1000% a concept album. The first song is called, “Ghost of Perdition”. The story start in a small cottage where a young man is actually witnessing his mother who struggles with her sanity become possessed. The young man is tempted by the devil to surrender his soul, but because he is seeing her become possessed the young man refuses. The possession takes the mother so badly that the son murders her to release her from the grasp of the demon… The second song is called, “ The Baying of The Hounds”. The young man is condemned for murdering his mother by the town’s people and they release the town dogs to track him. Occasionally through this song the devil speaks to the young man attempting to torment him for murdering his own mother. He slips in and out of what appears to be a dream like state feeling that maybe he is dead… The third song is called, “Beneath the Mire”. The devil speaks louder now. He flees into a mire(HE DID WHAT?!) and hides from the hounds. Townspeople die by sinking in the mire while searching for him and he begins to feel more powerful. The young man begins to feel that he might be possessed himself… The fourth song is called, “Atonement”. Here the man is able to clear his head and he repents for what he has done. He feels that he has received forgiveness for what he has done, but he knows that he will never be able to justify it… The fifth song is called, “Reverie/Harlequin Forest”. The townspeople have picked up the young man’s trail again and are now fully chasing him. He flees into a forest(NO WAY!) and while hiding he finds himself in a situation where he has to murder one of the people to keep from being discovered. The young man suddenly feels the power again. He begins to see that he has no way of life other than running and murdering to survive. The young man sets fire to the forest and kills not only all the trees, but all the townspeople as well… The sixth song is called, “Hours of Wealth”. The young man has found a home in a new town, but feels like a stranger and alone at all times. The longer that he’s there, the more that he doesn’t speak to anyone. He retreats into his mind and slowly starts to feel insane. It is revealed that the devil is biding his time with the man… The seventh song is called, The Grand Conjuration”. The young man, feeling completely alone, turns to the devil and surrenders his soul. The man goes on a murdering spree and destroys everyone around him to build the army of satan stronger… The eight and final song is called, “Isolation Years”. A letter is discovered that was written by the mother, who is revealed to be a woman named Rosemary. The letter states that she will die alone and seems to be coherently written. The letter details that Rosemary knew her son was gone, even though his physical body was still there. It is discovered that the letter was written while she was murdered by her son due to stains of blood, which are essentially right where his name is written on the letter. This all reveals that the young man was actually the one struggling with a demon, while his mother was documenting it while also knowing that she would end up losing her life.

@claytonperrin4972

3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant

@KenoxProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Used to be a concept album, until Mikael wrote Isolation Years, which apparently had nothing to do with the story, but he liked it so much they included it anyway and scrapped the concept album idea. The current track listing is most likely not the original one, as the story supposedly begins at The Grand Conjuration.

@spencermccreery2508

3 жыл бұрын

@@KenoxProductions I’ve heard that before, but choose to believe otherwise. 🤪

@KenoxProductions

3 жыл бұрын

@@spencermccreery2508 Yeah, same. It's too good to be ignored.

@spencermccreery2508

3 жыл бұрын

@@KenoxProductions Like, it could very easily factor into the story. I literally proved it. Why can’t Mikael?

Opeth is one of the greatest bands nowadays.

@omkarbharambe8673

3 жыл бұрын

always has been.

@thewildhealer541

3 жыл бұрын

Favorite band since I was around 8-9. Still my favorite lol

@Syko1985

3 жыл бұрын

Nowadays? They have been going for 30 years lol

@youmothershouldknow4905

3 жыл бұрын

@@Syko1985 But only the last 20 during which they turned out to be good. Prior to the assistance of Steve Wilson, they were, certifiably, the worst band in the world. Steve Wilson magnificently turned them around.

@visakhv176

3 жыл бұрын

@@youmothershouldknow4905 Orchid, Morningrise and My Arms Your Hearse are often stated as favorite albums by many fans. So I don’t think Steven Wilson was the magic element in Opeth’s case. He did play a significant role in bringing Opeth to the mainstream yes but “worst band in the world” is a definite exaggeration.

The long crazy outro was deliberate. It symbolizes being hopelessly lost in the darkness of the Harlequin Forest.

@casaroli

3 жыл бұрын

and sorrow haahha

@Danandrea737

3 жыл бұрын

@@casaroli in you

@portishphonic

3 жыл бұрын

@@casaroli someone knows his memes.

