XIE

 

I want to help make your life better.

The easiest way I know how is to tell you to listen to Opeth. Their new album, "Ghost Reveries", is one of the best pieces of musical art that I have ever heard. Do yourself a favor: download it from iTunes. Now.

Some of you have heard me rave about Opeth before. I may have even subjected some of you to listening sessions. You may be saying, "But Dave, we're not into death metal! What the hell is wrong with you?" Nothing is wrong with me. It's not my problem if you let preconceived notions keep you from taking an exciting musical journey unlike any that most current "artists" provide!

Seriously, though, folks, if you can forget for a moment that Opeth is a metal band (they have always sort of defied categorization) you might find yourself pleasantly surprised.

Okay, so maybe it's not for everyone. But it's for more than metalheads. If you love interesting music that inspires the imagination, then you owe yourself a listen. If you need verse-chorus-verse-bridge-chorus and for the band to be "popular", then move along.

Because they are a death metal band, they do have about 50% growling, "cookie monster" vocals. Don't let this dissuade you. They are tatsefully done (reminiscent of the uruk-hai from the Lord of the Rings movie) and are a great contrast to the other vocals. Those vocals are so beautiful, rich harmonies, melodic... Opeth are nothing if not masters of light and dark. If you aren't sure, take a listen to their entirely death-vocal free album, "Damnation". It is excellent, but doesn't have the full Opeth impact without the heaviness. Still, it is one of my favorite albums. A  mood piece. It calls to mind the Moody Blues, actually.

What does Opeth (and specifically, Ghost Reveries) sound like? Well, it's hard to imagine, but they are like the most amazing combination of Led Zeppelin, The Moody Blues, Nick Drake, Pink Floyd, early Peter Gabriel-era Genesis, Tool, and Morbid Angel. Don't know Morbid Angel? It's just as well. Just know that that's where the heaviness is. There is virtuosity here. They can seriously jam a la The Allman Brothers or Phish. Weird, but true. Epic songs go in unexpected directions, changing rhythm and tempo along the way. They can break it down into the most soulful acoustic passages, and a few songs are completely mellow (no distorted guitars or death vocals). One song even has guitar licks reminscent of Mark Knopfler ("Hours of Wealth") while another calls to mind the eastern-influenced melodies of George Harrison and The Beatles ("Atonement")! How does that work on a death metal album? The answer is, it's not a death metal album.

It's just great music. There are a number of jaw-dropping moments that gave me a rush and put a giant smile on my face (much needed today). I actually exclaimed, "Oh my God!" a number of times.  It is, without a doubt, the best thing I have downloaded ever. Move over, Iron Maiden. I have a new favorite band.

Listen to Opeth.