ORCHID

Opeth first album was already a one of a kind in the metal genre yet not showing band's potential. All band members were in their formative years and the drummer and bass player to be replaced be the trademark alternatives. Singing both clean and growling are average and on the top of the game as we know Åkerfeldt from the turn of millenium.

While you can hear diversity in the sound ranging from brutal death metal, decent heavy metal and acoustic mellow guitars, even a great short piano piece, the compositions are not astonishing. The mood is dark but not nihilistic or anti-Christian. It is surprising that the short acoustic track is not guitar-driven like in almost all cases in the future, it is pure piano beauty. Riffs are usually memorable even though not yet in the typical evil Opeth spirit.

To a progressive rock and even metal fan, this album won't be so pleasing so I will give it 2.5 stars but personally I like it more.