Composer/Musician Reacts to Opeth - Burden (REACTION!!!)

[@evd937]

Mikael Akerfeldt on the outro: It was just one of those heat of the moment ideas. We didn't really know how to end the song and I just sort of came up with the idea that we should destroy it. I was playing and Frederick was detuning the guitar as I was playing. It sounds very ugly but that was the purpose. It's a kind of good ugly.

[@officerminiwheats]

I think it works perfectly with the theme of Burden

[@Utubesuxmycock]

yeah its called dissonance its beautiful you want ugly? go listen to schoenberg

[@Puckosar]

I actually kinda like it. It sounds like you're slowly going insane as the melody dissolves

[@eaguillen2924]

I love that ending. It's so perfect.

[@dpaulsen2]

I always interpreted it as the literal release of the "burden" (tension) on the strings symbolizing either the eventual relief of the eponymous burden or said burden finally breaking down the resolve of the one who is burdened.

[@Kataxu]

Opeth has a large discography, everything they have done is worth your examination. Every single song.

[@alexandremarchand8815]

I agree: Every single song. There are no bad songs.

[@ckokomo808]

One of the few bands that I’d recommend the entire discography without a hesitation.

[@danmarshall5895]

There's also tremendous variety in there.

[@Utubesuxmycock]

naw they are beyond his comprehension clearly this song is amazing and is too good. watershed is their last great album. its in the name

[@whrussy]

@@Utubesuxmycock While Watershed was definitely the end of an era for them, I believe both heritage and in cauda venenum were great. Sorceress was good but not great, in my opinion.

[@ProtestTheHero246]

Opeth loves their ballads. But Damnation and everything from Heritage on is all clean. The rest of their stuff is Progressive Death Metal with softer songs sprinkled in. Face of Melinda is probably my favorite ballad by them.

[@allenvrabac4827]

And Heritage forward is progressive rock with tons of great material.

[@empspxce]

Man, this song helped through a lot.

[@PhoenixDecim]

I still cry everytime I listen to this song.

[@Gsmoovie420]

I love that you're one of the only channels that actually freaking reacts instead of just faking exuberance

[@SirKoltran]

I've heard hundred times this Track and I never realized this kind of compositional relationship between the name and the structure. This point of view was really fresh for me. Thanks a lot. Opeth is my favorites bands of all time.

[@lionellyndem]

I love the Watershed album. So much mood and flow in the songs...

[@Utubesuxmycock]

Ghost reveries, Watershed, and Heritage to me are like a trilogy just flow perfectly with one another

[@wstone2010]

Such a great fucking album. I drove an hour to buy the CD when it came out 🤣

[@Behem0thZz]

This is their Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Goosebumps every time.

[@laurensflierman4423]

Thanks for the great reaction! I wanted to show you an other side of Opeth! Looking forward to another Patreon pick in the future :) cheers, Laurens

[@abhishekchaubey903]

Loved your interpretation and i also had similar feelings when i first heard this song. but you know, Opeth's music and lyrics are so abstract that it can literally have tens of different meanings based on the listener's perspective. that how beautiful they are. whats more interesting is after all these emotional interpretation by fans/listeners, when you actually hear him (Mikael) telling about how did he come up with such an idea for a specific part, you would actually laugh. Such a mystical genius he is. one of the greatest musicians of all time with sheer amount of raw humor and a mammoth stage presence. love this band more than myself.

[@anumili08]

Some Opeth recommendations Ghost of Perdition - This is the obvioy recommendation and one of their most popular songs. Have weird transitions but displays both sides of Opeth and their vocalist. In My Time of Need - Beautiful song. Beautiful vocals and guitar. One of their simpler songs. The Drapery Falls - Probably the most atmospheric song I have ever heard. Hauntingly beautiful and still gives me chills.

[@maxmaidment96]

I really loved your interpretation of this song. I relate a lot, as someone who feels corrupted by chronic illness. I wish I was creative enough to come up with something like this song. Maybe one day i'll figure it out.

