) I STILL discover new details in Opeths albums. So I’m with you, I too wish I could experience their albums for the first time again.
@@HanOnkel bing-f**kin-GO brotha! Especially this album, it covers basically their entire repertoire and to see an established musician listen to it for the first time takes you back to your first time
its Iike X you cant ever get the same feeIing "as the first time' no matter the doses. My reboot wouId be TooI
It's like shooting an asteroid at a barn door picking an Opeth track. Your going to strike gold almost every time.
Haha - "like shooting an asteroid at a barn door" great line :)
Remove the "almost", dude ! ;-)
@@coustryemmanuel1631 Well, the newer stuff definitely isn't AS good
That’s hilarious, and true!
@@justsomejusstsome8994 depends on how much you love classic prog rock dude. I'm not that much into that style but I can recognize the beauty in the new albums as well. Heritage for example is one of my fav albums of all time but In Cauda Venenum is pretty hit or miss.
I'm 61, was raised on the Floyd, Zeppelin, Genesis, etc., my son turned me on to this band recently and I love their music!
Definitely in the same vein of more progressive, experimental music. Especially with the more recent albums. I'm sure your son's probably heard of Porcupine Tree as well, but I'd give them a shot too if you haven't.
@@theraxis Yes as well as Soen, Riverside and others.
Check out Rivers of Nihil and Ne Obliviscaris too.
@@RandymanB Soen and Riverside are so damn good. Martin Lopez, the drummer on this track, plays with Soen now, so that's a pretty cool coincidence 🤘
54 here. My son got me hooked on Opeth.
I see Opeth I click
has he done Porcupine Tree?
@@masonb9788 Yes sir just one at the moment
ruclips.net/video/fq2xC5ap4P8/видео.html
@@DanZeevi listening now :)
I too am a simple man. Many cheers to you my good man.
It's so hard to find good reactions to Opeth.
"Oh wow... " *closes eyes* * shakes head* - correct reaction
9:26
Yep...such a beautiful moment musically and spiritually..
Opeth is a definitely one of the most unique bands I've ever heard, listening to their entire discography was one of the best decisions I've ever made.
I just started, already the best band iv ever heard, favo tracks are all on still life
@@TheFbiFilesRepeat I think that may be the same with me. Benighted is one the most beautiful songs I've ever heard and the ending riff to Moonlapse Vertigo is probably my favorite Opeth ending riff.
It was sensational for me back in the day when I was a 14 years old kid.
I know right!! ppl at my high school at the time thought I was liking optep......I'm like wtf hello its opeth
@@dethrone1300 People would try and correct me saying its "Otep". Umm, no. Not even close.
I love when someone hears Opeth for the first time and are just blown away when they go from a super heavy riff/vocal section to an absolutely beautiful, eerie, melancholic transcending vibe.
The whole "they are the trees part" gives me a lump in my throat every time. Too beautiful. Opeth is out of this world.
Edit: By the way, my husband and I are audiophiles and we both agree that the sound engineering on this album is one of the very best we've ever heard across any genre. We are always awed by the sonic qualities combined with the masterful compositions on this album. It's worth checking out (Ghost Reveries).
In Dante's Inferno, people who kill themselves are punished by slowly growing into deformed, twisted and rotten trees. Set to grow in pain forever...
Opeth - The Moor
Musical genius was recorded in that track.
First ever Opeth song I ever heard. Back when Ghost Reveries was getting ready to come out this dude was super pumped about it. I'd never heard of Opeth before and when I asked him what should I listen to he said "Just get either Still Life or Blackwater Park and listen to the whole thing." which is exactly what I did. I'm not sure why I picked it but Still Life was my choice and from the moment Mikael came in with the clean vocals for the first time I was immediately sucked in and hooked. Right now my CD changer in my car (which yes I actually listen to all the time) has Still Life, Blackwater Park, Ghost Reveries and Your Arms My Hearse in it, all started with The Moor which is still one of my favorite Opeth songs to this day.
Still Life is still my favorite Opeth album.
The only thing I dislike is that I still believe the initial 1.50 intro should have been separated into another track. At least 1.40 of it...
