FIRST REACTION TO Opeth - Reverie / Harlequin Forest

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As we always say these are our opinions, not law. We have our own particular tastes in music and that is what directs our overall opinion.
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[@jovan9989]

i was surprised that you actually didn't mind the growls, Opeth are phenomenal. Also it's long song so i thought it would affect your opinion on it. So here is the suggestion for next one, also a great drummer in the band: Porcupine Tree - Anesthetize

[@adicicco11196]

This!

[@gmulls8482]

Man, I wanted to suggest that song, too. I would highly recommend the live version from Tilburg ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3PJimtsmNCnhJI ) rather than the studio version. JB, I think you'll like Gavin Harrison.

[@markgreen950]

Gavin Harrison is fantastic.

[@dimcha2669]

@@gmulls8482 great version but the solos are botched beyond belief and this song has great solos so it's a shame

[@W4Rx1Sx0V3R]

@@dimcha2669 personally I would prefer listening to a "botched" solo, than the effect Steven use on his song in the album version

[@MrTickleTrunk]

Opeth songs are like feature film adaptations of books... in music form. You can hear when the title comes up, when the love story beats happen, when the hero gets his sword and when the beast is slain. Their music is a total theater for the mind JUST by using music. These long songs are great because you don't need to pause lol just say what's on your mind as it happens

[@mariozenarju6461]

I'd say the same, about Dream Theater. Their entire Metropolis Pt. 2 album is one gigantic story split into multiple songs, both lyrically and musically

[@Taunic]

Coil into Heir Apparent by Opeth would be a cool reaction to do next. Those songs go together and it really showcases the wide range of Opeth and what different musical styles they can incorporate.

[@sindelismsucks2968]

JB you are full of surprises. Great reaction, and very fair review. I never expected that you'd be doing a reaction to Opeth, let alone enjoy it. Kudos!

[@beansburton]

Just found the channel but that point at 6:21 where everyone has that "oh shit" moment that leads into closed eyes and just vibing with the progression is the song is what I always look for. Good one ya my dude. Keep up the good content. Edit (without the advert that is lol)

[@jasonackerman684]

Dude. I loved the reaction! This is OPETH…. They have that ability to put you in different moods, thoughts, feelings, all within one song. One moment you can see darkness and ready to smash evil, ten seconds later you may be balling your eyes out in its beautiful lows. You need to listen many times over if already haven’t. Your reaction, was great brother. You articulated facets of the song in your first viewing that took me months to see. It’s been one of my favorite songs for some time now. I hope you indulge in more Opeth. Early releases, growls, mid albums clean/ growls, newer releases clean. Journey!! Thanks man.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

To repeat a comment I made elsewhere: Opeth were the band that got me into death metal growls, and I've heard the same story from many fans. I definitely understand the initial aversion to them, but they do have a way of growing on with more exposure, especially in the context of great music like this. If you think of the voice as just another instrument than "death growls" aren't terribly dissimilar from heavy guitar distortion. If you're looking for technically competent rock/metal music, then definitely continue to check out the sub-genre of progressive rock/metal. Bands like King Crimson, Yes, Genesis, Rush (for the classics) and Porcupine Tree, Dream Theater, King's X, Fates Warning, and Thank You Scientist (for the modern stuff). There's also plenty of modern prog metal/rock that still uses "clean" vocals, like all the bands I listed, but death growls are extremely common too with bands like Meshuggah, Between the Buried and Me, Protest the Hero, Periphery, Ne Obliviscaris, Mastodon, etc.

[@rmr5044]

Ghost of Perdition is the song that finally got me into harsh vocals, and it opened me up to everything under the sun. Now my favorite bands are Opeth, Meshuggah, Car Bomb, etc.

[@dxfifa]

It's because the song has growls but is not really fucking abrasive death metal, and the growls aren't piercing. Groovy rather than pounding

[@ronaldschenderlein2135]

First time commenting, love your duo reactions. Hopefully your partner will be back soon. Its great when you raise your hands and motion to "bring it"! You should try the Opeth song "Burden" next, no growling. Bass runs, great drumming and guitar work. Quite the emotional journey only they can do, enjoy my friend!!!

[@NeutralGravity]

Absolutely loved your take on this! Opeth will always hold a special place in my heart. The screaming can be intimidating, but like you said, you just gotta eat around those anchovies lol

[@fartpunch3937]

I really enjoy your enthusiasm and appreciation of Opeth. Wonderful reaction.

[@jacksonthetaco165]

You gotta check out the live version of the the song Anesthetize by Porcupine Tree. It’s one of the greatest live performances ever and in most peoples opinions surpasses the studio version even.