[@Caleb-il7om]

Chronic illness sufferer here too. Know there are others out there like you and it's cool to see comments like these where you don't expect. Much lubs

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

Opeth are one of my all-time top 10 bands. They were my introduction to "extreme metal," and they basically opened up a whole new world of music for me. This was from the album where they were just starting to transition to a neo-classic prog band. From their next album onward they ditched growls and also ditched most of their modern metal elements for a more retro sound, and you can hear the beginnings of that here. I do prefer their earlier, progressive death metal stuff, but their newer stuff has definitely grown on me, and I loved the last album. Anyway, this is a beautiful track and I'm glad you appreciated it. Great interpretation of it too. Opeth have so much material worth hearing. The Moor might be my favorite track from them. It takes a while to get going (it has two different long intros!), but it's awesome when it does.

[@swingonthespiral]

This is also the band that got me into growling and extreme metal. They are in my top 5.

[@acc3209]

One of the best songs I have ever listened to. Simply beautiful

[@vahagbyurat]

this one is a curveball for sure. It reminds me of some world music that would have never intersected with any other track that I woudl ahve imagined from opeth, but that's also why I hold opeth in a special place in my heart.

[@adrian2433]

You should stop reacting to Opeth and just take a day off, and listen to Opeth

[@Utubesuxmycock]

naw hes a fking noob judging by his LACK of reaction this song is priceless during the Fall....as everything on Watershed is. Shit, Coil is one of those songs that will always reverberate through your soul! Im lucky to have it on vinyl

[@a.alshallah]

@@Utubesuxmycock your point is shit not because you didnt like it means it's "shit" the watershed album is great your opinion doesn't matter

[@nikhilbankar4412]

Perfect suggestion doesn't exi...

[@ddawg3230]

@@Utubesuxmycock This is a super in depth reaction...if you want crazy reactions, maybe there is something in tiktok for you....

[@toprak3479]

BIG BOSS Who the fuck unironically uses noob as a pejorative?

[@fernandohenriqueribeiro9337]

Yeah, you reacted to "both sides" of Opeth. From Heritage onwards they dropped the death metal altogether, but before that (this album included) they would mix Burden stuff with death metal stuff (which you reacted to before). From their prog rock catalogue i would recommend Lovelorn Crime or River. But it would also be nice for you to see how they can make those 2 "sides" work together. In this case, i got Drapery Falls, Harlequin Forest or Deliverance

[@theweegit]

Opeth - Lovelorn Crime

[@Fahrenlynx]

Absolutely agree with you!

[@codybulluss1987]

Man that piano hits me so hard. What an incredibly diverse band.

[@Danny_Inflames]

Opeth “In my time of need” , “ Hope Leaves” “ Harlequin Forest ~ live Royal Albert Hall” , “Bleak” are amazings Operh’s Songs , Greetings From Chile dude!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🤟🏻

[@Feel777]

I would also suggest Eternal Rains Will Come. Opeth went full prog in that album (Pale Comunion), and the song is a good summary of it.

[@laurensflierman4423]

Its going to be in one of the december livestreams of this channel!

[@davidrasberry7261]

@Critical Reactions it is interesting that you pointed out Martin "Axe" Axenrot's drumming on this track. Burden is one of my favorite songs to play on the drums. I couldn't quite place what it is about Martin's drum tone that fits the song perfectly. His drums in a sort of way could serve as the rhythmic tension that ornately compliments the piece. I always find it impressive that drummers like Martin are able to fit their drums into the mix without them overpowering the mix. That is the signature of an artistic drummer. Martin is truly one of the band and if they removed Martin they wouldn't sound the same. His drumming is insane on Porcelain Heart from this album called "Porcelain Heart". I think it is sad that Martin hasn't gotten more respect from the drumming community. I know that Martin has big shoes to fill considering that Martin Lopez was on the drums before he joined Opeth. Martin Axenrot is amazing and I think that it is funny that there have been 3 Martins in the band. There was Martin Lopez. They have Martin Axenrot and they also have Martin Mendez on the bass. It is fascinating how a band like Opeth will stand as giants for future musicians. I love your analysis on their music. This has made me realize that I should pay closer attention to all music. Keep up the hard work and I know you will go really far.

