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With a name like Opeth
and a mysterious CD cover for one of their latest releases,
Blackwater Park, it’s no wonder they are listed under the
metal section. The font of their name and the eerie swamp on
the cover hint to cryptic lyrics of things better left
unspoken. Opeth is indeed heavy metal. But their fusion of
blues, acoustic, and melodic metal makes for a very
interesting CD. With only eight songs on it, Blackwater Park
still runs the length of an average CD. This leaves songs well
above the usual three to four minute time span. Opeth does a
remarkable job at making music with harmonious cacophony, if
that makes sense.
Probably the most outstanding aspect of this CD, although
there are many, would have to be the mixture of genres. The
most predominant is of course heavy metal. However it is quite
melodic and sweeping despite its brutality. The lead singer
Mike Åkerfeldt blasts listener’s aural senses with his
growling vocals yet follows with gentle singing talent. The
metal world would be hard pressed to produce such a varied
vocalist; only a few come to mind.
Blackwater Park, although loaded with traditional heavy metal
licks and vocals also houses beautiful guitar work. Lead
guitarist Peter Lindgren has mastered the art of shredding his
scorching electric, as well as melodically strumming his
acoustic guitar. Opeth is also fond of utilizing blues
distortion. In the fifth track entitled Dirge for November,
the seemingly out of place electric blues notes fit in quite
well. Many metal-heads that have heard Opeth agree that their
unique blend of musical taste fashion an atypical listening
experience. Blackwater Park, being their fifth release,
miraculously makes the combination of these groups and flows
with amazing precision and accuracy. Opeth has been labeled
one of the most “organized” bands of metal mostly due to the
tight, flawless changes and time signatures.
The Drapery Falls
. . . Puzzled by a shrewd innocence
Runs a thick tide beneath
Ushered into inner graves
Nails bleeding from the struggle
It is the end for the weak at heart
Always the same
A lullaby for the ones who’ve lost all
Reeling inside
My gleaming eye in your necklace reflects
Stare of primal regrets
You turn your back and you walk away
Never again . . .
Åkerfeldt’s lyrics are obviously heartfelt, regardless of the
reasons he wrote them. Along with the type of distortion used
on Backwater Park the lyrics are can be compared to Nordic
Metal. The whole package, from the music to the words, is
reminiscent of bands like Evergrey and IN FLAMES. It portrays
some sort of personal struggle along with a medieval/old world
theme. Opeth is no different. While some critic’s say that
this style is trite and overused it certainly sets an
enigmatic tone.
Opeth’s Blackwater Park is a musical treat to those who find
this needle in the haystack. The musical feast is plenty for
those who enjoy this type of music. Its healthy combination of
musical styles is enough to turn more than a few heads.
Unfortunately, people will not be able to get by the fact that
it is indeed metal. I give this CD three and a half Planets.
BWP’s musical cornucopia, vocals and earth shattering drums
are enough to fill an entire CD with just eight tracks. I
recommend it for those who enjoy metal with a European flare
and a spooky feel.
Jameson Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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