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Opeth

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Opeth

Opeth is a Swedish heavy metal band that formed in 1990 in Stockholm. The band, which has been through several line-up changes, currently comprises Mikael Åkerfeldt (vocals/guitar), Fredrik Åkesson (guitar), Martin Mendez (bass), Martin "Axe" Axenrot (drums), and Per Wiberg (keyboards). Since the band's inception, there have been 15 official members, with Åkerfeldt being the one continual member.

Opeth's dominant style of music is Scandinavian death metal, however, the band combines their genre with progressive metal, progressive rock, folk, jazz, and blues, and their songs last an average of ten minutes. A notable exception in their catalogue is the 2003 release of Damnation, a predominantly progressive rock record containing no death metal styled vocals, distorted guitars, double bass drumming, or songs over eight minutes in length.

Opeth has released eight studio albums, two live albums (one of which is only available through the Opeth box set and features the Lamentation DVD audio), one box set, and one DVD. The band released its debut album Orchid in 1995, but would not see commercial success until the release of Damnation in 2003, which charted on the U.S. Billboard 200. Since then, the band has released Ghost Reveries, which debuted at number 64 on the same chart. The band's ninth studio album, Watershed, is set to be released on June 3, 2008.

History

Formation (1990–1993)

Opeth was formed in 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden by vocalist David Isberg and guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt, who were the two remaining members of the recently disbanded Eruption.[1] The band's name was derived from "Opet", from the Wilbur Smith novel Sunbird. Opet, which meant "the city of the moon", was the location of a fictional empire in the book.[2]

Isberg and Åkerfeldt recruited drummer Anders Nordin, bassist Nick Döring, and guitarist Andreas Dimeo.[2] Döring and Dimeo left Opeth after the band's first concert, because they thought the band's progress was monotonous.[2] The remaining members of the band met guitarist Kim Pettersson and bassist Johan DeFarfalla. The band asked the musicians to join Opeth, and they accepted. After one concert DeFarfalla left Opeth to spend time with his girlfriend in Germany, and was replaced by Åkerfeldt's friend Peter Lindgren. After one more show Pettersson left, and Lindgren switched to playing guitar. Isberg left the band to perform with Liars in Wait. Åkerfeldt felt the departure was necessary due to personal reasons.[2]

Åkerfeldt became Opeth's new vocalist, a position he had previously occupied while in Eruption. Åkerfeldt and Lindgren started writing new material and the band rehearsed for a year with three members. Stefan Guteklint became the band's new bassist, but was dismissed after a year. DeFarfalla performed as a session musician for the band, later becoming a full time member for the second time.[2]

Orchid, Morningrise, and My Arms, Your Hearse (1994–1998)

Opeth recorded its first album, Orchid, in 1994, and released it on May 15, 1995. The album was distributed through Candlelight Records internationally, and Century Media Records in the United States. Orchid was self-produced with engineering handled by Dan Swanö.[3] John Serba of All Music Guide praised Orchid as "a far-beyond-epic prog/death monstrosity exuding equal parts beauty and brutality".[4] Opeth toured the United Kingdom for several months, before being booked to record a second studio album.[3] The band's second album, Morningrise, was recorded in March and April 1996, and was released on June 24, 1996. Following the release of Morningrise, Opeth toured the UK with Morbid Angel and The Blood Divine, followed by a 26 date tour of Scandinavia with Cradle of Filth. Opeth received a better reception than they expected on this tour.[3]

After the band's touring was complete Åkerfeldt and Lindgren dismissed DeFarfalla from Opeth without the consent of Nordin. Åkerfeldt called Nordin, who was on a holiday in Brazil, to tell him that DeFarfalla had been dismissed. After hearing the news, Nordin informed Åkerfeldt that he would be leaving the band to move to Brazil.[5] Åkerfeldt posted advertisements in newspapers for open positions for a drummer and bassist. Former Amon Amarth drummer Martin Lopez responded claiming to be an Opeth fan, and was accepted as the band's new drummer.[5]

Shortly before the recording of Opeth's third studio album My Arms, Your Hearse, Lopez's friend Martin Mendez was accepted as the band's new bassist. Mendez did not have time to learn songs for My Arms, Your Hearse, causing Åkerfeldt to play bass on the album. The album was recorded at Fredman studios in August and September 1997. My Arms, Your Hearse was produced by Fredrik Nordström and was released on August 18, 1998.[5] The owner of Candlelight Records and a friend of Åkerfeldt's, Lee Barrett, sold his portion of the label, inspiring Opeth to seek a new contract. Regardless, the band's three album deal with Candlelight was over.[5]

Still Life and Blackwater Park (1999–2001)

File:Opeth logo.svg
The Opeth logo, designed by Timo Ketola.