@rafanj824

2 жыл бұрын

And that Opeth likes looong and awesome outros!!!

I like how you're open minded to different types of music. A lot of people dismiss Metal, but it's become very sophisticated with extremely accomplished musicians.

"I could listen to him all day" Yes, so could we, and we do. What a voice.

4:28 Doug: It's so powerful behind him and ♪he's just singin like this♪, such a smooth and wonderful color to his voice... Me: yea... just wait for it

Opeth creates and uses the most interesting chord progressions.

"Interesting chord progression, I want to see how much they do with that...." Welcome to Opeth. However much you think can be done with it, they will do, and then they will do more.

@RTSRAZORBACK

2 жыл бұрын

I watched his "Ghost of Perdition" reaction video before this and he comments on the chord progressions there, too. Seems to be a running theme here 😉

What I like about Opeth is how complex, thoughtful and layered their music is without being overly pretentious. It's all very listenable because it comes so naturally.

Everytime I hear older Opeth music I always imagine an orchestra playing it. It just sounds so grandiose and has a cathedral and middle age vibe. Nothing sounds like Opeth. They used to sound like classical music played through humbuckers and rectifiers.

How is it possible I've learned to appreciate Opeth musically even more from one reaction than I have after 15 years of them being my favorite band period!?

@ericarmstrong6769

Жыл бұрын

Can't EVER beat Black Rose Immortal. If it wasn't for that I never would have changed musical directions

Are you kidding me?!?! I requested this on a previous video like 2 hours ago when I discovered your channel... Christmas has come way early...

This is favorite opeth song. Every time I listen to this song I can feel I'm travelling across some strange land.

@rafanj824

2 жыл бұрын

You were in a place called Harlequin Forest!!! I was there too!!!

"I can listening to him sing all day long" hahahaha what a coincidence, me too xD

@rafanj824

2 жыл бұрын

A great baritone voice, always so good to hear. And i listen to him all day anyway, there is so many great songs from this incredible band kkkkk

Really enjoyed this! One of the best analysis of one of my favourite songs. Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope. The live version is great too

@christopherjohn84

3 жыл бұрын

Love love love this comment. It would be great to see him analyse and breakdown such a great track like plague flowers!! Studio version though. I’m sick of the live version, it doesn’t do the song justice in my opinion!!

Opeth - The Drapery Falls - Blackwater Park please !

You summed up Opeth perfectly when you said "They've kind of got me confused me a bit". Their songs often lead you down a particular path and you think you know where it's going and then all of sudden you arrive at a place you weren't expecting.

I can't get over Opeth. They're overbearingly powerful, masterful use of transitions and non standard song patterns keep it so interesting. Listening to their whole discography from Orchid to Watershed you can hear how Mikael slowly cleaned up their composition, removing anything that isn't interesting and useful to move a song forward. Each album gets leaner and leaner until finally watershed is the pinnacle of their style. Its also why they had to change directions. They mastered themselves- making anything more in that style would be self-parody. So he was brave and bold and now they're more interesting than they ever were before IMO. I grew up and so did they.

@Olsen-vp5vg

3 жыл бұрын

It’s funny. I remember when watershed came out a lot of fans hated it. I think it’s a masterpiece. I agree with everything you said.

@Terminxman

2 жыл бұрын

I agree about changing directions, but I still just am not into 90% of their newer songs, it's very hit or miss but obviously that has to do with personal taste. I can't say I don't wish every day they'd do something again in this style, it's not necessarily true that it'd have to be super derivative but I know they've said something to that affect.

@DeJayHank

2 жыл бұрын

@@Terminxman I wish they could clone themselves into 3 different Opeths. One old style, one middle/transition style, and one modern style, and they'd all pump out new awesome albums every year.

@rwilt8

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, you described their change perfectly.

@Celatra

5 ай бұрын

imo they lost it with watershed and gained it back with heritage. watershed feels like Mikael's last attempts to make growl based songs and it feels forced.

Opeths strength is the ability to establish such an infectious groove whilst playing odd time signatures and establishing such a strong foundation of atmosphere. It’s really a testament to akerfeldts skill. The guy should be scoring movies. He’d be killer at it.

@WarriorofSunlight

2 жыл бұрын

Very well said.

For me this is one of the greatest albums of all time. Just one of those absolute masterpieces you can't imagine being any better.

