MORNINGRISE

When it comes to five star reviews, the argument is that the admitted masterpieces of Progressive Music are best albums by Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, etc. Yes, I know about it. In their own sub-genre, Symphonic Prog, 'CTTE', 'Lamb', 'Selling', 'ITCOTCK', 'Red' and 'In A Glass House' are definite masterpieces. These are the albums everyone should get, no matter what their taste in prog and even music in general is.

However, when it comes to Progressive Metal, nothing shines as much as this one diamond - Opeth's "Morningrise", the best ProgMetal experience you can find since Black Sabbath's "Sabotage".

Okay, so you will ask me, why is this so great. The album, better than any Opeth piece of work, did the best fusing Melodic Death Metal and Progressive Rock of the 70's. Each of the 5 epic tracks is a masterpiece by itself, especially the 20-minute long "Black Rose Immortal", that maybe is not as greatly put together as other 20-minute epics, like "Echoes" and "CTTE", but has tons of amazing moments that can simple destroy the listeners' mind and heart with awesomeness. Another great moment here is the "To Bid You Farewell" - a fully clean track, although done in the best traditions of the band. Even without death growling, it is still very very metal.

If you're looking to get into Opeth and the heaviest you can bare is Sabbath, Metallica or Maiden, I suggest you start with "Damnation", to see if you are going enjoy this band or not. But in the end, this album is where you will come at some point and will not be disappointed.

The best ProgMetal album in my point of view and my favourite prog album from the 90's, along with "Hybris".