FIRST REACTION TO OPETH Serenity Painted Death

[@dryferr5557]

Opeth is a top 5 band all time. Those who know, Know

[@flataffect]

Seeing them in a few weeks, can’t fuckin wait!

[@dryferr5557]

@@flataffect I'm seeing them in May. 7th time

[@israelthacker8568]

Top 1 band of all-time

[@markblaauw4961]

I know 🤘🍺👍

[@flataffect]

@Rafael Casé I’m a huge fan. Know most of their albums top to bottom. Still life, Blackwater, and ghost reveries are all easy 10/10s for me. Absolutely phenomenal albums and I really like most of their other stuff except orchid and heritage!

[@almosthuman4457]

The song doesn't just end, it continues into the next movement (song) on the album. Opeth writes an album like an opera.

[@jeffd824]

my brain cried for white cluster instantly! lol

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

Interesting , noted!

[@h3xomega353]

@@jeffd824 same lol

[@cescosulpesco]

Yes, that's true, indeed, still life is the perfect example of this

[@internetguy8075]

Except it pretty much does end like that. It's not like the next song starts without a break from Serenity Painted Death here.

[@RDreamer]

Opeth released the albums My Arms Your Hearse, Still Life and Blackwater Park back to back to back. This is a level of quality and consistency only attained by the greatest bands in history. Opeth are absolute titans of music.

[@brandoncoomer7867]

Not to mention damnation/deliverance and ghost reveries. 6 absolute masterpieces in a row

[@ayeewtasko2601]

Yes, a lot of Opeth’s themes are taken from the point of the villain. It’s not advocating violence and death, it’s showing the horror of it.

[@dryferr5557]

He's expressing his rage upon discovering the death of his love Melinda. This is the 2nd last song of the story. The story is Still Life a masterpiece of an album. Needs to be digested as a whole

[@RagingInsomniac]

It was also made to show an anti-Christian view, but not Satanic. I think it was the vocalist who said it.

[@markgreen950]

Opeth, so so good.

[@CartoonKidOLLY]

i absolutely loved your friends reaction. he was so skeptical in the beginning and his facial expression said it all. he was enjoying the music genuinely. it was almost like he was trying to find a reason to not like it, but at the end of the day those chords and progressive rhythms pulled him in.

[@Phalse13]

This is such a good album. Maybe an explanation of the story going on in this concept album would help a bit. This is a good one that I found on the internet when I heard it for the first time a few years ago. THE MOOR In "The Moor" the outcast emerges from the woods. For 15 years he has been in exile from the castle, beaten and banished because he was an atheist. He was called an "ungodly freak - a defiler", and was "branded a Jonah with fevered blood". He has returning 15 years later on a quest to find his love Melinda, whom he had to leave behind. GODHEAD'S LAMENT "Godhead's Lament" finds the outcast attempting to conceal his return. He contemplates the consequences, considering leaving for safety's sake, but does not, his desire to see Melinda again outweighing any concerns for his welfare. He watches her from afar, discovering that she has become a nun. He contemplates whether it's possible he could stay in the vilage unnoticed. Melinda knows he has returned. BENIGHTED In "Benighted" our outcast meets in secret with Melinda. The outcast tries to convince her to abandon her superstition and leave with him because he loves her. He tells her that she has been brainwashed and should let it all go. MOONLAPSE VERTIGO "Moonlapse Vertigo" Our outcast hides in the castle knowing that they would kill him if they found him. As he hides to plan his next move, he realizes that he is running out of time to fulfill his task and decides to get Melinda and escape. He feels that 'the council of the cross' know he has returned. FACE OF MELINDA "Face of Melinda" describes her as a quiet, brooding creature as he approaches her. After his failure to court her, she was sworn to the life of a nun, however, he never gave up plotting to have her back to fill his emptiness. He is disheartened, but tells her that he has risked everything to return to this place. She tells him of her own moral failings, but surprises even herself when she tells him that she still loves him. The song ends with a grim clue of what's to come. SERENITY PAINTED DEATH "Serenity Painted Death" begins when the outcast finds Melinda has been taken and hung for her being 'unfaithful' to the church, which she was supposed to be "married" to. Consumed by pent up pain and rage, he brutally kills all the soldiers who had killed Melinda, in a momentous and final act of aggression. In a frenzy of rage he assaults and kills every soldier he can before he succumbs and collapses in total exhaustion. When he regains control over his mind, the Council of the Cross is there to take him. WHITE CLUSTER "White Cluster" is the tragic end of the story. The outcast emerges from his dream-like state, which slowly turns to reality. The Council of the Cross tries to make him repent but he is insincere. He is led to the gallows to be hanged. In a moment of reflection before he dies he feels a hand on his shoulder and as he looks behind him he sees Melinda standing there, ready for him to join her in death. At last they are together.

