I started listening to Still Life last week and whereas My Arms took many listens to get into, I liked Still Life right off the bat. Seems less "heavy" than My Arms, and the production seems easier on my ears. The Moor, Benighted and especially Face of Melinda are all great songs. I love the ending of White Cluster. However, despite getting into it very easily, I think my enjoyment of the album stopped "growing" after only a few listens. I don't love the heavy parts of Godhead's Lament (although the melodic parts are phenomenal). As well, Moonlapse Vertigo and Serenity Painted Death don't stand out to me.
It's so strange how it took me comparatively ages to get into My Arms while I liked Still Life on the first listen, but it's occurred to me just how great My Arms, Your Hearse is. Someone here mentioned how it's just a consistently great album, and that's 100% the truth. Still Life has a few melodies that just don't click with me, while the previous album is consistently great throughout, every riff and every section provides something. My Arms was a struggle to really get into, but it's very rewarding. Definitely a grower. April Ethereal, Karma, Demon of the Fall, Credence, every song is amazing and they just get more enjoyable as I keep listening, unlike the songs on Still Life. When...
Dear lord, When. I think When is probably my favorite Opeth song. The melodic riff that comes at 1:27.. "to find my way back home" gives me chills.. The part at 3:33.. "demise" "and I cried" gives me chills every time too.. "when can I take you from this place" AMAZING.
Still Life is still a great album but the highs of that album don't come close to the highs of the previous album. As well, My Arms is more consistent. Here's how I think I would rank the albums thus far:
1. Morningrise
2. My Arms, Your Hearse
3. Orchid
4. Still Life
Here's how I would rank my favorite songs so far:
1. When
2. Advent
3. Black Rose Immortal
4. In Mist She Was Standing
5. Credence
6. The Night and the Silent Water
7. April Ethereal
8. The Twilight is My Robe
9. Karma
10. Nectar
11. Face of Melinda
12. Benighted
13. The Moor