GHOST REVERIES

Although I might like some other Opeth albums more, this one has a special place since it was my introduction to this great band. This album is filled with strong songs, and I wouldn't call any of them bad, although i wouldn't say it is a masterpiece, as it has its flaws. "Ghost Reveries" is full of what we've come to love about Opeth, that wonderful juxtaposition of heavy death metal passages and haunting acoustic passages featuring clean vocals. This is also Opeth's first album with a full time keyboardist, and it does make a difference. I think the keyboards are especially useful in making the clean passages that much more haunting. Highlights of the album are "Reverie/Harlequin Forest", "The Baying of the Hounds", and "Ghost of Perdition".