In my opinion:
Overall, comparing their music to all other metal in the world (or that which I know), I tend to think they are a softer based band with harder edges.
Opeth is melodic, with many clean vocals - the growling isn't overwhelming - they don't concentrate on a sonic chest pounding sound - they don't play for speed: to me, this "sounds" soft-based with the hard edges.
And they kick-ass the best!!
Overall, comparing their music to all other metal in the world (or that which I know), I tend to think they are a softer based band with harder edges.
Opeth is melodic, with many clean vocals - the growling isn't overwhelming - they don't concentrate on a sonic chest pounding sound - they don't play for speed: to me, this "sounds" soft-based with the hard edges.
And they kick-ass the best!!