The official Opeth thread v. In Cauda Venenum

[TioJorge]

Pale Communion has established itself in my mind as the album of the year for me. As much as I would like Opeth to put out another 'death metal' album, PC just does everything right. It does everything right that Heritage failed in (except I really like Folklore). The PC material they played at the show was just jaw-dropping awesome. Adding to that, 'Faith In Others' continues to be my favorite song of the year. It has that King Crimson 'Epitaph' beauty to it, without copying it.

Together with PC's beautiful production and dynamic (non) mastered production.. I haven't heard anything else this year that can compete with this one. I really, really like the place where Opeth is in right now. Especially considering that they're really nailing the old stuff this tour as well. WOW. Album of the year, show of the year, band of the year.

Christ almighty I thought I was alone! SO much concurrence. Well, except for album and band of the year; Devy takes the cake with ease for that one in my ears. But PC is up there, no doubt. I still spin it every few nights.

Together with PC's beautiful production and dynamic (non) mastered production

The album's sound doesn't get enough praise. Pale Communion and Devin Townsend's Casualties of Cool are the best sounding albums I've heard this year. We need more albums that sound like this.

This as well. Even though they might not musically be my absolute favorite from either artist, the music is still fantastic, but it's the sound that truly puts them above and beyond. Truly masterful production and I'm really, honestly scared that these guys are gonna ruin some other bands for me because I'm so used to their sound now that a lot of other music sounds like white noise in comparison (clearly an exaggeration). 

[PixelDream]

Pale Communion has established itself in my mind as the album of the year for me. As much as I would like Opeth to put out another 'death metal' album, PC just does everything right. It does everything right that Heritage failed in (except I really like Folklore). The PC material they played at the show was just jaw-dropping awesome. Adding to that, 'Faith In Others' continues to be my favorite song of the year. It has that King Crimson 'Epitaph' beauty to it, without copying it.

Together with PC's beautiful production and dynamic (non) mastered production.. I haven't heard anything else this year that can compete with this one. I really, really like the place where Opeth is in right now. Especially considering that they're really nailing the old stuff this tour as well. WOW. Album of the year, show of the year, band of the year.

Christ almighty I thought I was alone! SO much concurrence. Well, except for album and band of the year; Devy takes the cake with ease for that one in my ears. But PC is up there, no doubt. I still spin it every few nights.

Together with PC's beautiful production and dynamic (non) mastered production

The album's sound doesn't get enough praise. Pale Communion and Devin Townsend's Casualties of Cool are the best sounding albums I've heard this year. We need more albums that sound like this.

This as well. Even though they might not musically be my absolute favorite from either artist, the music is still fantastic, but it's the sound that truly puts them above and beyond. Truly masterful production and I'm really, honestly scared that these guys are gonna ruin some other bands for me because I'm so used to their sound now that a lot of other music sounds like white noise in comparison (clearly an exaggeration). 

Indeed. I'm sick and tired of bands releasing brickwalled albums. It's not fun anymore. It's not 'heavy'. More dynamics = more punch. And I don't mean that a hot master can't be cool. Tool's 10,000 Days was hot as hell, but because of the fat sounds it still sounded awesome. The hot mastering actually fit that record.

[aurorablind]

Saw them in Oslo this friday.
Holy shit what a show!

Perfect sound, perfect performances!

 

[black_biff_stadler]

Yeah. One thing they never fuck around on is their live sound.

[PixelDream]

Yeah. One thing they never fuck around on is their live sound.

I actually think it got better. Mikael's lead guitar sound in particular.

One thing that really stood out to me was when for instance Fredrik's solo in Cusp of Eternity came on. Right from the first note on, that guitar sound was right in your face, defined, and not harsh at all. Being very familiar with that moment, it was not only as loud as I had hoped, it was even better than that. That's good live sound. Enhancing the emotions that are in the music.

9 times out of 10, a lead guitarist's solo gets turned up way too late into the solo.

[countoftuscany42]

out of curiosity, did anyone manage to get a replacement bluray from the defective first batch? every time i tried to enter my code it said it was already used since i had already downloaded the bonus track.  anyone have luck another way?

[goo-goo]

out of curiosity, did anyone manage to get a replacement bluray from the defective first batch? every time i tried to enter my code it said it was already used since i had already downloaded the bonus track.  anyone have luck another way?

I got mine a few weeks ago...

[Big Hath]

out of curiosity, did anyone manage to get a replacement bluray from the defective first batch? every time i tried to enter my code it said it was already used since i had already downloaded the bonus track.  anyone have luck another way?

I had the same issue and filled out the contact form here: https://redemptions.warnermusic.com/contacts/

I think it was the next day, they sent me a new code.

[?]

Reggae album coming soon?

[TioJorge]

  Love it.

[bout to crash]

 , that's kind of terrifying.

[mikemangioy]

I've purchased Watershed today. I'm stoked, it's my first Opeth album

[Onno]

  Wow, seems they're having fun on tour! 

