MORNINGRISE

MORNINGRISE is Opeth's only second album and as such a big accomplishment. Here we hear the influence of progressive music for real. Åkerfeldt even leaves a special thanks to Andy Latimer in the sleeve notes. And the influence is apparent, specially in "To bid you farewell", where he even sings like Latimer. This piece is the first mellow song Opeth ever recorded and is among Åkerfeldt's favourite songs. I can see why. "Advent" is a worthy opener and "Black Rose Immortal" is another triumph for the band as it is very compelling and multi-faceted, predicting the coming of songs like "The Moor","Blackwater Park","Deliverance" etc.

No song can be called bad here, but the weakest one is "The night and the silent water". The bonus track however suffers from extremely bad sound quality and the vocals are a nightmare, so it can't be called a success. It is interesting to hear what Opeth sounded like in their earliest phase though. I love the playing on this album, the guitars sound wilder and more energetic than on their latter albums and DeFarfalla's bass is pretty impressive, even if Mendez is better.

MORNINGRISE is an interesting album that stands as a very important work that played a crucial part in the band's development from pure death metal act to a progressive one. A work worthy of Opeth's name.