[@roverfavela]

Yes! This song 🙌🏻

[@ayeewtasko2601]

Yes!

[@PsychosociaLTx]

As far as Opeth, of course Blackwater Park and Porcelain Heart. Other technical bands I'd say Architects, Spiritbox, and Jinjer.

[@spazemunky]

I love Opeth. Sometimes when I listen to one of their giant songs I think…”Could this just have been 3 different songs?”

[@AbhijeetSingh-ed3lw]

Not the same impact Imo.. :)

[@CCDaDon15]

They already are. Do they need titles and switches between tracks to be them? Songs with psuedo suites aren't like they're in the same 4 parts for 20 minutes.

[@TheZebzab]

Very humble, smart and honest take one of my favorite band's greatest songs!

[@floridabelle]

🔥🔥❤Opeth❤🔥🔥 More please!

[@MrTickleTrunk]

VERY GLAD you gave Opeth another chance. You have a very active visual imagination and they always seem to tell a story through their music (and interesting) Hope you do at least one more? The analogy using 🍕pizza was PERFECT and I'm stealing it LOL

[@timhanna5363]

Dude, you have to check out this album in its entirety. Talk about feeling like you're watching a movie.... it's epic the whole way through.

[@stando4227]

Love ya, guys. You definitely have to try Karnivool - Deadman. Superhero music! ❤️

[@darkaquatus]

Yo guys, I think our man here might be a big lover of prog metal. Maybe we should direct our suggestions towards that. Regarding the vocals in Opeth, they use the transitions between clean vocals and growls to manifest the duality in meaning of the lyrics. Many prog metal bands do this. If it sounds scary or dangerous, it's because those lyrics aren't that positive or hopeful. Again, it's the age old yin and yang where the positive gets counterbalanced by the negative. They're telling a story and painting a picture with their music. The lyrics are like the coloring of the painting. You simply don't get the full picture without them.

[@FainaruFarewell]

I love this appreciation for good music. I'm the biggest Opeth fan. The fact you hear the musical mastery of composition shows you are a true musician!

[@mephren]

My favorite reactors + Opeth... Can't wait for the next songs 😀

[@anarchy6661]

One of my all time favourite bands honestly they don't have a bad album even there newer stuff that people seem to hate is amazing (they hate it because he doesn't growl anymore)

[@ayeewtasko2601]

Bro!!! THANK YOU ❤️‍🔥 I think you’ll also dig The Drapery Falls by Opeth, happy listening 😉

[@opethdan2408]

Found ya again. 😂 Cheating on Vin and Sori

[@ayeewtasko2601]

@@opethdan2408 hahah you know me, I get around ;-)

[@Meshuggapeth]

Bro. You have an open mind and hearty appreciation for all musical elements. Good on you mate

[@mainey1512]

This is exactly how I reacted to Ghost reveries when my friend lent me his copy. It was my first intro to Opeth and I've been in love ever since. The grand conjuration is still in my top ten of all time heavy songs.

[@faultier3215]

Some beautiful Opeth Songs, that contain growls AND Clean Vocals: - When - Moonlapse Vertigo - Bleak - Deliverance - Ghost of Perdition Opeth Songs without Growls: - To bid you farewell - Face of Melinda - Windowpane - A fait Judgement - Burden

[@formersperg5288]

I like that you gave options from different albums

[@flataffect]

DONT listen to When anytime soon buddy.. too many anchovies. The others are good choices especially Bleak.

[@faultier3215]

@@flataffect what do you mean by anchovies? its one the best Songs they have written IMO

[@faultier3215]

@@flataffect but probably there are better choices then "When" if you are just getting into Opeth, that is true

[@flataffect]

@@faultier3215 he said in the video that harlequin forest is like a delicious pizza with anchovies on it, he has to pick off the anchovies but he loves the rest. When will be too much anchovy and not enough pizza for him. For now anyway

[@Faffx]

absolutely love this band! really like your style of reactions as well. would love to hear you react to "and plague flowers the kaleidoscope" by Ne Obliviscaris \m/

[@eduardokronbauer9057]

Opeth - Ghost of Perdition live at Red Rocks

[@grae7229]

I’ve been watching your channel since you started up a few months ago. In the first few weeks I wondered, “will these guys ever check out Opeth.” Too my surprise you did. Most musicians that are into more technical playing tend to like their work. Opeth are dark and sombre to be sure, but I love them for it. Good on you for being available to let them take you on a ride.

