Opeth in Old London Town (UK) 20th November 08

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   I am a fairly new fan of Opeth, picking them up in the wake of Porcupine Tree a few years ago. Death Metal seems to be becoming huge around the world and by what I saw on Thursday night I got a feeling I was witnessing the growth of a new revolution in Rock music, the feeling I got way back in the 70's when seeing Queen at Hammy Odeon for instance, and Aerosmith - there was a new enthusiasm brewing among the throng of concert-goers, an enthusiasm which lasted for many years. 

The "House Full" signs at the Shepherd's Bush Empire were out, the touts were busy, hmmm....haven't seen this for some time - the long wait in the queue was amply rewarded with some great music from three bands playing tonight - "The Ocean", "Cynic" and headlining "Opeth". The two support bands I was unfamiliar with, though had a warm greeting from the crowd; "The Ocean" - three guitarists gyrating with the music like demented six-year-olds, growling lyrics, thundering drums - a bit too dark for me but the band that followed "Cynic" I enjoyed a lot and sounded more melodic to my ears. 

Opeth, as I expected, delivered a very loud and polished performance - those twin bass drums could knock you out of your seat! They played a few songs from their new album "Watershed", and from earlier albums "Still Life" and "My Arms...".  The huge screen at the back showed little more than the camera wandering through a forest, but it all fell together very well - frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt very relaxed and good-humoured with the crowd, who said London audiences were difficult...?  ...though I noticed a very mixed crowd, some appeared to be blonde Scandinavian followers?

The band came back on for a brilliant rendition of "Drapery Falls" (which I had been eagerly anticipating.... obviously) before departing amid the lights and smoke....sure to return somewhere bigger and more expensive next time.....this band are big, and getting bigger! 

Edited by mystic fred - November 28 2008 at 10:46