Opeth is awesome and one of my all time favorite bands!! Seen them 3 times. I grew up on classical music. Both my parents are classically trained singers and musicians...my father went to Westminster 😁 Great reaction!!

One of my favourite by Opeth is “Face of Melinda” . Is really focused in sound and ambiance! Believe me

A very succinct review of this song. This band does breathe rarefied air. Now you could experience either River or Moon Above, Sun Below - both by Opeth. You've now turned the key and opened the door. There's many a tasty tune by this band.

@flightgravity7483

3 жыл бұрын

Man, it’s so nice to see someone recommend songs from Pale Communion. Opeth’s more recent albums get overlooked way too often, and Pale Communion is one of my absolute favorites from them. Easily.

This is the Opeth song I’ve been finding myself listening to a LOT lately. Very very nice. And count this as another vote for Ne Obliviscaris .. as a composer, worth noting that And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope has been studied by a conservatory in Sydney as an example of modern composition.

@notchjohnson2540

3 жыл бұрын

I'll thoroughly endorse Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope as well! Particularly the live in Colorado 2016 version. Otherwise you cannot go wrong with Opeth - Deliverance =)

@julien2231

3 жыл бұрын

Really? Wow thats awesome

@scotthughes2687

3 жыл бұрын

It was a while ago that this happened, but here's an archived link discussing Professor Matthew Hindson at the Sydney Conservatorium using "And Plague ..." in his curriculum: www.metalsoundscapes.com/archives/7620/ne-obliviscaris-song-at-the-sydney-conservatorium-of-music

@scotthughes2687

3 жыл бұрын

I'm torn whether to recommend the live or the studio version of APFtK. The live version is really fun (and makes me want to see them in concert), but I was just listening to both and think the production in the studio version might be better for Doug's analysis.

@julien2231

3 жыл бұрын

@@scotthughes2687 thanks

You've hit the nail on the head with their restraint from virtuosity. I think that's why I love Opeth but find Symphony X or Nightwish lacking. They shred when they need to but the open space in their songs is so vast. It makes the heavy heavier and the gentler moments sweeter.

@progperljungman8218

3 жыл бұрын

So true!

@lehellequin5962

3 жыл бұрын

this is the pink floyd way. which is, in fact, the way.

@progperljungman8218

3 жыл бұрын

There is, however, a kind of virtuosity in composition and juxtaposition!

@RohannvanRensburg

3 жыл бұрын

Especially now with Fredrik. Virtuosity is like action in a film, it's a lot more interesting if used sparingly.

@chestervelosophotography6702

3 жыл бұрын

EXACTLY!

I appreciate you identifying the intervals, chord progressions and modulations, few people doing this sort of thing go into much depth.

It’s crazy how he sings, play guitar and compose all the songs by himself ! My favorite band! They also have song called Mellotron Heart

I think this song has *the* best intro I have ever heard in my all years of listening to music. Progressive rock really is a blessing to this life.

this song gives me the chills everytime. Also, the best desciption for Opeth i ever heared "Swiss Army Knive of Metal" - true...

This has got to be one of my favorite songs of theirs - that outro never fails to give me some goosebumps. It was so cool to see you making the 'metal scowl' during it; such a raw reaction to the power and groove.

Opeth, the fine wine of scandinavian metal, wonderful band. A recommendation as a companion band to opeth is katatonia, especially the 'fall of hearts' album. The vocals have that distinct soft scandinavian flavour and deliberate use of the flat notes to put it in the back metal category.

@celluloidprojectile

3 жыл бұрын

there are many fine wines in that whole scene tbf.

@radicalstanza3614

3 жыл бұрын

Katatonia was never a black metal band, at least not as far back as I can remember. And certainly not in their current incarnation.

That was actually Harlequin Forest. Reverie was a "gap track" between the song before this, Atonement and into Harlequin Forest. With how the album got transferred to digital media, it shows up at the end of Atonement but is not actually part of the song, it's the intro to this. That's why it "cuts to the chase." A shame really, as it's a lovely intro that most people think isn't even part of this song.

Yes, that was a Melllotron. I've seen them six times. Their keyboardist had a pair. The growls are speaking volume; it's the trick to not blowing out one's voice.

Yes love it, Opeth is my favourite band ❤ would love to hear your take on "next of kin" or "lovelorn crime" by them

@jod_hates_it_here6895

2 жыл бұрын

in cauda venenum is so underrated

That No Quarter homage with the Mellotron is just pure genius.