[@markgreen950]

11 mins is pretty normal for Opeth, they even go out to 26 mins on one song. Charles isn't wrong to say it's dark, some of their songs do cover very dark subject matter, but others very much aren't. The Drapery Falls, Windowpane, The Moor, When, Bridge of Sighs and their cover of Soldier of Fortune are some to get you going. Their more recent albums have dropped the harsh vocals all together as they have moved into a more prog-rock and less prog-metal direction. I'm lucky enough to have seen Opeth live 4 times, you should think about getting tickets next time they tour here.

[@kylesmith261]

They would make Nihilism popular again if it was worth the time.

[@jvig5391]

Opeth songs are a journey. Mental movies for sure when I listen to them.

[@jamesedenart]

When you talk about soul crying, Godhead's Lament and Face of Melinda have acoustic sections that just shatter your heart.

[@justintheTV]

not enough reactors reacting to Heir Apparent by Opeth. Groovin AF

[@xAngelofRazielx]

Always happy when someone who's not into metal expands. It took me a long time to learn to enjoy anything outside of metal and it's cool to see others explore it. The growls can be a bit much,specially in heavier genres of metal. But I hope you keep trying and find more stuff you like. Please check out Rust by Monolord. A great doom metal band. ( don't go down the genre rabbit hole)

[@jeromepech5886]

Great music, great reaction.

[@googelle7555]

I like how you get lost in their parts without stopping the flow. You may wanna try giving their entire discography a listen in chronological order. I know that's OCD or whatever, but there's something very special about hearing their artistic growth through the decades. (Also, Still Life is one of the greatest concept albums of all time.) ❤🤗

[@usainwult2414]

Great reaction and a very down to earth take. Have a like!

[@jacksmith4460]

They are spot on live as well, amazing band

[@randomhandle07]

I'd like to say they sound better live on stage

[@AbhijeetSingh-ed3lw]

Super reaction my brother...... And yes despite being(in the past) a prog death metal band they are very emotive ...... Try Burden for the other spectrum of OPETH... :)

[@chriscoote2690]

Opeth are awesome…so many different styles…

[@CCDaDon15]

I really want someone to turn Damnation into an R&B album

[@Manalyth]

One of those cases where stupid means something good 😂

[@SalchichaStudios]

Thoroughly enjoyed your reaction man

[@recurrencetheorem4264]

Deliverence LIVE!

[@azrar]

For great Opeth songs without screaming, you can try: - Porcelain Heart - Cusp of Eternity - Burden - A Fair Judgement - Heart in Hand - Lovelorn Crime - Continuum - All Things Will Pass - Windowpane Enjoy!

[@davidpowell2356]

Thank you homie for reacting to this band. Bleak Ghost of Perdition Baying of the Hounds

[@excaluber23]

1. At the 17:20 mark, isn’t that the speech from the trolls 2 movie ? 😂😂 2. I’ve never heard of this band before, thanks for the intro. 3. The song immediately started at volume 10, and my initial thoughts were, this is going to be an exhausting 11 mins. But as you mentioned it changed up quite a bit and took us on a nice journey. The song varied so much, it almost felt like we had listened to an entire album by the end. 4. I agree the growling, isn’t my thing either, but i didn’t hate it in this song. 5. Awesome job as always!

[@deanmadden123]

Opeth is amazing. Every song is a journey. If growling isn't your thing check out the damnation album or some of their newest albums.

[@excaluber23]

@@deanmadden123 awesome, thanks for the suggestion! I’ll definitely give it a shot. I looked the band up a little bit after this video, and I saw the singer once said something to the effect of “Yes death metal is our origins, but if you can do everything why would you restrict yourself to just one thing?” . I thought that was a really interesting take on music, that i can definitely appreciate.

[@deanmadden123]

@@excaluber23 I haven't heard that quote but I believe it. Michael is a prodigy. He has said that ABBA is one of his inspiration. Which is just hilarious to me that a that's an inspiration to a death metal band. You will find some of the most beautiful progressions and sounds hidden within some of the heavest songs too. So you must have an open mind. Cheers

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

Opeth were the band that got me into death growls, and I've heard the same story from many fans. I definitely understand the initial aversion to them, but they do have a way of growing on with more exposure, especially in the context of great music like this. If you really can't stand them, then as others have said there's Damnation and their last four albums that don't have any growls, but I still feel their best work is their progressive death metal stuff, especially Ghost Reveries, Still Life, Blackwater Park, and My Arms Your Hearse.

[@deanmadden123]

@@jonathanhenderson9422 the way he growls "lepers coiled neath the trees" in black water park. Sends shivers down my spine.