[@connorrodenfels338]

Opeth is always amazing, from thier old to new it's all fantastic

[@riddhimanmedhi99]

Wow you really dissected the song and it’s emotion better than I could have ever imagined. This is one of Opeth’s newer more emotionally loaded and complex songs and it’s hard putting it into words, but man You did a fantastic job. I adore this song but I never could describe what made it so special while being so simplistic on first glance. Thanks, please do more Opeth. Songs similar in emotional complexity would be Garroter, Dignity, Heart in Hand, Next of Kin, Eternal Rains will Come, Moon Above Sun Below, River, Atonement.

[@andresaedozapata7549]

Opeth - Ghost of Perdition will explode your mind. Really good song and remarks what makes unique to the band.

[@tmayne220]

noticed that the de-tuning commences shortly after the other guitar solo ceased. The melody could refer to the characters relationship with this other person and the fond memory with this person, and once their voice disappears, the burden of the fond memory weighs him down. Also as someone else pointed out was a bit of an ad lib idea, but just my take on it.

[@etiennetremblay2026]

You should listen to The Lotus Eater-Opeth. It is one of my favorite and it has a cool pattern :)

[@niennaarcturus]

Opeth is just beautiful.

[@Garrett12362]

That's such a good observation. It's like a spiritual battle that you fight until it overcomes you. In the end you wither away.

[@theyonlycomeoutwhenitsquiet]

There’s a really good Opeth song from Watershed called Porcelain Heart. That’s one that has a lot of dynamic song changes, and I’d recommend that one very heartily.

[@TheHernanNoguera]

Def check out “Ghost of Perdition”!

[@jarunia17]

Yaaaaas

[@ramtheix]

I think you'd like Porcelain Heart too

[@davguev]

I second this!

[@paravarium]

I can't add much to what's been said in the comments. Opeth became my favorite band because of versatility. They do everything so masterfully. I said recently in a patreon poll was the greatest tragedy of you hearing Blackwater Park is just how you only get one major shift in the dynamics, then you're back to a riff fest. Opeth has appealed to death metal fans who mostly tolerate the progressiveness and many of them hate the material the bands done the last 10 years. For me they have something for every mood, and even flawlessly shift in and out within many songs.

[@paravarium]

It is great, i just prefer Harlequin Forrest more because I'm a bigger fiend for melody and flow than just a straight crunchy riff fest. I can always listen to meshuggah.

[@RikiazGaming]

You should listen to Ayreon. It's a concept band with a storyline spanning every album featuring guest musicians and from a ton of different metal and rock bands with sound that is mostly a mix of prog metal, power metal, psychedelic rock, and prog rock and is basically a rock opera with every vocalist playing a specific character. I'd recommend the song The Day That the World Breaks Down for a first listen, it's got incredible performances from everyone. The vocalists on that song feature the vocalists of bands you've covered before such as Simone Simons from Epica, Tommy Rogers from Between the Buried and Me, James LaBrie from Dream Theater among others.

[@notchjohnson2540]

Opeth - All Things Will Pass, which is the closing track on their most recent album.

[@nietzscheente1271]

This outro gets me every time. ^^

[@samueljacobson470]

Opeth has 3 stages. Their early Progressive Death Metal stuff (Orchid and Morningrise). Their transition stage (Still Life to Watershed) and their latest stage (Heritage and onward). All of it is fantastic. If I were to pick a song from each for you to react to it would be 1) Forest of October 2) The Moor 3) Universal Truth. P.S check out Museo Rosenbach, italian Prog band from the 70s that are awesome

[@JJJ111JJJ]

What about My Arms Your Hearse.