I absolutely love when experienced musicians check out bands like this. Amazing channel.

Love Opeth. Found them a few years ago, maybe the best band I've found in like 20 years (top three in any case), and the band that finally got me to accept and even enjoy growls.

Loving these reactions. There's so much raw musicality in Opeth. And their use of dynamics is incredible. I love how they tend to stay on riffs long enough to really let you feel the groove, and how they really tell a story with each song.

Opeth always felt like a band that people who really knows music likes. This confirms my suspicion. Such an amazing band.

Native Construct - Mute. They're all Berklee grads. Like nothing you've heard before. You would absolutely love it. Best album in the past ten years.

This was a great analysis, I loved it. Good job Doug!

dang I think I've find a new metal band to listen to. Thank U very much Doug!

Love your reactions. Been a metal head for 36 years and its so cool to see these reactions where people are actually giving some of these bands credit. For so many years all ive heard is they just play loud and fast and scream(and yes some of it is that way, but even that takes talent!!) So cool to see you and other pro composers and singers and musicians stepping up and talking about the talent these bands have, even if it is not what you usually listen too!! Good job bro! keep em coming!

Thank you for doing a great reaction on one my favourite songs ever! Saw Opeth a year ago in Helsinki, last gig before Corona stopped the big concerts. They did play this, impeccably. Everyone is asking you to do a reaction to their favourites, and I will add Karnivool and their song Deadman to this long list of requests. Karnivool is an Aussie proge band, I'm confident that you would love their music. 🎶

I'm a simple man. I hear Opeth, I leave a like :) But also, lovely to hear You explaining it all. THANK YOU

I have just discovered your channel, I really love watching your deep dives into these songs that have meant so much to me. But I had to say, I was also at that Opeth Show in 2016 at Radio City Music Hall! It's one of my top two concerts of all time, you chose a great show to go to.

I 💓 Opeth, especially clean vocal Mikael. 💖

Opeth is absolutely EPIC!!🤘🤘🤘🤘

loved this review! This is one of my all time favorite albums / bands

Love your reactions cause of the music theory knowledge you give out and how well versed you are in that knowledge. Earned a sub! 👍🏽

and this is why ladies and gentlemen that Opeth is my favorite band

Thanks, love these reactions where I actually learn something.

great reaction/dissection of the song! love it, you should react to "Ghost of perdition" from the same band live at red rocks, its an amazing performance

Blackwater Park!

Hessian peel. God tier.

I love your breakdowns of Opeth songs. They're one of my favorite bands. Already subbed, but just watching you talk about this stuff is awesome.

When a track starts immediately with no intro, and ends the same way, that'll be a concept album :)

What an awesome analysis! I gotta figure out how to pick out chords in a progression like you, that’s nuts!

DOUG! Just found your channel...man did I get excited when you said "Is that a mellotron?" You've got the most enjoyable music reaction channel I've seen! Thanks for your perspective.

"Swiss army knife of metal bands"... such a great line.

Arguably my favourite band of all time ❤️ and I’m not particularly a metalhead. Really enjoyed your reaction to this; subbed!

One of the best channels out there.... Right here...

My wife and I were at that same show at Radio City Music Hall! Great, great show!

One of the greatest songs to feature from one of the greatest bands. Thank you.

most competent reaction channel.

I could listen to you talk about music all day long. I only know a little music theory but I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. Thanks Doug

I was at that same show haha! Best Opeth concert I've been to. The set list was exceptional and surprising. I was right up front.

Great video. I've been listening to this album for almost 15 years, and this song has relatively recently become my favorite on there. It's just so well put together, and it grooves so hard, but it's understated compared to the other heavy songs on the album.

Nice reaction! Opeth are, simply put, one of the greatest bands ever. BTW, the song title is actually "Harlequin Forest" only. "Reverie" is the ending part of "Atonement/Reverie", in which you can definitely hear two completely different sections.

great break down at around 11:00 in particular, never thought of it that way. gave me even more appreciation for the song.

While all of Opeth's stuff is really good and interesting, the era from Still Life to Ghost Reveries is just magic. The Moor, Face of Melinda, Bleak, Drapery Falls, Deliverance, Windowpane, Ghost of Perdition... the list just goes on and on.

@icedearth1ful

3 жыл бұрын

Agree 100%...im not a huge fan of the newer stuff

Fantastic reaction! 👍 Really interesting to hear your analysis.