@@Grigeral That would totally ruin the impact of what comes after it!
@@larshaugseth3743 I don't think so, as there's nothing stopping you listening to both.
However it's a build up of almost nothing happening for nearly two minutes. It's alright the first few times, but after the hundredth time, I only ever end up skipping to 1:40 anyways.
It's my own personal preference, I get that. I just don't think it needed to be 'that' long of a build up.
Yes!!! There’s such a vast world of Opeth works for you to explore. So many styles and approaches to their music... Thank you for giving them a shot!
Martin Lopez was such a perfect fit for this band. Such a nice sense of groove, when to go all out, when to pull back. Just amazing.
I really miss his drumming with the band, one of my fave drummers
Love that you praised his growls, as Mikael is the one who actually got me to appreciate growling in my life.
It's energetic, it's brutal, but it's also so... soft? Listenable? Very pleasant to the ear? For some reason I find his growling very cozy.
Nailed it 😂
Love this comment
It’s because he’s not screaming at you. Not too deep, not too high-pitched. He’s doing it just right. There’s a vocal coach reacts video that explains it all.
This comment is perfect
Hahahaha cozy growling, I love this definition! He was the one that made me appreciate growling too!! And to the present day, is the only one I really love! It is perfect, not only the cozy sound of it as you say, but also its use in the songs, coming in in the right moments, bringing the perfect energy needed!
15 year fan here. This entire album is a masterpiece, imo.
pretty much any album by them is a masterpiece
Same, I started listening to Opeth at 15 or 16 years old and I'm now about to be 28. This was the first album I listened to and I was so obsessed that I would literally listen to the entire album every night for months and months. I basically don't even have to turn the music on anymore, I can just listen to it in my head.
Same. This album is definitely one of my top 5 of any genre.
easily.
This song in particular is my favorite Opeth song of all time, and as a fellow Opeth fan you know I take saying something like that very seriously.
opeth - ghost of perdidion, Deliverance, baying of the hounds.
Blackwater park
I'll second ghost of perdition. Gotta be my favourite from them
Ghosts of perdition
yes to all three of these!
@@jamescombridgeart it's a close call on this, and may change as the hour does, but i can agree with you.
His body is so ready for Opeth, man. He's gonna have a wild ride listening to other songs in their catalogue.
Thats exactly what I thought. Especially when he talked about even if they pass tracks back and forth to put them together, they know what the other is dping so smoothly. Opeth is the band that yraveled that westward road to his Northern, and met at the crossroads at the PERFECT time!
This is my first time listening to Opeth as well. While the instrumental is absolutely beautiful and perfect, the vocalist has the most beautiful, controlled and soothing gutturals I've ever heard.
for an emotional one, try Opeth - Burden. There's an insane solo as well, it's such a simple but a powerful song.
Took me some time to like these cats, but as my musical horizons expanded I kept coming back to them and finding myself liking one more track. One more album. I am still going through their discography. Every song is a journey I have to go on unconvinced and the more I listen to it the more it convinces me. This band is a grower, but looking back I wonder was I deaf for not loving them immediately? Loads of influences going on with them. Their bass riffs are so funky, bluesy and soulful. There is a slap part in there. Guitar out of this world. Drums on point. Composition for the ages.This will be remembered for a long time after we are gone :)
dude, im exaclty the same
I don't know why, but I was exactly the same, and so was every other passionate Opeth fan I know.
Yeah. Prog-stuff had really to grow on me. But since i used to it casual metal songs boring me.
@@nietzscheente1271 The thing about prog metal (the real stuff influenced by prog rock, not the weird genre it has become) is, like he said, the intricate layers and re-listenable nature of it. I'm still a sucker for a good hook and will still listen to Dethklok, King Diamond, etc but I generally find a lot of vanilla metal boring. Check out Ihsahn
better learn Swedish if you're going to get their last album digested.