[@TheAskald]

@Philip Ryan Finally someone who knows his shit about Opeth. And these suggestions are on point, even if you can't go wrong with Opeth. Except I'd actually put Ghost Reveries with Watershed, for me they are almost siblings albums, even if Watershed mostly gave up the 10+ min format. Edit: I mean, Ghost Reveries might have more deep growls and is considered classic Opeth by a good bunch of the fanbase, but it's THE album that began the transition towards the recent era for me (Damnation doesn't count as a "regular" album in my book, more like a perfectly executed and beautiful side project). The intro of Beneath The Mire, the "drown in the deep mire" part of Baying Of The Hounds, then Attonnement / Hours Of Wealth / Isolation Years.

[@3601-c3k]

@Philip Ryan I think orchid and morningrise are clearly black metal, there is almost no death metal, and black metal elements was in Opeth’s music up to deliverance

[@wunderbambu]

Someone else has already suggested this, but I would love to see you listening to Earthside. Contemplation of the beautiful or Dream in static. Both songs have some epic instrumentation and vocals.

[@CharlesEMurphy]

Mikael Ackerfeldt is prolific and every Opeth song is an opportunity to listen to whatever he wanted to put down. It can be quite an adventure.

[@KoarTCN]

Dude, you should just review the album. Watershed is so amazing and is a great display of the range Opeth has musically. It also has the last pure growl song that Mikael wrote. Such a powerful band and an exceptionally powerful album.

[@luliby2309]

This song comes off of an album with some sort of concept or story to it. That's part of why there are those atmospheric moments like the laughter that bridge between songs. If you've only heard Death Metal Opeth, then something like this would be a surprise, but they have quite a lot of diversity in them. Everything from Heritage onwards is sans Death Metal. Heritage itself stands out as being really jazzy and fusion-y.

[@knawl]

If you want to hear where opeth got some of it's influences listen to Camel, Lady fantasy, lunar sea, all sorts of stuff

[@dubski.2k]

Really appreciate your work dude! Always spot on

[@frios9822]

Pls react to Harlequin Forest!!

[@surj1kal]

so good

[@doobiouscannibis]

Ha ha. Yes! At the end I'm pretty sure it was Frederick playing the acoustic and Michael was messing with his tuners. That was Mike laughing and I can picture Fred trying to keep a straight face while he just keeps going with it. I'm glad they used that's for an ending. To me it comes off as a personal touch for all of the people who follow the band closely and are familiar with the overall attitude of the group.

[@davguev]

One of my favorite Opeth tracks. This one and Porcelain Heart drew me to Opeth, so I recommend Porcelain Heart.

[@swingonthespiral]

I think this album is their best to be honest. And this song is their best composition. It just overwhelms me with emotion even though it's not their most complex work.

[@Kaos1989]

If you liked this you might like the song to Rid the Disease off their soft cd Damnation where its beautiful but also kind of sad sounding. The counter point to Damnation is the CD Deliverance which is the heavy which was supposed to be a 2 disc set but record label made them release it as 2 separate cds but the self title song Deliverance is heavy and has one the longest breakdowns I have ever heard at an end of a song. An interesting note is Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree helped with these 2 cds along with Blackwater Park.

[@StringHead92]

I love the organ solo on this track a lot. I feel this is one of the earlier examples of their love of Deep Purple, especially the early, proggy/psych era of the band. It gets more obvious with subsequent releases. This record (Watershed) was transitional for Opeth, and sometimes gets less attention than it deserves. It is definitely the weirdest from the Prog Death Metal era of the band. They have a lot of soft, beautiful ballads. You should absolutely check the bands Gazpacho and Marillion, man. Both bands fall under the softer and subtler end of Progressive Rock and I feel you would appreciate them.

[@thobrik]

Great video and very interesting reflections on the song. It's a beaut.

[@ProjectVastness]

Hello, like a lot your analysis of musics. You're very accurate and You listen the details/nuances and also de moods. I would like You to react to a band called Symphony X , music "The Odyssey" or for example "Egypt" or "Iconoclast"

[@arch92]

I second this but for Egypt!

[@ProjectVastness]

@@arch92 all their musics are awesome, most underrated band of prog metal in the world

[@denniskipp4350]

Great reaction and very accurate description of the song afterwards.

