I think the crucial reason why Opeth seems to be experiencing almost universal acclaim right now is that ultimately, they are a great, unique band, with an uncanny ability to synthesise seemingly disparate genre's into their music - something which I, as a musician, appreciate immensely. The key here is dynamism - what is great about the band is that, much like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get. I guess there is a reason why this forum consistenly has the most people logged in at one time. Opeth have struggled for so many years to make an impact, and quite frankly I think they deserve every bit of acclaim they get - I don't think any other band has consistently released such strong material throughout their careers.
Other bands generally seem to have their fifteen minutes, then tend to get down to the business of making money - with the end result usually along the lines of excessive touring, folowed by releasing a series of mediocre albums (Reroute to Remain, anyone?). As a point in fact, I remember a few years back In Flames was getting a hell of a lot of attention in the media - to be sure, they were a really good band with something unique to offer the melodic death genre, but that is all over now. Sure, they do big tours, but they haven't really released anything really noteworthy since Colony, for Christ's sake! Anyway, tangents aside, this is IMO a common trend among bands, and not those necessarily confined to this particular genre. The problem lies in the fact that there seems to be significant historical evidence to suggest that there is a causal link between receiving significant attention in the media, and what can only be described as creative decline.
The point of this diatribe is that Opeth has been defying this rule, and I think many fans appreciate that. Sure, people may argue that the Deliverance/Damnation albums aren't as great as Morningrise, or BWP, but I don't think anyone could seriously argue against the position that both albums represent, in one way or another a leap forward in what Opeth are trying to achieve as musicians. To illustrate my point: Who among the longtime Opeth fans here could really anticipate Opeth releasing album's like Deliverance and Damnation five years ago? The last three minutes of the title track are a great example - that was something that I would have never expected from them, and is a stark example of their ability to synthesise certain elements into their songs which many fans would consider anathema to the Opeth sound, while still retaining their fundamental uniqueness as a band. And as for Damnation (how many of us have gotten into different genre's of music as a result of listening to Opeth), my respect goes out to them just for having the balls to do that; they have received their share of flak for it, but they generally don't seem to care. At least I think the majority of fans who listen to this band are generally open minded; something which most fans of extreme metal genrally lack. In point of fact, I can't think of another type of music in which fans consistenly isolate themselves from new musical experiences on the basis of not being heavy, brutal or evil.
And that, in a nutshell, is why I think that every other band should realise they are pond-scum, and prostrate themselves at the foot of the holy shrine of Opeth.
Wayfaerer