It's so great watching an open minded person's reactions to this phenomenal band. :)
Now he's an Opeth minded 🙂
Figured you would like Opeth. These guys are phenomenal. Deliverance and Bleak are my favs
Bleak is the track that got me into Opeth many years ago
Bleak is a masterpiece
@@shadowboy813 bro!!! Same here
Just here for some bleak appreciation, love that song!
Bleak is beyond epic.
I feel extensive goosebumps every time I hear Harlequin Forest.
Such an awesome song, probably my fave by Opeth.
Opeth - The Drapery Falls is probably the most beautiful track in metal. But I can tell you would love pretty much all their work. Go for it!
'The drapery falls', as well as 'Harvest' are just absolutely incredible pieces. Two of my favorite songs, not just by them, but in musical history. They make such warm and full bodied music.
Opeth has the beauty and brutality, in equal measure. I've followed them for practically 20 years and never have I regretted the journey.
First time I heard "To Bid You Farewell," it was the most moving musical experience of my life.
Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree is buddies with the lead of Opeth and has worked with them and mixed some of their work.
Storm Corrosion is a nice collaboration between both frontmen.
Also, mellotron is used at times in Opeth.
Storm Corrosion is an amazing album.
Steven also made a big contribution to the Blackwater Park album. Bleak or Drapery Falls would be a nice follow up to this reaction.
@@jimmux_v0 "Bleak or Drapery Falls" second this!!!
One of the best growl in the business. His enunciation is super clear too, very important!
already the best "reaction" channel out there. thank you.
Wow, thank you!
"I know I probably stopped at the most sacrilegious time..." lol! As many here say, it's great to see someone experience Opeth for the first time and appreciate it for the great music it is :)
Master's apprentice has got some of the best drumming I've heard from this band
And one of the nastiest riffs of all time.
Really? 🤔
@@HammerHed13 Agreed
Blackwater park is a beast of a song you should give it a try.
Bleak as well! and Demon Of The Fall
totally agree
100% - Blackwater Park is one of my faves; pretty much that whole album... patterns, leper affinity etc.. just awesome.
Love seeing musicians being introduced to Opeth. The musicianship in this band far exceeds expectations every time, every album. There's something for everyone.
This song is the PERFECT first listen of Opeth! You get to hear nearly every side of them in one song. They are EPIC to see live.
The Moor (or basically any song on Still Life album), Deliverance, Bleak, Blackwater Park, Burdon, The Drapery Falls. All great songs
Opeth is fantastic and Harlequin Forest is a great introduction.
Hey man, how about a video talking about some of the albums you have been involved in, as engineer or producer? We're about the same age (I even also have 7 grandkids!) and it seems like we have similar musical tastes/thoughts. I would love to hear if you've worked on some of my most loved albums.
Not to mention, I'd love to hang out for an afternoon /evening just talking music!
I’ve been a drummer 20 years. Also a wannabe composer for at least ten of those years. Not knowing much about musical theory... I’m so happy I stumbled upon your channel! @18:25 one of those drum fills features a very nifty use of techniques on the snare you might notice the high cracking whipping noise changes pitch? Those are (from an educated guess and having listened 100+ times to this track) rim-shots played with the drumstick tip placement varying further then nearer to the centre of the drum skin. To do this (well) is actually extremely difficult as the angle of your forearm has to adapt to the placement otherwise you’ll hit the rim too hard or too soft.
Anyways that was just something I thought you might want to know - sort of an exchange of musical knowledge?!? I really appreciated all your thoughts and ideas on this band I’ve been listening to since 2008. Would love to hear more stories like the one about setting up drum mics in 80’s Hollywood studios! I guess I will need to subscribe eh 🤣. Keep it up! I’ll be watching.
Hi I'm also a drummer since the 80s. Martin Lopez is the drummer. Those fills are almost hertas and listen to Window Pane by Opeth of off Damnation . It really showcases these almost throwback fills to the way Chuck Panozza played in More Than a Feeling by Boston. Check out Soen the bandMartin Lopez played w after Opeth.
I must say as a casual musician myself I absolutely love your reactions and analysis of songs. Watching someone who is more educated in music makes reactions so much more enjoyable for me then watching someone who isn't. Its like we talk in secret language or something. In any case love the vids you have been putting out. Cheers!