I've purchased Watershed today. I'm stoked, it's my first Opeth album

  Very good!

[hefdaddy42]

that's kind of terrifying.

next album - rasta lyrics sung in death growls set to reggae beats. 

[bout to crash]

I...might pay to hear that.

[Tyrias]

I...might pay to hear that.

might?

I'd totally pay to hear that, expecially if it's Mikael doing it  .

[Buddyhunter1]

that's kind of terrifying.

next album - rasta lyrics sung in clean vocals set to 70s prog.

Fixed that for ya.

[hefdaddy42]

I...might pay to hear that.

In there like swimwear, baby.

[TioJorge]

Swim ear.

I really hate ear infections. I just got over one.

This is relatable to Opeth because...water...shed...? 

[Randaran]

I'm going to see them for the first time in Philly on Wednesday! 

Though I just looked at setlist.fm; it seems as though the show is a LOT shorter than in Europe. That is a little disappointing, though they are still playing The Moor, and added The Drapery Falls, and looks to be a solid setlist overall. Over an hour of good stuff.

A few questions for those who have seen them (preferably in the US): how was their sound, and what merch did they sell?

[Buddyhunter1]

Another question: who's playing first, Opeth or In Flames? Has it been different from night to night?

[countoftuscany42]

In Flames came on first, and I'm pretty sure that has been consistent.  In terms of merch, Opeth had shirts, sweatshirt, wristband, turntable slipmat, and signed copies of heritage and pale communion.  I thought their sound was great in SF, but i was in the balcony versus the floor so i don't know how it was there.  The sound at the electric factory in philly is so-so, i guess it depends where in the audience you're standing

[fadetoblackdude7]

Another question: who's playing first, Opeth or In Flames? Has it been different from night to night?

Opeth closes every night.

[Randaran]

Thanks for your answers. Now I have a day to become familiar with In Flame's setlist.

[PolarizeMe]

In terms of merch, Opeth had shirts, sweatshirt, wristband, turntable slipmat, and signed copies of heritage and pale communion.

I'm sure they had a tour tee, but did they have a tee of just the Opeth logo by any chance? Last year when they toured in the US, they had those and I thought of getting one at the show I went to, but I didn't in the end. The turntable slipmat's an interesting merch I think. I'm getting a new turntable soon, so if the price isn't ridiculous I might get one of those.

[TioJorge]

I saw them during the Watershed tour, and back then wasn't too keen on Watershed in it's entirety except for The Lotus Eater; but they rocked my socks off in both sound and stage presence. It should be noted that I was in a shitty little Houston venue that was like a fucking sardine can in size and look and they still sounded awesome; granted, I was front and center and their amp and speaker set up was perfect for that placement, but that's also apart of concerts is seeing and knowing how the sound set up is placed and picking a spot accordingly. The dummies get the short end of the stick, always. I suppose it doesn't matter now that it's been (over) a few years but the set list was fucking awesome as well. Overall it's one of my favorite concerts I've been to and that's saying a lot given that I went by myself and I really hate going to concerts by myself and it usually takes away from the experience a lot for me, but this time I was so enthralled and immersed that it didn't matter.

[Zydar]

Martin Axenrot was voted Best Prog Drummer In The World Today.

https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/opeths_martin_axenrot_named_best_prog_drummer_in_the_world_today.html

I know he's a great drummer but best in the world?

[Onno]

In my opinion, Gavin Harrison is better, and I could very well understand if someone thought Neil Peart is better. I haven't listened to Rush so much but Neil Peart is very good. I do absolutely love Martin's drumming though. He has a lot of stand-out performances for me; for example, his drumming on The Lotus Eater is stunning.

[Zantera]

He wouldn't be in my top3, but good for him I guess.

[Mladen]

I'm surprised he's number one, but damn, he's really good. 

[Xanthul]

Rankings are pointless anyway

[YtseJamittaja]

Definitely not the best but well, who cares? Good for him. Gavin Harrison is God.

[Zantera]

My problem with Gavin Harrison is that he sounds the same in anything he does. I like his work with PT, but whenever I listen to some of the more recent album he appears on, it just feels like he's doing the same thing. Don't get me wrong, most drummers have a trademark sound, and you could identify their drum kits from miles away, but to me it feels like he reverts back to some of the same "tricks" too often.

[rumborak]

I totally get what you're saying, he hasn't really changed it up much. Totally love the guy's drumming though.

But, MP on place 2 kinda puts the whole poll into question. MP hasn't done anything of drumming importance in 10 years.

[Zantera]

I'm not saying its the case with this poll in particular, but with a lot of these magazine polls, I get the feeling that the staff sits down and looks at what are the most important (or biggest) bands of the scene, puts the names of the musicians in a hat and draws the order. Very rarely do you get names that are out of the blue. Most of the picks are the safe ones, even if it's musicians who are 10-15 or even 20 years past their prime.