![]() To sum up, "Orchid" is a hell of an album. Still, we can hear the depth of his growls and some remarkably passionate screaming at "Orchid." Actually, I feel really sad that he has abandoned extreme vocals. And this already means so much! Just listen to the ending of "The Twilight is My Robe" for a vivid example! Finally, Åkerfeldt's growls are amazing, just as always. But, in my humble opinion, Opeth deals even better in terms of delivering melodic and really touching solos than most picks on this list. And don't forget about solos! I've already mentionedthat that they, somehow, remind me of early In Flames, At the Gates, Gates of Ishtar, and Dark Tranquility. Opeth manages to unite diversity and quality on this album. There are folkish melodies, seemingly inspired by Celtic motifs, lengthy jass passages, traditional death metal riffing, and ephemeral prog-rock melodies. Dynamic, slow, epic - the album presents a whole variety of riffs. All these riffs may be hard to comprehend from the first listen, but during the second-third-fourth time, you start recognizing how brilliant and unique some of these riffs are. Also, don't forget about ephemeral chorals ("The Forrest of October") and multiple acoustic or piano passages that create a truly impressive atmosphere.īut "Orchid" is not only about the atmosphere. The sound is far from sterile as the guitars are buzzing, the bass sounds a little bit squeaky at times, and the growls are deep yet sound fully natural. It was something that would later evolve into a truly unique "opethish" atmosphere but things are still raw at "Orchid." What really makes the atmosphere of this album unique is its production. The somewhat grotesque and gothic atmosphere of the album also adds to this impression. ![]() It is filled with those buzzing early-melodeth riffs and atmospheric guitar solos peculiar to such bands as early In Flames, At the Gates, Gates of Ishtar, and Dark Tranquility. "Orchid" is largely influenced by the so-called Gothenburg sound. It's not a coincidence that I have mentioned the debut of the Gottenburg melodeath nobility. Still far from the hysteria of "The Red in the Sky is Ours" by At the Gates, but already chaotic and seemingly disorganized. wanted to create complex compositions, and they did it well in a rather chaotic manner. Just try to count how many times they change the rhythm and the melodies completely throughout "In Mist She Was Standing." That's the point! Åkerfeldt and co. The album is filled with diverse riffs, acoustic passages, and heart-breaking guitar solos, and all these elements go with little to no transitions. The band hadn't yet developed many of their musical ideas, but it is evident that were going for as many riffs as possible. And everything is far more challenging with Orchid. ![]() I mean, all their works create a challenge for a listener, but such masterpieces as Blackwater Park and Ghost Reveries are enjoyable from the first listen. This album was my start with Opeth, and it wasn't easy at all.
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