They are absolute geniuses! Full body shivers all the time!
What i really dig and struggled to define at first when i started listening to opeth is their aim with composition. What makes them so special is that they want to create an atmosphere with sound which one can easily visualize.
They want to evoke emotions and thought rather than make you headbang 24/7 , which is why the "solo" had so much impact eventhough it was technically pretty easy, the fact that it breaks up that haunting mood the song itself creates throughout makes it special.
Also the chords they use are fan-fu**ing-tastic. They use so many semitone harmonic chords that you really dont hear much of outside of some jazz and blues.
Truly a unique prog band.
Perfectly put. Right on.
Note that those chords are more within reach because the entire album was composed with guitars tuned to open D minor.
We've all been waiting for this. When the growl kicked in, you paused, considered, nodded, got stank face and then your head bobbed like we all knew it would. Opeth are my favourite band. They have evolved...for some purists for the worse but to me and most others everything they have done is magical, just in a different way. Blackwater Park is must for you to listen to, some lesser reacted to tracks are Eternal Rains Will Come, Sorceress, Dignity and In My Time Of Need.
Keep up the great videos!!
This is a perfect album. Maybe their only one. But my heart still belongs to Blackwater Park 🥰🥰🥰
Still Life was perfection as well.
Watershed
Still Life is their magnum opus, but this is a close second.
@@Celatra We've all got different fave albums, the most common ones being Still Life, Blackwater Park and Ghost Reveries. I don't really have a fave album but if I had a gun to my head I'd go with Blackwater Park. It cemented and perfected their middle era sound that Still Life started. (first era = Orchid - Morningrise - My Arms Your Hearse, second era = Still Life to Watershed, third era = Heritage to In Cauda Venenum atm., waiting for news that a new album is coming since Mikael have probably written a ton of songs during the pandemic).
@@scyphe thing is, i feel like blackwater is a step down from still life. first of, all but 3 songs are in the key of E minor. secondly, honestly, the songs lack individuality like they do on still life. it took me a while to be able to tell when exactly Leper Affinity ends and when we're over on Bleak. the vocals are also more monotone . the album opener is good but nowhere near as haunting as The Moor, and I LOVE the leper affinity. Harvest is a good ballad, but it just doesn't set the mood in the same way as Benighted. The Drapery Falls is excellent as is Dirge for november, but The Funeral Portrait is just so weak. the main riff just doesn't hir you at all and it doesn't get expanded upon. the song also has way too little clean vocals for what it is- a leading song to Patterns in the ivy and to the heaviest song on the album. where as in Still life, Moonlapse Vertigo, face of melinda, serenity painted death and white cluster all FEEL like they belong together and they don't feel out of place or like road blocks. where as in, the funeral portrait just kind of bumps on you after dirge for november. and not in a pleasant way. in a kind of sore way. Bleak is the only 2nd song i'd put a bit over Godhead's Lament, although Godhead's lament is darker in tone.
Finally! An reaction video and the has pen and paper, to not unnecessary stop the reacted video :)
Deliverance has possibly the best outro in music history.
Dirge for November
It's great live, so is this one
April Ethereal...
Amen Brother!
@@markblaauw4961 Demon Of The Fall and When!!
The basist Martin Mendez is an old friend of mine from where i was 15. So was Martin Lopez there old drummer who was playing on Ghost of perdition.
It would be really great if you can tell him that he managed to influence people who tried to end their lives(probably heard that alot but still)... Not just him but everyone from opeth... Including lopez and axe both of them are my fav drummers. Everyone... I even saw them live... Best day of my life... ❤️
watching Martin Lopez drum was amazing on the Damnation tour!
He and Opeth changed my life
Lopez doin alright?
You have one of the fastest growing channels I have seen ...and I state this as a some what of an aficionado now that COVID lockdowns have kept me in all year ..I think it is because you are so genuine. .keep up the great work
"I just love the journey" exactly my experience with pieces from Opeth. My personal favorite piece from one of their older albums, Blackwater Park (track of the same name as album name).
