MORNINGRISE

Opeth's sophomore effort is strong, with numerous highlights. More like its predecessor than its follow-up, this album is not as progressive as other Opeth albums, and it in fact is fairly heavy.

The album begins with Advent, which is still played frequently at Opeth shows. This song, like most others on the album, is played in a slow tempo. Following this song is The Night and the Silent Water, a requiem to Mikael's deceased grandfather. Beginning with dual guitars, the song has morbid lyrics and features a very nice acoustic break only 2 or 3 minutes into it.

However, a lot of the album is unmemorable, and some parts are a little overplayed. The atmosphere is very heavy and bleak. Opeth, I believe, would later refine this sound and add more progressive elements, changes which I like.

Highlights: The Night and the Silent Water and Black Rose Immortal Overall: 3.4