GHOST REVERIES

I have to admit: I was a little shocked when I heard that Opeth had signed to Roadrunner Records, considering the nu-metal/metalcore crap that Roadrunner regularly releases. Then I calmed down after remembering that "Ghost Reveries" had been recorded before Opeth even had a record deal--so no one (yet) can accuse them of selling out. But maybe being on Roadrunner isn't so bad. Opeth show more talent on one album than most of Roadrunner's roster can show on three or four albums. I figured that Opeth could teach the Roadrunner bands a thing or two about music in general, and metal in particular.

I have another confession: I downloaded "Ghost Reveries" almost a full month before it was released (but I redeemed myself by buying the album when it came out). I didn't know what to expect from a band that has consistently surprised its fanbase while never descending to self-parody, like Metallica or Korn. While I do enjoy "Ghost Reveries"--the lyrics seem to echo "My Arms, Your Hearse" while the music is like "Deliverance" and "Damnation" put together. I don't think this is Opeth's greatest work. Granted, I like the chaotic vibe of the heavier songs, like "The Grand Conjuration", but the album as a whole seems to lack the direction of the previous albums. A lot of people seem to think "Ghost Reveries" is Opeth's prog-rock album, but I disagree, because Opeth has always been progressive; I think their prog-rock opus was "Blackwater Park" (which, coincidentally, is my least favorite of Opeth's albums). There are definite prog-rock influences on "Ghost Reveries" (Pink Floyd immediately comes to mind when hearing a few of the songs). "Ghost Reveries" just takes a while to sink in.

One of the things I immediately noticed was the stark contrast in nearly all elements of the music. The lyircs are dark and even Satanic at times, but much of the music is almost happy-sounding, like a heavy metal Jimi Hendrix. The softer parts in the heavier songs have taken a back seat, and Mikael Akerfeldt's vocal melodies are strange and trippy, reminding me of Tool's "Lateralus". In fact, "Ghost Reveries" is so lacking in the usual Opeth trademarks that one could even say this is an entirely different band.

I also noticed that Opeth's usual technical proficiency has taken a back seat in favor of the songs. Where "Blackwater Park" and "Deliverance" were an orgies of guitar riffage, "Ghost Reveries" is more free-form, with the guitars echoing the vocal melodies, and the guitar lines themselves are more simplistic (listen to the staccato, nu- metal riff during the chorus of "The Grand Conjuration" to hear what I mean).

"Ghost Reveries" is not a bad album by any means. It's just not a good album for first- time listeners of Opeth. This album will no doubt be enjoyed by the fans the most (I played this album for a friend and he declared that it wasn't aggressive enough for his taste, and he has a point). So first-time Opeth buyers beware. Start off with "My Arms, Your Hearse" or "Still Life" before moving on to "Ghost Reveries". You really have to understand Opeth's tendency to change stylistically in order to appreciate "Ghost Reveries" as a whole.