The sun sets forever over blackwater park...that shit gets me every time
Still Life album didn't have keyboards in it, but it's still a masterpiece.
They didn't have a keyboard player (yet). I think Michael added some keyboard, though.
@@pvdaele I think they had a keyboard player since the album Ghost Reveries.. I know there was a Piano in one song on Blackwater Park - but that was either Mikael, or Steven Wilson (I think Steven played the outro piano of The Leper Affinity) actually also in Patterns in the Ivy, but again, that was probably just Mikael, or a guest musician.
@@pvdaele in Still Life there was no keyboard or piano.. The parts when they sound like a keyboard, is actually guitar, where they do the long notes, I don't know how they do it, but it's pretty cool like in Serenity Painted Death, sounds like keyboard but I think it's just a guitar.
@@lopolik some of the long notes, they do with an e-bow on guitar. But there are synths in there as well
@@lopolik There were a bunch a synths on Blackwater Park, Deliverance and Damnation. Most of them I think are Steven Wilson's doing. But not all. Michael uses a keyboard when writing and arranging the songs, so I assume that some of the synths were his. But they have used additional synths in the production since before Still Life. The prelude in My Arms, Your Hearse, eg
Great video. Welcome to Opeth journey. You are in for a ride my friend.
This guys are way older now, and you will get tons of requests for one of their greatest tracks GHOST OF PERDITON.
I would suggest you react to the Garden of the Titans live versión they released on a DVD 2 years ago so you get to hear and see them in action. It is absolutely beautiful, perfect execution. Great mix.
For me, Opeth is a rollercoaster of emotions. Slow, fast, angry, solemn; mood changes everywhere.
Obvious recommendation: "Blackwater Park"
OPETH!!! 🤘🤘🤘 One of the best bands ever. Period. This is hands down my favorite reaction channel. Well done Geebzy! 🤘🤘🤘
The part 16:46 is probably my favorite moment from all their catalog. Right before it they play the same phrase with some variations several times and do these "fake" drum fills when you expect that huge drop, but it doesn't come. So when it comes, it feels sooo satisfying. It's even cooler when you are familiar with the song and re listen
My favourite part of this track is the transition from the "instrumental hook" as you called it and the heavier section where the singer "Mikael Åkerfelt" sings "Its all false pretention, harlequin foooooorest". That gives me the majorest of goosebumps every single time, and Ive listened to this song hundreds if not thousands of times. This whole record is absolutely amazing, and is sort of their "The wall". It has a story running through every song and every single one is damn near perfect.
Also, if you wanna do more Opeth stuff, the song "When" has always been a favourite of mine. A bit heavier but man o man what a great song it is.
You hit the nail on the head with that virtuosity of Prog/Math/Metal musicians. Opeth are such an incredible band from the "Sonic Sphere" perspective. The dynamics they play with between the "cookie monster vocals" growls and clean sections, from distortion to acoustics and strings. I've seen them live a few times and one thing that always struck me is that their mix is **QUIET**. It's more about the balance of the music instead of blasting out the speakers and trying to find the balance of 9's and 10's in volume. It's so awesome to go to a death metal gig and not have mild tinnitus the next day.
Keep up the awesome work man. You've got a viewer for life in me because nearly every band you've reacted to so far is right in my wheel house of tastes.
Imagine hearing that guitar solo played perfectly live, after midnight, after two days of festival partying, with 30 000 other people.
I did at Wacken 2019, it was fucking magical and Opeth is one of the tightest bands I've ever heard live!
By the way, the syncopations in the end of the song, those are also played perfectly live. You should watch a song from one of their live shows, you will be impressed!
Opeth IS a journey. It's what I love about them. Their music is symphonic, with movements high and low, soft and brutal. Opeth and Tool are hands-down my two favorite bands. Thank you for doing these. Your breakdowns are insightful.
My 2 favorites as well
Opeth - Ghost of Perdition (live at Red Rock), it's beautiful, one of their best songs, and the live version is amazing.
