STILL LIFE

After releasing 'Ghost Reveries' Mike's crew certainly slipped into parlours meant for the ultimate progressive bands only. I'd like to take the opportunity and write something about their best longplay recorded so far- Still Life. The album which is underrated a bit, as Akerfeldt said during one of the recent gigs in Europe. SL stikes me with a perfect balance between mellow and intense parts of the album. The songwriting is stunning indeed, they managed to craft seven tracks , which musical quality just crushes me deep into ground, everytime I listen to them. These 62 minutes flow so gently and naturally, and one could press play a few times in a row , when Still Life comes to a close. Speaking of compositions, the album begins with great 'The Moor', utter classical track , as well as 'Godhead's Lament' that follows it. Both have something in common, a typical for Opeth long structure and complexity. Especially the second one comprises many haunting moments (but which Opeth's song does not???) . Mike's clean vocals are astonishing, growls not so developed as in case of GR, but still rewarding. Third song, 'Benighted' is a mellow one, where classical elements are so apparent, this track has some special medieval aura, just fits the album concept perfectly, as well as the rest of the pieces. 'Moonlapse Vertigo', one of the best ever, starts up with quazi doom/gothic (whatever) riff, these one is definitely very atmospheric with lots of marvellous melodies and undercurrents. The fifth "Face of Melinda' is a total cult one, rather calm at first, becoming more intense and vivid in the end- yes, it's a quintessence of their style. The next one, 'Serenity Painted Death' is a sudden volte-face, destructive guitars, death metal without a doubt. The closing track, 'White Cluster' is a perfect farewell of this outstanding musical journey. For those unfamilliar with Still Life content I have a advice- it's time to make it up for, now!!!