You got me hooked in Sir. I rarely subscribe to any channel. Very informative and interesting point of view from someone who was able to see instantly the indisputable connection between (apparently) not so distant musical genres. Plus what a serious hearing you have. Also, your video shows exactly how we should be listening to music. By diving deeply into the chords and harmony, the lyrics, to flow with the progression. We are so badly distracted these days. Fair play to you. 👍🏻

Perfect reaction, I was confused the first time I heard them to. And that was in the early 2000 I think 🤔 great band and musicians.

What I find very interesting about Opeth while not sure of Michael's influences, is their chord structures and harmonies are things you often hear in early 20th century classical music. I hear things like Weber and Stravinsky, Schoenberg and Bartok. Whether he is even aware of this, I don't know. He is an amazingly bright and talented composer/guitarist. The band uses dissonance very effectively which isn't easy when using heavily distorted guitars. But he is clever on how he voices his chords with his other lead guitarist.

I love that you did a slight snarl metal face. Opeth are just a level above.

I rarely watch reaction videos till the end. But this was great and you sure know what you are talking about. Kudos to you good sir and I'll keep on wathching you.

This is interesting and fun. I don't read music, just because I can't🙂 I find it interesting though how you pointing out what happens. You make the music from my favourite band even more living. When things are normal again I will see Opeth in the Dutch city of Utrecht. Been looking forward to that since five months, when I bought the tickets.

Is that a mellotron? Welcome to Opeth hahaha they littered a whole era of their music with it (particularly when Steven Wilson was on hand).

I'd love you to listen to "Be'lakor - 'Smoke of many fires' or 'An Embers Arc'" beautiful melo death metal.

@amarok9097

3 жыл бұрын

You sir have outstanding taste.

Love all these Doug, just working my way through now I've found you. I think your Mellotron in this sounds like a guitar through a Leslie to me.

Exactly the kind of reaction channel I wanted - more music theory analysis!

Loved it, thanks! Keep going with Opeth! Any of the requests you've gotten will do.

first time here 20 years Opeth fan never see someone get it right like u man, I love it when u said his clean vocal smooth and there is a hell behind him exactly right :D

Hey man, I think you would enjoy the construction of Meshuggah's sound. They have good drum videos. Also, this was a good watch.

@xdman20005

3 жыл бұрын

brtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrtabrtbrta

@carlnorrbom

3 жыл бұрын

@@xdman20005 Made my day

Thanks Doug for your expert content. It´s a pleasure to share this awesome band whith the part of the people who can feel it like most of us do. Best band by far! keep on doing it, Doug, cause we really appreciate it. BW.

Good stuff! I remember talking to you in theory class about seeing them live.

Nightwish - Ghost Love Score (live @ Wacken 2013)

@777malkavian

3 жыл бұрын

I love how all the reaction channel requests are the same, but I really like this one's take from the musical theory's side.

this song is just a perfect piece of art !

I love watching you fawn over Opeth songs please do heaps more

Great break down/reaction. Hopping to see them at the end of the year, COVID restrictions permitting. They are doing a “fans request set list” tour for their 30th anniversary. Fans vote on their website for one song from each of the 13 studio albums, should be epic!

I really like the way you listen/analyze and the detailed knowledge of what you hear. This is a breath of fresh air in the world of reaction videos. I can't wait for when you get to the band Nightwish - and that's the reason I have to sub now :-) Keep up the good work and stay curious! Cheers from Sweden

your music knowledge is a real treat to watch. So much Respect to you!

what an incredible song!

Wow.... looks like I have to expand on my ‘ to follow ‘ list. Spot on with the analysis. Few days ago well done on Tool and now on Opeth. Guess the math is done based on views, likes and comments on what reaction video’s need to be done. Looking forward to new material like Blackwater Park, or Deliverance.. ( live versions) Cheers, from the Netherlands!

Blew my mind when I saw you reviewing this song. An easy tie for #1 favorite song from Opeth, alongside The Grand Conjuration. This band changed how I approached music. They're a great bridge from King Crimson, Yes , etc. to Voivod, Death, etc.

love your vids, please do more with the piano. really nice to hear you play stuff immediately after you hear it XD.

Just unbelievable band so good

This is lovely

Great reaction! Please do more Opeth. Another great band you probably haven't heard is Leprous. I'd like to request "The Sky is Red".