It’s not amazing... it’s fucking epic🤘🏼
So nice to see a professional composer enjoying those little nuances that made me fall in love with Opeth long time ago!
just here to say I dig your style man, and I'll put a vote in for Between The Buried And Me's song "Selkies: The Endless Obsession" =) peace
The breaks these guys come up with are probably the most gorgeous and musical of any music. They are maybe my favorite band ever and every time I have seen them live, I was never disappointed.
YES! Finally.... Thank you!
Hahaha, good video! It's groovy isn't it. Always loved Opeth, it's an absolute trip learning the guitar parts too. They can pull that off live too, very cool.
One thing about opeth, they never leave you bored listening. As you said, their songs are like a journey.
FINALLY, Opeth!!! Way to go man, I'm jealous - I wish I could hear them for the first time all over again. Mikael has a phenomenal voice whether he's singing or growling. Next the whole album: Blackwater Park. Thank us later.
I think that if you like metal, ghost reveries is a must listen. The whole album is just pure gold. My life changed the moment i found opeth.
You should listen to the album start to finish, quite a journey.
Their best album imo
Opeth son como los “ Pink Floyd” del Metal❤️❤️✨🔥🔥
cierre el orto poser
Yes... That was legit a critique review after they released orchid... They earned that title
~9:30 "Wooooow"
Pretty much gonna do that in every Opeth song at least half a dozen times...
Man, anything opeth is gold. Welcome to the opeth journey.
Wow, a reaction video that doesn't interrupt the actual content every 2 seconds.
Wow, first time hearing of someone who listens to the vocals as an instrument, that's exactly what I do, unless it's some parody or humoric song.
me too, knowing the lyrics while listening to it somehow ruins the experience. but seeing the lyrics a secind or third time i listen to it, if the lyrics are good, is an added bonus :D
me too! I know very few lyrics, the voice/words are an instrument to me :)
I’ve done that all my life. Only after I like a song and listen to it again, I listen to the words. Unless it’s simple pop of course. Maybe cause i grew up listening to English music, not knowing the language.
Just started watching you man this is really fun because these are all the types of music I love. Just watched you do a few tool songs then I saw you had an opeth song and my favorite song by them to boot! Alright. Let's see this! Enjoy this song thoroughly and how beautiful and dark it is.
everytime a composer reacts to opeth, an angel gets its wings
Harlequin Forest is a perfect song for a first Opeth listen in my opinion. It's got heavy parts, melodic parts, syncopation, growls, cleans, and everything else they do to create an all-encompasing atmosphere. If you go earlier in their discography you get more of the heavy stuff, if you go later you get more of the prog/melodic feel.
I especially liked what you said about the nuances in their music and I think you're totally right. When I first discovered Opeth I basically didn't listen to anything else for about 18 months, as I was enraptured by their sound and constantly discovering new things hidden in every track.
Tumble down the rabbit hole my friend! Aloha!
I discovered Opeth 3 years ago and im still in their phase. Everything else sounds boring lol
This was extremely enjoyable! Your commentary is so insightful, even though it is on a first listen through, it's impressive. As a huge Opeth fan, it gives me so much joy to see someone enjoy a track I love with such enthusiasm. Keep up the great work and wholesome vibes!
15:57 I like that you mentioned the bass player Martin Mendez. He's from Uruguay. Amazing bassist.
Love the reactions man. Thanks.
Opeth’s Ghost of Perdition is a masterpiece. It’s a perfect song in my opinion.
Also I see you write a lot of electronic based chill/ ambient tracks. If you haven’t heard of Trifonic, please go check him out. Absolutely incredible writer. He also does a lot of video game tracks under another pseudonym with someone else too.
Listen to Trifonic- Parks on Fire with the headset on from start to finish. It’s a journey and a masterpiece. Not sure it’s worth a reaction video but I think you would love it.
LOVED THE EXPLANATION OF THAT WONDERFUL DRONE. I’ve been listening to this music for years and that drone is pure gold, I’m very happy that you enjoyed it, and the explanation is perfect. Thanks for the video!
