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"Ghost Reveries" sees Opeth moving away from the sort of polar extremes they experimented with in their previous two albums, "Deliverance" and "Damnation", taking Steven Wilson's keyboard additions and production to heart and combining the many facets of their music into what is arguably their most cohesive album, but also their most accessible (until "Watershed", that is). It is a concept album in a similar vein to "Blackwater Park", dealing with death, ostracism, the occult, and the failings of society in the bleak, atmospheric manner that Opeth have always been masters of. However, this album is quite a bit more accessible than "Blackwater" Park", evidenced in its move towards songs like "Bleak" and "Blackwater Park" rather than the dense wandering of "The Drapery Falls". Don't be afraid, though: there's still "Atonement" and "Reverie/Harlequin Forest" for that classic Opeth mid-album stretch. Per Wiberg's keyboards feel completely at home and complementary (especially on "The Grand Conjuration") and never push the band's music into unwelcome territory. Wiberg's playing is a natural extension of what Steven Wilson was doing with the band previously as a studio musician and producer, and he adds his own touches (some driving organ is actually surprisingly appropriate and heavy in "The Baying of the Hounds"). This is the last album for both guitarist Peter Lindgren and drummer Martin Lopez, and both turn in absolutely mind-blowing performances. The band is as tight as ever, but the production and arrangements never feel sterile; it's emotionally compelling, broodingly atmospheric, and lively the whole way through. And though "Isolation Years" isn't technically part of the concept, it is the perfect coda to the stunning, dark finale that is "The Grand Conjuration" . . . definitely my favorite album closers of any Opeth album. Akerfeldt's vocals are top-notch as always, both melodic and growling, and he transitions from one to the other with ease. His and Lindgren's solos are ever-impressive and always surprisingly tasteful and melodic. Martin Mendez's bass playing goes into a rare instance of drop-D tuning, but never endlessly rides the root, and his fills seamlessly add to each song. All in all, I would recommend this album to any Opeth fan, and most any metal fan as well, as a shining example of good progressive metal. Is it their best album? No, probably not; most people put that honor on "Still Life" or "Blackwater Park" (or sometimes "Morningrise"). But it's cohesive, beautiful, and dark, and absolutely worth listening to many, many times.Read full review
A lot of Opeth fans may have been disappointed with the band for signing with the Roadrunner label and even accused them of "selling out." That's just stupid. Don't you fans want Opeth albums and merchandise to be more available? Don't you fans want Opeth to get the recognition and fame they deserve? Yea, that's what I thought. Anyway, the album is really good. Opeth is one of those bands that you've never really heard anything like before. Their frontman, Mikael Akerfeldt, does this weird thing; he can sing AND roar. It's kind of startling at first, but he can serenade and then rip into your guts in the very next second! No, he's no Davey Havoc. A little lower pitched and somewhat more... coherent. At times it can sound a little bit repetitive, but compared to most of the stuff you hear on the radio it's not really noticeable. The addition of their new keyboardist/mellotronist really changes their sound from previous albums; but in a great way! On the "Baying of the Hounds" track, a swingy organ compliments the crunching guitarwork and Mikael's vocals. I don't really like song-by-song reviews so I'll end it here by just urging you to check it out. It's like nothing else, really. If this is a little too loud and scary for you, I suggest their album Damnation. Full of soft, sweet songs and a bit of mellotron; it's the perfect thing to get you started on this amazing band.Read full review
For anyone into progressive death metal. I had to endure 8 months of mediocre albums until I finally heard this masterpiece. It is a merge of their previous albums and I can hear influence of Still Life, Blackwater Park and Damnation on it quite prominently. The Grand Conjuration is probably one of the strongest tracks and very similar in the progressive style of Black Rose Eternal from Morningrise album, it is getting a lot of airplay on satelite radio despite being a very long song; it is that good. The mix of death metal growl and melodic singing with complex melodies makes this a must have album for anyone that is into death metal for the music and not the image.
Absolutely love this album!! This is my favorite Opeth album!! In my opinion this is Opeth's best!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
A pleasure make a business with You ..!!!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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