ORCHID

this is far and away the best opeth album. it was their most interesting, their most melodic and their most creative. their first four releases are quite essential; however, ever since the somewhat bland (but still good) "Blackwater Park", the band has seemed intent on endless self-plagarism despite the "progressive metal" moniker. hopefully their next release will bring something new to the table. however, as it stands, "orchid" represents the band possessed by the most integrity and creativity of their career.