BLACKWATER PARK

I laughed to myself when a friend suggested Opeth to me. I hate death metal and growling vocals, and I knew that Opeth fell very much into this catergory. I'd decided from previous encounters that all death metal was rubbish and untuneful, so I replied, "erm...no thanks." Next day and my, lets say persistent friend, lent me one of his Opeth albums. I took it, and later that evening - more because of boredom than curiosity - I listened to it... Blown away would be an extreme understatement. My mind and ears were blown apart. Sheer brilliance. Never, since Images & Words, had I heard something as complete as this. It was Ghost Reveries.

After being blown away by Opeths guitar heavy riffs and soft acoustic passages I decided to buy myself one of their albums. I'd heard that Blackwater Park was one of their best so I bought it. Once again I was amazed.

This album beats Reveries hands down. Heavier riffs, more catchy melodies, better production (courtesy of one Steven Wilson) and most of all, more progression.

The album kicks of with The Leper Affinity, in all of it's gothic glory. Super complex guitar riffs make this a true standout for me and it sets the dark mood for the rest of the album. This mood is continued in the next track bleak.

Harvest showcases a more poppy side of the band, nevertheless this a beatiful song.

Next is The Drapery Falls. This song truly shows Opeths skills in blending folk-oriented acoustic flourishes with driving metal riffs. Superb.

The next track is another good track with some beatifully moody chord progressions.

Next is The Funeral Portrait which kicks off with a mind-bending guitar riff whick evolves into nothing short of a superb rocker.

Patterns in the Ivy took me by suprise. A melodic all-acoustic piece lasting just under 2mins. It's a far cry from the other songs on the album yet it fits perfectly.

Now the title-track is nothing short of an epic. Driving riffs, a memorable acoustic part and a great end to an awesome album