Originally posted by SoundMaster
3) "Dirge for November" - from start to finish, a true masterpiece. The guitar parts that begin at around 2:30 into the song are my single FAV Opeth "moments"
I second that completely. Finally, someone who appreciates the hypnotic beauty of that part. Orgasmic. Now, as for my rankings...
[1]: The Twilight is My Robe - This was the first Opeth song I ever heard, and to this day it has remained my favorite. From the solos in the end, to the awe-inspiring section around two-three minutes into the song, this baby has it all. Words can't even begin to do this song justice.
[2]: Serenity Painted Death - In recent years, this song has almost overthrown TTiMR, but I just can't see that ever happening. This song has, in my opinion, the greatest Opeth intro of all time, as well as the greatest Opeth solo of all time. Every time I hear that solo, gooseflesh pops up all over my arms and I start to twitch. Well, maybe not twitch, but the gooseflesh still comes even after three years.
[3]: Dirge for November - As was stated by SoundMaster, at around 2:30, this beautiful, seizure-inducing part comes along, sucking the marrow out of your bones. The dual guitars, the steady, deliberate double bass, and Mikael's sickest growls [pre-Deliverance] all come together to create something that transcends music.
[4]: Karma - I love how the opening riff just bludgeons you to death until the sweeping verse comes in. The best part of this song has to be the acoustic breakdown: amazing.
[5]: Bleak - There's not really too much to say about this one. Songs this catchy should not be legal. Steve Wilson's vocals are so soft and smooth [sounds like a hair commercial, no?]. They almost seem like aural silk. Also, this happens to be one of the songs with my favorite set of lyrics.
[6]: The Moor - Killer intro that is second only to Serenity. This is the best album-opening song that Opeth have produced yet. I love the way that all the parts in the intro come together and culminate with Mike's multi-layered growl/scream-- you know you're in for some bad shit. The dual guitar breakdown about halfway through the song is beautiful.
[7]: The Face of Melinda - Can you tell that Still Life is my favorite album? Beautiful acoustic work that segues into the most emotional electric guitar work on the album. Rhyming couplet lyrics-- gotta love it.
[8]: White Cluster - This song seems so basic and primal to me. During the verses, there is a simplicity that seems so powerful. Another song with amazing lyrics. And can we forget about the music dropping away to the lone acoustic guitar, only to be slammed with brutal guitars? I think not.
[9]: Demon of the Fall - Pre-Deliverance, this was as hard as they came. This is the third Opeth song I ever heard, and I'll never forget the feeling that I had when the verse kicked in-- you know, the seems otherworldly in its ability to capture your attention. Brilliant song.
[10]: Forest of October - The second Opeth song to grace my ears. The intro is beautiful, the acoustic work amazing, and the solos are spectacular, as demonstrated by our friend Bumblefoot a few threads over
A few other songs came close to taking this spot over the years, but the old school hangs tough.
Honorable mentions: When, To Bid You Farewell, Credence, Advent, The Drapery Falls, Patterns in the Ivy II
I didn't list any Deliverance songs here, because I feel as though I haven't given them proper attention just yet. Once the actual CD comes out, I'm sure I'll devote more time, for I can already see A Fair Judgment, Deliverance, and Master's Apprentices fighting for position on this list.