Opeth signed on to Peaceville Records and reserved Fredman studios for March 1999.[5] The album's recording was postponed due to the relocation of the studio. Opeth's fourth studio album, Still Life, was released on October 18, 1999. The band only rehearsed together twice before the recording of the album, making the recording process difficult.[5] Still Life was the first album recorded with Mendez's contribution and also the first Opeth record, to bear any kind of caption on the front cover upon its initial release, including the band's logo, designed in 1996 by Timo Ketola.[6] The design had originally appeared on the CDs of the two previous albums and was subsequently used on all of Opeth's original releases and reissues. The album artwork for Still Life was handled by artist Travis Smith, who was contacted by the band fairly late, causing the album's release to be postponed twice.[5] Ed Rivadavia of All Music Guide described the sound of Still Life as a "splicing of harsh, often jagged guitar riffs with graceful melodies".[7] Still Life is a concept album, as explained by Åkerfeldt:

It kind of takes place a long time ago when Christianity had a bigger importance than it has today. The main character is kind of banished from his hometown because he hasn't got the same faith as the rest of the inhabitants there. The album pretty much starts off when he is returning after several years to hook up with his old 'babe'. Obviously a lot of bad things start happening with, as I call it on the album, "the council." The big bosses of the town know that he's back. A lot of bad things start happening.

— Mikael Åkerfeldt[8]

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"Bleak"
"Bleak" from Blackwater Park. This is the first album to feature contributions from Steven Wilson.
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Opeth recorded its fifth studio album, Blackwater Park, in 2000 with Steven Wilson producing. Åkerfeldt stated he found writing inspiration by going to "an old friend's house to record some demos and just relax and await".[9] The band recorded in Gothenburg at Dark Tranquillity frontman's Mikael Stanne's home for seven weeks starting in August. The band again failed to adequately rehearse, and was unprepared for recording; the music and lyrics were also incomplete.[9] Blackwater Park was distributed though a new label for Opeth, Music for Nations. In support of Blackwater Park, Opeth toured the U.S. for the first time, and played several large festivals in the UK.[10] Rivadavia claimed in his review of Blackwater Park that Opeth was "repeatedly shattering the foundations of conventional songwriting".[11]

Deliverance and Damnation (2002–2004)

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"Deliverance"
"Deliverance" from the album of the same name. The song is nearly 14 minutes long, which is an average length for Opeth. This is from the first album of the double recordings of Deliverance and Damnation.
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Opeth returned home after touring to promote Blackwater Park, and wanted to write music for a new album, however Åkerfeldt had trouble finding inspiration for music for a new album, stating he wanted to write heavy music but had no motivation. A friend of Åkerfeldt's suggested writing music for two albums —one heavy and one soft.[12] Åkerfeldt approved of the idea and discussed it with the other members of Opeth, all of whom also liked it. Music for Nations initially rejected the idea, however Åkerfeldt convinced the label to agree by stating it would only count as one album on the band's contract, and Opeth would only use funds sufficient for a single release.[12]

Opeth again recruited Wilson to produce the albums. The band recorded the two albums in seven weeks at Nacksving studios.[12] Opeth only rehearsed one time for the two albums, once again causing problems with the recording process. The band finished recording the first and heavier album, Deliverance, in 2002. Åkerfeldt was unhappy with the product before it was mixed. After Andy Sneap finished mixing the album, Åkerfeldt stated that Sneap was the band's "savior".[13] Deliverance was released on November 4, 2002, and debuted at number 19 on the United States Top Independent albums chart.[14] Rivadavia stated "Deliverance is altogether more subtle than any of its predecessors, approaching listeners with haunting nuances and masterful dynamics rather than overwhelming them with sheer mass and complexity."[15]