Porcupine Tree - Anesthetize for another long journey
he did that already
@@AlexisPunch this comment was before that
@@Sagnak91 oh it's true lol, my bad
Great song also! You know, Steven Wilson produced "Blackwater Park". My favorite album! (I like how you all guys in the comments have all different favorite Opeth albums. It is sign that most albums are masterpieces :) ..)
This was my first Opeth song. What a treat it was!
If you want a long proggy technical Opeth song - Lotus Eater
A smooth no growl song - In My Time of Need or Hope Leaves
A pure heavy banger with insane riffs - Blackwater Park
And if you just wanna hear the greatest song ever - Moonlapse Vertigo🤘
Can you respond to this please?
Very good selection. On banger with insane riffs I would probably go with "Demon of the Fall". On greatest song... just the whole "Still life" album. :)
Moonlapse Vertigo doesn't get as much love as it deserves
Lotus Eater = A masterpiece of mathematical and poly-rhythms while spanning many styles of music from Metal to Funk to Jazz and back. IMO it is a perfect display of the diversity, knowledge of musical theory, the skill to blend multiple genres, and the pure genius and talent that Opeth so beautifully respresents.
I love that you take notes during the song instead of just stopping the song constantly, brilliant idea.
I’m enjoying your reactions to some of my favorite bands. Yours are unique because your looking at them as a composer not just a joe shmo listening to someone for the first time.
Agree. I like what you bring Geebz. The vocal coaches are breaking down the vocal instrument, the music teachers are talking about a wide variety of elements but rarely very deep (which IS a good thing), and then you're covering a lot of the back end of the shop. And me not being a musician finds your angle the most interesting.
As a longtime Opeth Fan it makes me so happy seeing somebody fall in love with them!
Opeth is one of those rare bands that is able to make one "feel" anyway they choose. As you listen to their songs unwind, you soon realize that you are now under their control, whether you like it or not, and It's completely disarming, even with a trained ear.
If you have ever watched a magician do a trick that fools another magician, you start to realize the bands endgame.
Music that doesn't surprise you is music you won't listen to again, and Opeth always has doves stuffed up their sleeves.
You should see them live!!! They’re perfect! My favorite band EVER in my 51 years on this earth! Extremely talented band! Love seeing your reaction!
It's interesting that guys like Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and Mikael have amazing sence of melody and harmony even though they say they don't know music theory at all
Can't wait for you to do more Opeth, Animals as Leaders, and Tigran Hamasyan! You have the distinction of being the only youtube reaction channel to have hit all 3 (my favorite artists), so kudos for that! Your analysis is some of the best, and it's what I watch reactions for.
For Opeth I recommend so many songs, but my shortlist is: Bleak, Ghost of Perdition, Deliverance, and Windowpane (for the soft side), but you literally couldn't pick a "bad" Opeth song to do. Their composition, production, performance is all world-class.
I think you picked the right song for this. They have a lot of great ones, but I love the diverse sections of this song. *EDIT* This is my first time discovering your videos. I really enjoyed this, good job man! Now a subscriber.
So happy you did this track, I was on the verge of commenting OPETH on another video of yours when I saw this pop up. It's hard to go wrong with much of their catalogue but I highly recommend checking out "The Drapery Falls" from the Blackwater Park album.
Windowpane, Blackwater Park, Dirge for November, Some of the most epic tracks. they really do take you on a journey!
I love how he doesn't stop every 7 seconds like most. Makes this a lot better and easier to watch
This album has to be taken as a whole, IMO. One of the greatest metal albums of all time. And their music runs the full spectrum. Immensely talented dudes.
One of the greatest metal albums of all time yet arguably not even their best album
@@kodakblack6643 haha Good point. I know there are many people who favor BWP
FINALLY, a reactor who has a good ear, experience and knowledge.
Subscribed.
Thanks Key of Geebz, this is very refreshing.
You could do a whole channel dedicated to Opeth. I highly recommend Ghost of Perdition, or Bleak, or In the Mist She Was Standing.
Nice that you noticed the basslines and then later the drum patterns, they are very cool. This is probably my favorite Opeth song, although it depends on the day you ask, Blackwater Park is also very close to my heart. You said there's more Opeth to come so I'll be looking forward to that.