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

A tragic tale in many aspects, deep!

[@FainaruFarewell]

14:34 context is everything! This was a concept album. It told a story. Nothing personal to the writers (Mikael Akerfelt - lead singer/lead guitarist)

[@endlessgrief9930]

I' ve been an OPETH fan since the 1990's and they still hold up. Glad you are being introduced into such an excellent band

[@javadnarimani4566]

"Moonlapse Vertigo" from the same album "Still Life" is a must listen.

[@scottmccumber5810]

I agree. It was either that song or this one. I chose Serenity Painted Death, but I wouldn't be opposed to seeing Moonlapse Vertigo on here too!

[@thecrypticstench]

Don’t forget Godhead’s Lament, honestly the whole album is essential lol

[@FainaruFarewell]

Finally! Opeth baby!!!! Harlequin Forest or Windowpane next please!!!

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

We’ll see what we can do bro👍🏾

[@akimapleton5393]

Harlequin Forest is so beautiful!!!!

[@ayeewtasko2601]

Opeth - The Drapery Falls 😉

[@southbayspike]

Yes and yes and yes…

[@GraemeRoberts]

Opeth can squeeze more interesting ideas into one song than some mere mortal bands manage in an entire career.

[@mementomori9781]

Ghost of perdition and blackwater Park 2 of my personal favorites ...love your reactions keep em coming👍🏽🤘🏽

[@DJWhyel]

Opeth are for me of the most talented musicians out there. Everythings they do, no matter the genre, old opeth, new opeth, is gold. Every song is a different journey. Mickael Akerfeltd is a genious.

[@opethdan2408]

Great breakdown about the growls and and western interpretation of devil sounds. There's a beauty in both clean and growl vocals. When the sound is heavy the growl vocals just compliment it so well because of the attitude and expression. Also if we are talking lyrics I feel like it's to match the theme of the sound. It's odd to me that we don't take movies literally when it comes to painting a picture but when it's an audio version as it is with music, people tend to think that it is meant to be literal. Cannibal corpse lyrics aren't to be taken seriously and they laugh to themselves while coming up with crazy lyrics and song titles.

[@christosgazaris1158]

I love these reactions. Can literally see the tension building before it hits into a solo or funky bit. So entertaining to see you guys watch this 😄

[@apollyonexe868]

The Still Life album was a concept album following a man back in the medievalish era, who was exiled from his village for his Pagan beliefs. Long story short, he couldnt stand being away from his lover so he snuck back in the village to reunite with her and take her with him, knowing if he was caught what they would do to him. He came back to find she had become a nun. Feeling she was brainwashed he tried to convince her to come with as best he could but to no avail. He hid away in the outskirts planning his next move to try and get her back. While gone the Church had found out, and hung her. This song Serenity Painted Death is the part of the story where he finds out she had been murdered. Hence the rage in certain parts. Because he is literally in a blind rage for what they did to his lover. The story concludes after this song with the final track. Let's just say it is not a happy ending.

[@KvltKrist]

And here I am going off what Mikael said in the DVD. Where he pretty much said most of his lyrics are rubbish and sound cool with hardly any true context.

[@apollyonexe868]

@@KvltKrist Mikael is known for being pretentious and downplaying and commenting how cringey metal is. If you think that was his sentiment while writing the album back then, I feel sorry for you man.

[@johnseward2934]

This album, and especially this song, foreshadowed what was to come with Opeth. Soon after they released what is generally considered one of the best metal albums of all time, Blackwater Park.

[@southbayspike]

Agreed

[@johnsnider2956]

Tbh I feel that it was a slight step down from Still Life, but still a brilliant album in it's own right.

[@batweed]

Opeth are giants. I would appreciate a full album listen, if you're interested then lyrics would help(i know you're not so into lyrical perspective but still.). Their discography is mostly concept albums (metal opera if you'd like to call it) filled with tragic storylines, epic music movement, never heard before chord progressions. Just get through the growls, understand that they are purely a vibe to push out emotional response and enjoy greatness. Loved the reaction :)

[@scottmccumber5810]

This made my month!!!!! Thank you JB!! Thanks also to Charles for sitting through this! You guys rock. Glad to be a Patreon.

[@arwiviv]

Ive been an Opeth fan since around 1999-2000. I love this kid with the olive-green tee shirt. He could be one of my two older sons (who love Opeth and are 27 and 30 years old).