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"Windowpane"
"Windowpane" from the album Damnation. Opeth took a break from their heavier, death metal sound, having most of the record rely on slow to mid-tempo rock arrangements and clean singing.
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Opeth performed a one-off concert in Stockholm, then returned to the studio to finish recording vocals for the second of the two albums, Damnation. The vocals of the album were recorded at No Man's Land Studios, unlike the rest of the album, which was recorded at Nacksving studios.[13] The album was released on April 14, 2003, and gained the band its first position on the U.S. Billboard 200 album charts at number 192.[14] Both Deliverance and Damnation were dedicated to Åkerfeldt's late grandmother, who was killed in a car accident earlier in the year.[13]

Mikael Åkerfeldt during a 2005 performance in The Netherlands.

During a tour, Opeth performed three shows in Europe with two setlists each —one non-heavy set and one heavy set. At one of the concerts, Opeth recorded its first DVD, titled Lamentations (Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire 2003) at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London, England.[13] The DVD featured a two hour performance, including Damnation in its entirety as well as several songs from Deliverance and Blackwater Park, and a one hour documentary about the recording of Damnation and Deliverance. Opeth scheduled a concert in Chile, however had to cancel due to time restrictions, making it the first concert the band ever had to cancel.[13]

Opeth were scheduled to perform in Jordan without a crew because they were afraid of terrorist attacks in the middle east. Opeth's tour manager distributed 6,000 tickets for the concert. Before the band left to Jordan, Lopez called Åkerfeldt stating he was having a anxiety attack and could not perform, causing Åkerfeldt to cancel another performance.[13] In early 2004, Lopez was sent home from Canada after more anxiety attacks. Opeth decided against cancelling the entire tour it was on, and drumming duties were filled in by Lopez's drum technician for two concerts.[16] Lopez promised that he would return on tour as soon as he started feeling better. After the two performances with Lopez's drum technician, Opeth asked for Strapping Young Lad drummer Gene Hoglan to play at a few concerts. Hoglan accepted and learned two Opeth songs in three hours. Lopez returned to Opeth for the band's last tour in support of Deliverance and Damnation. During the last tour in support of the two albums, Lamentations (Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire 2003) was certified gold in Canada.[16] During 2003 and 2004, Opeth performed nearly 200 concerts around the world. Per Wiberg joined the band on tour to perform keyboards at the request of the band. After nearly one and a half years of touring, Opeth returned home to start writing new material.[13]

Ghost Reveries and Watershed (2005–present)

Peter Lindgren performing in 2005.

Opeth finished writing material for a new album in late 2004. The band rehearsed for three weeks before recording started for a new album. This was the first time the band rehearsed properly since the 1998 album My Arms, Your Hearse.[17] During rehearsal Wiberg joined Opeth as a full time member, much to the relief of Åkerfeldt.[17] Opeth recorded at Fascination Street Studios from March 18 to June 1, 2005. Music for Nations was closed down, leaving Opeth as an unsigned band. The band was signed on to Roadrunner Records, making it the first time Roadrunner ever directly signed a band to the American portion of the label.[17] Åkerfeldt stated the reason he chose to sign the band to Roadrunner was that he was "confident the record is gonna be available everywhere."[17] When fans of Opeth received the news that the band was signed to Roadrunner, they accused the band of selling out. Åkerfeldt commented on the controversy, stating

To be honest, that's such an insult after 15 years as a band and 8 records. I can't believe we haven't earned each and every Opeth fans credibility after all these years. I mean, our songs are 10 minutes long for fucks sake! So, you call us sell-outs?? FUCK YOU!!!

