Opeth has run its course

[Darkhammer]

can't you people just listen to music anymore and like it? i like all Opeth just because i do, not because it's older than GR blah blah. jesus

 

[FuneralPortrait]

It's all subjective- I would much rather listen to GR production than the shit production of Orchid/Morningrise. GR isn't my favourite opeth record, but it's far from my least favourite.

 

[the_3_toed_sloth]

...
I for one have found that GR is almost seemingly perfect at times in its execution, and therefore almost appears a tad mechanical in places. I think the most noticeable thing on GR, which is not apparent on any other Opeth album, is the drumming. I love the grooves on this album and it's one of Martin's best performances, but I think many of you will know what I mean when i say that the drumming at times on GR sounds a little static. Yes, there are grooves and the actual playing is amazing, but with such crystal clear sounding drums it is easy to interpret the playing as more 'machine' like. And since many of us pay very close attention to Opeth's music, we will pay close attention to each individual instrument.

I'm probably talking a load of shit now but if you go and listen to April Ethereal for 2 minutes, then put on Beneath the Mire I think you might see what I am getting at, in that through time Opeth's production has got better and better - and I mean 'better' in that each players' parts have become more separated. April Ethereal is much more wholistic in its overall sound; Beneath the Mire isn't. Again, I am just trying to look at this from a different angle, other than saying, "Yeah, but The Drapery Falls has better riffs than The Grand Conjuration."

This is much like what i said in my post on the previous page - it has become so easy to listen to, so well produced, that it is too easy listening to grab you as much. The harshness isn't there, and it is the harshness that in a strange way forces you to listen more carefully. April Ethereal, as you mention, was a crushing assault on the ears, the dynamics of the song taking time to mentally sort out, and consequently the songs grows on you. Beneath The Mire, while excellent, is immediately discernable, because as you say, each instrument is very clear (ie. well produced).

In need of a new producer perhaps?

 

[Powers]

In need of a new producer perhaps?

Nope just new fans.

 

[Rocky Raccoon]

I could if there weren't psycho fucks like in Brisbane. These two cockheads kept swearing at Mike telling him to play TIMR. THey got really shitty at him when he said they couldn't coz Axe didn't know it, and then they poured gin and cigarette ash all over me. It was people like them that fucked up some of the mellow bits.

Ive got a mind blank, what does TIMR stand for?

 

[ViCyniC]

Opeth needs to stop getting too comfortable with their style and try something risky and rough, for a change. GR is a little different, though it 'sounds' too complacent and easy...nothing that makes us go "wow, I totally didn't expect this from them". It's a fantastic album, musically, but not brave or daring enough.

I would like more surprises and musical risks on their next album, if they make one.

 

[opeth_353]

I thought Steve Wilson did a flawless job with Blackwater Park. I hate the production of GR .. too weak and stagnant for my likings - very quiet too.
It'd be nice for them to explore different producers, but if that fails, go back to Steve Wilson. They need fresh inspiration too.

All easier said than done.

 

[Sanus]

Dirge for November is a very non-opeth song. Just so happens to be one of their best songs.

 

[NFU]

Bottom line:

When you see Mikael et al at the MTV Music Awards, then you can say Opeth has run its course.

mike has just as much right to be there as anyone else. i just dont think he would care to attend.

 

[Don Corleone]

i want another "still life" dammit

 

[TLA]

i want another "still life" dammit

I'd rather Opeth did something new, like Still Life was at it's time. Wouldn't you?

 

[Don Corleone]

and whats wrong with mikael being at the mtv awards? as long as they make music that i enjoy, i dont care whatever the hell they do with their lives

 

[TLA]

and whats wrong with mikael being at the mtv awards? as long as they make music that i enjoy, i dont care whatever the hell they do with their lives

I'm pretty sure Mike would never be nominated for the MTV music awards, unless he starts making more songs like The Grand Conjuration...

 

[Don Corleone]

I'd rather Opeth did something new, like Still Life was at it's time. Wouldn't you?

yeah yeah of course i want something new, too, but i just want more of that melodic, proggy sound and style. i just cant get enough of the material on there

 

[Ermz]

I thought Steve Wilson did a flawless job with Blackwater Park. I hate the production of GR .. too weak and stagnant for my likings - very quiet too.
It'd be nice for them to explore different producers, but if that fails, go back to Steve Wilson. They need fresh inspiration too.

All easier said than done.

You really think so?

Blackwater Park clipped on more stereo system for me than I'd care to remember. It's obviously over-compressed... all the dynamics are shattered. Ghost Reveries is a fantastic recording, combining both the modern qualities of metal releases, to stay competitive with the rest, and the natural sounds to stay true to what Opeth are.

Just my 2c anyway.

 

[Liquid Diamonds]

I think Jens Borgen did a phenomenal job on GR. Just like he did on Katatonia's 'The Great Cold Distance'. I hope they use him again.

 

[MetalAges]

Put simply, after GR, I can't help but want MORE from Opeth.

 

[Mikael Åkerfeldt]

Hey, I can't tell you what to like and don't like but I am certainly not listening to this stupid "advice". If you think we suck now I advice you to move on to something else and get it over with.

Hope you're all well and that stuff. Just got back from Dublin here and I'm knackered...

Cheers peeps!
Mike

 

[philza]

Hey Mike, thanks for posting. I don't understand why people post that Opeth has run its course, when Ghost Reveries, being the latest album, is an amazing peice of music. If people don't like it, they can fuck off and listen to whatever else they prefer...

 

[Sanus]

opeth is and always has been a melodic death metal band with progressive influences. In all probability, that's what their next album(s) will be. I don't know what you people expect.