Guest Blogger: Marcus H2

Opeth is a band that started out in Stockholm, Sweden in 1990. Originally their genre of music was classified as Death Metal, or Heavy Metal, but I would classify it as Progressive Metal. In the beginning, I can see why they would be classified that way, their early works pretty much only incorporated Heavy Metal growls, and piercing Metal Vocals. However, in their later albums, they have incorporated almost, whisper-like vocals, to the Heavy Metal growls which had pursued in earlier works. This is why I have given them the genre of Progressive Metal. In their latest album Heritage they only incorporate the whisper-like vocals, and they get rid of the heavy riffs for peaceful cords. But this review is only for one album however, and that is the album Black Waterpark. This album incorporates the deep vocal growls and the angelic singing. Vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt designates his voice to be able to go from calm, to heavy within a split second. The song “Bleak”, incorporates both within the song. The song goes from heavy to calm time and time again. The song “Harvest” has some deep meaning in it as well. The song being about death, and wanting someone with you by your side as you pass. However, there is a confusing lyrical sentence in the song, “Wilted scenes for us who couldn't wait." This statement possibly meaning suicide? As someone is sitting in complete pain just wanting it over, so they do the unthinkable. Many of Opeth’s songs are about dark or death like meanings. In my opinion though, it is all right, because life isn’t all just fun and games, bad or evil things are a common thing in everyday life. Another song is called “The Leper Affinity”, about Lepers being social outcasts. Having to survive, naked, poor, and brittle people, in the harshness of winter. Overall, the album Black Waterpark is by far the best Opeth album, and it screams Opeth.