— Mikael Åkerfeldt[17]

Opeth released Ghost Reveries on August 30, 2005. The album debuted at number 64 in the U.S., and number nine in Sweden, making it the highest charting Opeth release thus far.[14][18] Keith Bergman of Blabbermouth.net gave the CD a ten out of ten possible points, making the CD one of only 17 albums to do so on the site.[19] Rod Smith of Decibel Magazine stated the album is "achingly beautiful, sometimes unabashedly brutal, often a combination of both".[20] Travis Smith provided the artwork for Ghost Reveries, featuring a dark room with flickering candles and a dark figure in the distance. Åkerfeldt stated it is the band's most gothic artwork yet.[17] The original lyrics for the album dealt with occult themes, which were of high interest to Åkerfeldt. Åkerfeldt stated he wanted the song "Isolation Years" on the album, which did not follow the concept of the album. He therefore changed the lyrics of several of the album's songs.[17][21]

Martin Axenrot and Mikael Åkerfeldt during a 2005 performance in the Netherlands.

On May 12, 2006, Lopez announced that he had officially parted ways with Opeth, citing his personal health problems. Lopez's position in the band was filled by Martin Axenrot.[22] Opeth toured on the main stage of Gigantour in 2006, along with Megadeth, Lamb of God, and Arch Enemy. Ghost Reveries was re-released on October 31, 2006, with a bonus cover song and a DVD documenting the making of the album. On May 17, 2007, Lindgren stated he was departing from Opeth after 16 years. "The decision has been the toughest I've ever made but it is the right one to make at this point in my life. The reason behind this is that I feel that I simply have lost some of the enthusiasm and inspiration needed to participate in a band that has grown from a few guys playing the music we love to a worldwide industry."[23] The replacement guitarist of Lindgren was announced as ex–Arch Enemy guitarist Fredrik Åkesson. Åkerfeldt commented on the situation stating

Peter and I had been working in this band together for almost half of our lives and we shared some unforgettable experiences together all over the world. We will obviously remain friends and this 'break-up' has been on very good terms from both sides. We all wish him the best of luck with his future ventures!

— Mikael Åkerfeldt[23]

Opeth began recording for the band's upcoming ninth studio album, Watershed on November 1, 2007.[24] As of January 10, 2008, Åkerfeldt stated the album is complete and ready to be released.[25] The album title and track listing was released on February 5, 2008.[26]The album is self-produced, and will contain seven songs.[27] The band has set the release for June 3, 2008.[28]

Style and influences

Opeth incorporates a wide variety of genres into its music.[11] Although the band is predominantly a Scandinavian death metal band, Opeth combines the genre with progressive metal,[29] progressive rock,[30] jazz,[31] and blues.[32] Åkerfeldt uses death metal vocals as well as clean vocals, often switching the vocal usage respectively between a heavy jam, to a jazz styled breakdown, and the band's songs last for over ten minutes on average.[17] He stated that Opeth would not be together if it did not use such extreme dynamics in its music.[33] Lee Cosmo of Stylus Magazine described the blend of genres as "unique".[30] Roadrunner Records stated that Opeth "create epic, iconoclastic music, inventing the rules as they go along."[34] The band's lyrics often reflect subjects such as nature, the occult, death, and depression. Some of the band's albums have one consistent theme throughout, making them concept albums.[35]

Opeth's largest musical departure is the 2003 album, Damnation. The album does not have any guitar distortion, double bass drumming, death growls, and no song was over eight minutes long throughout the entire album.[36] Ed Rivadavia of All Music Guide gave the album four out of five possible stars as a rating. He said that "rock fans with no interest in heavy metal whatsoever are likely to appreciate Damnation for its beautifully assembled, reliably high-caliber songwriting".[37] Although the band initially thought the album would be rejected, Damnation was well received on tour, and garnered the band positive reviews.[36][37] Åkerfeldt commented on the band's genre, stating

I don't see the point of playing in a band and going just one way when you can do everything. It would be impossible for us to play just death metal; that is our roots, but we are now a mishmash of everything, and not purists to any form of music. It's impossible for us to do that, and quite frankly I would think of it as boring to be in a band that plays just metal music. We're not afraid to experiment, or to be caught with our pants down, so to speak. That's what keeps us going.