[@gearspider]

A good follow up with more drumming aspects would be 'Opeth - Deliverance' (a lot heavier as well)

[@ugg10video76]

Great reaction, thanks. Opeth are Epic in all senses of the word. This album is produced by Steven Wilson who is an absolute God in the studio (look him up, his Jethro Tull remasters are magnificent). They are touring at the end of the year, 30th anniversary tour and are doing a fans vote set with one track from each of their 13 albums, can’t wait!

[@largemouthhunter5014]

New fan of the channel from Western Maryland 🤘🎸

[@mcgreggor5543]

Seen tons and tons of Opeth reactions, this reflects my own first reaction the best. I know everyone states this of their favarorite band, but they really differ from album to album. I think you should checkout some songs from different albums. From mellow beautiful (window pane, burden, Faith in others etc) to more dark hard (this, blackwater park etc) progressive rock, blues and death metal in a blend. Never heard a bad opeth song and most of them are like 5-7 songs in one. Epic group! Later albums without hard vocals even if I like the older stuff aswell Please do more Opeth reactions, maybe start with something different like Burden!?

[@fernandomedeiros744]

Great reaction! You should really watch Ghost of Perdition live at red rocks. A song as good as this one with great audio quality and you can see them playing.

[@simonhombert327]

Bro you're so chill, keep it up !

[@silverjaw138]

Nice choice!! This is a deep cut, Opeth are amazing. Check out Damnation

[@dissonantpulse]

Opeth are the kings of transitions

[@matigo1977]

"ghost of perdition" and "deliverance" live from red rocks would be great next picks. 🤘🤯

[@Jedithtv]

Spiderman 2 just means GOOD VIBES now hahaha

[@arnulfocastillo6096]

D E L I V E R A N C E is a must! Next step😎

[@TrialoftheMonkeys]

Growls are something you have to get an ear for I think, you do eventually get to where you can hear every lyric without issue. I'm a white guy coming from a background of prog and metal and I got into hip-hop in a big way in university so I'm going in the other direction to you and I originally found the same kind of thing trying to digest the complex lyricism of rap but these days I'm at a place where I can let rapped lyrics wash over me and get it first time. Peace bro thanks for this video I really enjoyed.

[@joannebarker7694]

Jinjer. Anything by them, Vortex, pisces, on the top, pit of conciseness. All 👏

[@batweed]

Blackwater park, the drapery falls, the moor, bleak, ghost of perdition, and deliverance for an all around opeth vibes. Harvest, benighted, pictures in the ivy, hope leaves, windowpane for a much much more mellow perfection vibes. Obviously they have so many more great songs.

[@wizardofoz220]

Wow, what musicianship! I had to listen to their other songs. Please, react to Porcelain Heart.

[@jacksmith4460]

Great choice, not seen the reaction yet but looking forward to this

[@PhoenixDecim]

One of my favorite Opeth tracks!

[@0Akeldama0]

one of my favorite songs

[@carlosherrera9092]

I love your reaction

[@TheSentinel86]

I had a friend/coworker who like you was from a background of gospel/hip hop, and as you said at 14.54 he got spooked by opeth's arrangements and growl vocals but he loved the musicianship. Check out isolation years - a powerful song with no growls off the same album that puts most modern pop songs to shame

[@joewwilliams]

With Opeth, the lyrics won't make it any less dark 😂 But as you said, it's like a movie. Take the art for what it is. Let the mood take you, knowing it's fleeting. It's just one more layer.

[@jordanmiller5207]

DRUMS AND KEYBOARDS! - SNARKY PUPPY “LINGUS”

[@malone2133]

Man, gotta check out the Damnation album (Windowpane) for their more melodic stuff. Opeth do so many different vibes, my favorite band.

[@zaidleafar]

Ne Obliviscaris: And Plague Flowers the caleidoscope 👌👌👌

[@polarpop4250]

Would love to hear you guys freak out over some more Deftones! Maybe “You’ve Seen the Butcher” or “Cherry Waves”...? Love the videos keep it up🙏🏻

[@mauriciorios2017]

Love and respect from chile my bro.