[@RealityDysfunction85]

Opeth straddle so many styles and themes, you really have to listen to everything they do.

[@arch92]

Great analysis, opeth doesn't have a bad song. Each one will suprise you.

[@sanbilge]

What a composer/musician... "I thought it was the guitar but it was the keyboard!!!"

[@matthewobrien178]

This interpretation just put a lot into perspective regarding their discography following this album. I think fan expectation of them always being a death/black metal band and he really wanted to move on, and fans were toxic as fuck towards the transition. Then Mike just snapped and said fuck it, I'm doing what I want from now on, and there's no longer guttural vocals and not even really heavy anymore. I don't like the new stuff but I can respect it.

[@carnifaxx]

same as the recent album by Steven Wilson, I totally respect him doing whatever he wants and needs, but I personally dislike it a lot. But I like his almost unknown projects like Bass Communion (Drugged Suite, esp. part 2, is just wonderful for me) and Storm Corrosion.

[@Zakzattak]

This was my first opeth song and I expected their other songs to be ballads too lol

[@ibrahimutant]

Please do more Opeth!

[@ibrahimutant]

They have more genre diversity than most any band. Ghost of Perdition, Deliverance, The Moor, Beneath the Mire, and for the chill stuff the album Damnation, especially Windowpane.

[@drphdmd7064]

I would LOVE to see your take on the song "Dark Waters" by Agent Fresco. Agent Fresco is an amazing band from Iceland that is just heads and tails above ALL other pop prog bands, even more-so than Caligula's Horse. Hands down one of the best bands that has been around in the last ten years.

[@yunusabdullah9647]

There are many reaction channels but i really enjoy your videos because you react music wise, you’ve reacted to the title track from album where owls know my name by Rivers of nihil but i just want to let you know that there are waay more powerful tracks on that record. Check out the track A home from that record and can you react to it if it’s possible. Again I really appreciate your work.

[@citrus7115]

Definitely check out The Drapery Falls from Opeth if you check them out more

[@atzerk3854]

About confusing the keys and the guitar.... Have you ever listened to old 70s progressive rock? Jon Lord of Deep Purple fame was a very well known for the sound of a Hammond organ, a signature sound of the 70s. Yes, Uriah Heep, Pink Floyd, Kansas, Genesis; bunch of great bands who used that instrument. Listen to something like 'Burn' by Deep Purple, there are whole sections of organ and guitar solos in that song that will help you identify them later on. Mikael has let his 70s influence shine through this song, but if you listen to any of the Opeth albums beginning with 'Heritage' (2011) and onward, Opeth basically became a 70s prog rock band. They use the Hammond (or maybe a sampled organ at least) very often. As for the underlying aspect of beauty being lost, their latest album's title 'In Cauda Venenum' literally means 'poison in the tail' - that is, Mikael deliberately writes songs that twist your emotions up and down. He often lulls you into either a sense of heaviness or beauty, so that in the next song - or in the same song, like here - he can 'subvert your expectations'. (Man, I've grown to hate that expression, though...) I suppose this is how he tries to keep the duality of heavy and clean in songs ever since he's given up on growls and death metal distortion on the guitars. Also, if you're looking for something like 'Burden', check out 'Lovelorn Crime', from their latest album I've mentioned above, although that song may be a bit more straightforward ballad than this. Thanks for the reaction! Cheers!

[@deminybs]

Oh shit I never left a comment on this one!!! don't mind me. Just like the 4th time watching some of your videos 😂😂 can't wait for you to check out more!!

[@satanihelvetet]

Great reaction! I would recommend you to also have a look/listening (and a reaction) to the Opeth songs Ghost of perdition and Harlequin forest.

[@dguerra1969]

Opeth is IMO one of the greatest bands to play rock/metal.

[@krytoderp6920]

Opeth - *Hex Omega* amazing song

[@Rodiootje99]

Try hessian peel by opeth. Its from the same album. It kinda combines the 2 styles you heard up until now.