— Mikael Åkerfeldt[38]

Opeth has a large range of influences, including Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Camel, among others.[39] Åkerfeldt stated his influences include King Diamond, Celtic Frost, Slayer, Deicide, and Metallica.[1][17] He claimed all of his influences have had an effect on the band while writing music.[36] The band itself has influenced other acts such as Wolves in the Throne Room and Watain.[39][40][41]

Discography

Main article: Opeth discography

Studio albums

Band members

Current members

Former members

References

  1. ^ a b Åkerfeldt, Mikael. "Opeth Chapter 1". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  2. ^ a b c d e Åkerfeldt, Mikael. "Opeth Chapter 2". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  3. ^ a b c Åkerfeldt, Mikael. "Opeth Chapter 3". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  4. ^ Serba, John. "Orchid review". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Åkerfeldt, Mikael. "Opeth Chapter 4". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  6. ^ "Current logo". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
  7. ^ Rivadavia, Ed. "Still Life review". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  8. ^ McCoe, Scott. "Interview with Mikael Åkerfeldt". Metalupdate.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  9. ^ a b Åkerfeldt, Mikael. "Opeth Chapter 5". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  10. ^ Åkerfeldt, Mikael. "Opeth Chapter 6". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  11. ^ a b Rivadavia, Ed. "Blackwater Park review". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2007-06-12.
  12. ^ a b c Åkerfeldt, Mikael. "Opeth Chapter 7". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g Åkerfeldt, Mikael. "Opeth Chapter 8". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  14. ^ a b c "Artist Chart History – Opeth". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  15. ^ Rivadavia, Ed. "Deliverance review". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  16. ^ a b Åkerfeldt, Mikael. "Opeth Chapter 9". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i Åkerfeldt, Mikael. "Opeth Chapter 10". Opeth.com. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  18. ^ "Swedish charts – Opeth". Swedishcharts.com. Retrieved 2008-01-25.
  19. ^ "CD reviews". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 2008-01-13.
  20. ^ Smith, Rod (October 2005). "Opeth Ghost Reveries – Wargasm of the Worlds". Decibel Magazine. Retrieved 2008-01-13. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  21. ^ Macbride, Lee (November 11, 2006). "Lee takes on Mikael". Rockbeast.com. Retrieved 2008-01-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ Morrone, Donald (January 2006). "Interview with Peter Lindgren". The Moor. Retrieved 2008-01-13.
  23. ^ a b "Guitarist Peter Lindgren Quits Opeth; Replacement Announced". Blabbermouth.com. June 17, 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ "Opeth: To Begin Recording New Album Tomorrow". Blabbermouth.net. October 31, 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ "Opeth: Mainman Ready to Rock the Boat". Blabbermouth.net. January 10, 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ "OPETH: New Album Title, Track Listing Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. February 5, 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ "Opeth: Frontman Says New Songs are 'A Bit More Energetic'". Blabbermouth.net. December 21, 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ "Opeth – Wacken". Wacken.com. January 18, 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-24. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ Hash, Tommy (May 22, 2003). "Opeth – Damnation". RevelationZ Magazine. Retrieved 2007-06-17. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ a b Lee, Cosmo (September 13, 2005). "Ghost Reveries Review". Stylus Magazine. Retrieved 2008-01-30. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ Jurek, Thom. "Ghost Reveries review". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2007-06-12.
  32. ^ DaRonco, Mike. "Opeth biography". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2008-01-12.
  33. ^ Waspman (April 07, 2001). "Opeth interview with Mikael Åkerfeldt". Metal–rules.com. Retrieved 2008-01-25. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ "Roadrunner Records artist profiles – Opeth". Roadrunner Records. Retrieved 2008-01-18.
  35. ^ Azevedo, Pedro. "Born Within Sorrow's Mask". Chroniclesofchaos.com. Retrieved 2008-01-18.
  36. ^ a b c "When it Rains, it Fucking Hails!". Hailmetal.com. Retrieved 2008-01-18.
  37. ^ a b Rivadavia, Ed. "Damnation review". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2008-01-18.
  38. ^ "Opeth frontman on being 'different'". Metal Hammer. October 30, 2006. Retrieved 2008-01-17. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ a b "Opeth overview". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2008-01-18.
  40. ^ "Wolves in the Throne Room overview". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2008-01-18.
  41. ^ "Watain overview". All Music Guide. Retrieved 2008-01-18.

External links

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