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

Love back brother, 👊🏾

[@Henriktranoy]

Haha, funny to hear talk about the cultural connotation^^ Let me assure you, the growls are still a deal-breaker for most people. I also needed to be convinced that the growls are a positive addition to these kinds of songs. And I think you really cool for being open for it! Getting out of your comfort zone! You won't like all you hear, but you won't find any gems if you don't go looking. I think a new world of music will open for you here! :) A side note, or rather fun-fact. First wave of black metal in Norway, consistent prominently of kids who grew up with ultra-conservative parents or villages where chistianity was strong. Especially true for the bands with violent and "pagan" themes. So Black metal very much started out as an act of rebellion and defiance! But these days, I feel that especially death metal, has some of the most proficient musicians and songwriters out there! (Not all of them of course, but Opeth is definitely a great example) Devin Townsend is also a metal musician who write some really, really emotional pieces. He uses the distorted voice sparingly, but with precision. A great example would be Deadhead (and watch the live shows for this one. They are often more emotional, and arguably better performed!) "Between the buried and me" Is another band that is crazy good, but they also write crazy music. So probably not a good introduction to death metal, but holy cow, the musicianship is awesome. A song like "Astral body" should give you a taste. But those guys don't write "songs", rather albums, where the next song begins where the previous ends (and thus, most songs sounds like they have a beginning. But this one is a part of the intro to the album)

[@peacefuldecadence328]

Opeth blackwater park and ghost of perdition live if you want the same vibe.

[@deminybs]

this album is pretty high on my list of favorites of all time 🎶🥰 as for recommendations....any opeth, any Epica, any A7x, any trivium, etc lol

[@DrMcKay66]

You dont pick out anything of Opeth songs,ever.You just listen to more of their music and get your mind blown over and over.

[@mattysoho]

Thanks for the video. Opeth have the perfect mix of progressive while still remaining heavy and maintaining a groove. Still hoping to see a reaction to the contortionist-language on here someday 🤞🙏

[@SkeithLangley]

I love how he wants the heavy bits and wants Mikael to growl. Guess what buddy 🥲🥲 We want him to growl again as well.

[@lungfulldrummer8921]

Between the buried and me - extremophile elite (live at the fedelitorium). progressive metal with killer chops from all the players.

[@MrTickleTrunk]

If you like music that's a mixture of styles executed well together check out bands like Jinjer's "Pisces" or Spiritbox's "Rule Of Nines". Both with incredibly talented vocalists and bands that play with mixing genres. They have some heavy vocals😈but they fit well and both also have angelic👼sounding voices at other times. I find their music incredibly interesting.

[@JeanGilbertLouisAriose]

Great reaction man

[@delicrux]

Yes finally someone does opeth. Man have you done any type o negative? If you like opeth i get the feeling type o will have a good impact.

[@arthurbradley8754]

Gentle giant advent of panurge. Opeth took their cues from GG and they’re so smooth

[@MrGavinJohnsen]

God I love people who love music

[@YNG.Buly.Magazine]

MASTERPIECE.

[@kylesmith261]

I think you should react to Opeth again but two songs that go in tandem with each other. Myself and others in the fanbase like to call them Beauty and the Beast. These two songs are Coil and Heir Apparent.

[@Taunic]

Yes, that is a great duo to showcase just what Opeth can do!

[@jacksmith4460]

Such a good song

[@msky9482]

Opeth - The Drapery falls. Makes sense more.

[@Sonny-ep7xk]

If you liked this please react to some Agalloch!! Not Unlike the Waves and Falling Snow are two great tracks

[@zaidleafar]

The whole Mantle album!

[@LemmyGibbler]

Check out a song called Benighted. No screaming at all. Then check out Master’s Apprentice. The same does not apply lol

[@adicicco11196]

Karnivool - We Are

[@ImDembe]

Opeth is good, they have so many aces up their sleevs. Would love to hear your take on Orbit Culture, North star of Nija live in studio, the drummer feet is like a machinegun and speaking of having good feet Thomas Haake in Meshugga is awsome, there are HQ drum cam of their songs Bleed and Clockworks, the music might not beof your liking but i think you would appreciate the art.

[@ottolehto]

Opeth have crazy talent and range. Their last several albums have completely dropped the growling and moved a bit towards 70s prog rock. I would recommend catching some live performances.

[@slipknot9733]

Would love to see you do some lyric video reactions to help you get past the growls and gutturals and into the core content! Their lyrical content is def on the darker side but every song has a great story and tons of worthwhile material. "Damnation" is a whole album with no harsh vocals and would be an easy intro to them. Also you have to remember if your listening to one of their songs and its a bit to heavy for you just wait a minute or so and you'll likely find your self in a gorgeous acoustic interval.

[@sllk4104]

More and more and more opeth please

[@uBoBaMnupa]

Katatonia - Leaders

[@ibrahimutant]

Please check out more Opeth!

[@stevenmonte7397]

Snarky Puppy - What About Me (We Like It Here)... I don't know if there's a tighter band. Drummer is INSANE!!

[@donmo8116]

Opeth is on whole other league trustt mee

[@bo5pice]

Try Dislocated Day by Porcupine Tree. BUT only listen to the version from the Como Divine album