[@KenoxProductions]

Nice, glad to see more Opeth. Easily one of my top 3 bands at least.

[@forestofoctober4688]

More Opeth !

[@wstone2010]

70s prog ballads amidst death metal looool love this fuckin band.

[@ichuakinable]

You should check EVERY song of Opeth! In particular their latest albums are amazing, I think you would surely enjoy them!

[@e-karttolle786]

The “tinge of sadness” 🤣

[@lonegalaxy311]

It wasn't a metronome. It just delay effect self oscillating with feedback on max

[@linusfotograf]

It obviously Mikael laughing with the effect you’re mentioning

[@ElectricTurkey1]

Opeth- All things will Pass!

[@Leonhavenify]

You should definitely listen to Ghost of Perdition by them. And A Change of Seasons by Dream Theater!

[@lucianoastudillohenriquez2866]

More opeth man

[@yotambraunshtein9786]

Opeth changes allot through the years they gona from more prog rock to prog metal with lots of growling etc and then to softer prog metal that's more complex and less heavy they no longer have growling type vocals

[@filipelqj]

You should check Jacob Collier - Moonriver or All night long arrangements

[@rendrag13]

Maybe even check out the transcription by June lee. Being able to visualize where those modulations are taking us just adds another level of craziness to the song

[@PZMaTTy]

Oh man i love this song

[@frankyeichler3303]

Beautiful song, man. Great choice

[@Blesssun]

I love this song, thank you for great reaction. Please check also instrumental (and intro song) Hyperventilate from Milliontown album from Frost* It is great composition and I think, you gonna love it.

[@moatfloater]

hey man, love your insight. still doing sikth?

[@TundraCH]

Magnificent song!

[@beng1137]

Do Harlequin Forest and Deliverance!

[@DiegoDeschain]

Hair looking badass haha, nice \m/

[@antoniomaraspin]

Their style is named "progressive death metal" after the huge impact 70s progressive rock had on their music...

[@Utubesuxmycock]

this guy doesnt even know what progressive is he couldnt even distinguish the keyboard solo from the guitar. it was a Rhodes keyboard or patch no doubt

[@linusfotograf]

They haven’t had any death in them in a very long time though

[@antoniomaraspin]

@@linusfotograf their musical technique is death metal-related still in this album... before selling out meeting Stephen Wilson

[@antoniomaraspin]

@@Utubesuxmycock poor millenials

[@linusfotograf]

Antonio Maraspin Which album? The album Burden is on was years after their Wilson albums.

[@gnarxy]

you should really check out Rolo Tomassi

[@xyhmo]

Opeth's nod to early Scorpions.

[@grechka-chan]

Nice hairstyle dude, really suits you. You should do cool stuff with your hair more!

[@dmitrigukasov8618]

Buckethead - Soothsayer

[@daemontucker7405]

You gotta love some opeth

[@deminybs]

love all opeth ❤️❤️

[@cakennedy2009]

Vektor- Recharging the Void

[@Bloodyria]

Would love to see you do The day that the world breaks down from Ayreon!

[@SemihAO]

Where is stewie?

[@bazzman666]

Please react to Letters From The Colony - Galax!!! Thanx!

[@subhamgogoi3989]

React to Porcelain Heart by Opeth!!

[@pascalg16]

Will you react to more soad?

[@CriticalReactions]

SOAD is my most reacted to band so far. I'd like to return to them but I also want to give some other bands a chance as well.

[@pascalg16]

@@CriticalReactions Hi.Thanks for answering.I enjoy your professional reviews. Perhaps if you don't want to react to their less popular songs in your channel , considering it might not make a lot of views, im curious if you listen to them on your own, without making videos on it.

[@ClaudioSanchezCC]

To me the end of the song gives a kind of "beauty can be deceiving " vibe . As does the whole song in a way . To me atleast! im sure may will disagree :D

[@scapegoat11]

I will come and I've you a kiss if you check out To Bid You Farewell by these boys I think it's a very pretty song