[@reducetheatoms]

I liked your pov :D (the dude with the red hat) Serenity Painted Death is one of my favorite Opeth songs :D Hope your friend and yourself will enjoy the rest of Opeth

[@formersperg5288]

I personally think this growling is another form of releasing anger but that's definitely subjective. I just find I really connect to really aggressive screaming myself

[@jasonashley9853]

Totally agree. It's so cathartic. If I've had a stressful day the aggressive music feels great to listen to.

[@southbayspike]

It is worth noting that the growling vocal and clean vocal are the same person. He is also the guitar player.

[@soakedbearrd]

And the mastermind. The guy is genius

[@AHKUELL]

this deserves way more views

[@CharlesManue]

Now, that was a very interesting discussion you shared with us. Thanks for being open minded, as we all should be. As an Opeth fan, this was refreshing.

[@soakedbearrd]

If you look at the growling as an instrument with its own melody that happens to have lyrics then it starts to make sense. Lots of their songs use growls to emphasize a character in their story, this is a concept album so all the songs play one story.

[@benjaminrapp7418]

I've always likened it to using overdrive/distortion on a guitar.

[@akimapleton5393]

Opeth is musically genius. If you play any sort of instrument you just cannot appreciate the genius and intricacy of the songs. Seeing them live was amazing!

[@AwesomeLemur]

I know this face when they make a sick transition, I do the same haha! Opeth is sooooo good!!!

[@darkphoenix2]

This was entertaining, I think Opeth clearly has a place in your channel. If you can appreciate the music, you'll learn to accept the growls. They're part of the music. There's so many more tracks worth checking out for the different flavors and feelings Opeth creates, but if you want to go easy on Charles you should make him listen to Harlequin Forest like you did. I feel like it's a very balanced song.

[@wesleyb1458]

His reaction isn’t dissimilar to a lot of ppl! I would bet he grows to like the vocals. Great track! 🔥

[@abatage]

love it when the lads go "wooo" :D (this was a great video/analysis my dudes... very interesting perspectives... I appreciate your views)

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

Thank you abatage, for hearing us out

[@floridabelle]

🔥🔥❤Opeth❤🔥🔥 More, more more please!

[@dirtydan2007]

The growls are an acquired taste and not for everyone. I don't know many people that care for it. I first started listening to metal for the challenge, musicianship, and the fact that it gets me hyped, and over time I became more tolerate and came to enjoy these types of vocals. There are still forms of harsh vocals I don't care though, but Mikael from Opeth is my favorite. It's kind like drinking your first ever beer. The first one for me was disgusted, but I started to enjoy it after my 100th beer lol.

[@bryandeschenes6153]

Hey guys. Great channel! I predict great things. Your 3 listen videos of Tool and Primus were pretty cool!

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

Thank you Bryan, Glad your enjoying the channel

[@joannebarker7694]

Hello I'm here again 👋 I like the fact you can sit through and appreciate this for its musicality. Please do a Jinjer video track, I bet my house you won't be disappointed 😁

[@ThatkidthatpwnsXP]

Love your vids man, would love to see you react to Leprous and the song Moon particularly. There drummer has massive street playing influence and it's an interesting band in general much love

[@C64SX]

Interesting views on this great song! Btw like your Shure cans, I've had a pair of that model for close to ten years now :) Loved them so much I now have three different sets of Shure headphones ;0

[@donmo8116]

You should’ve checked out blackwater park dat shit slaps dawg I’m tellin’ ya

[@sindelismsucks2968]

I think, perhaps for the first time, I'm all in with JB on this one 👏👏👏 I understand where Charles is coming from, and respect his opinion, but yeah JB nailed it.

[@ibrahimutant]

I hope you guys will keep checking out more Opeth! Also the new Animals as Leaders album is a masterpiece, so give it a listen! Red Miso is my favorite track

[@lucianoastudillohenriquez2866]

Great reaction guys, keep it going!

[@allenvrabac4827]

Many hardcore fans only enjoy old Opeth (pre Heritage). But i suggest you try a modern Opeth song, like Devil's Orchard, Faith in Others, Sorceress or Dignity. To me, a more succinct Opeth that has tightened its songwriting but still has their signature sound. The old ones are great but so are the new ones, there doesn't have to be sides to it, as unfortunately many fans choose to take.

[@southbayspike]

You both NEED to check out the song When Good Dogs Do Bad Things by the band The Dillinger Escape Plan.

[@Jo-id9zm]

Great song choice. It's my favourite Opeth track by far (from my favourite album by far).

[@faultier3215]

another Opeth reaction, very cool =) considering to become a Patreon, but dont have any income right now =( if you want to try to understand the growls in Opeth, check out the Song "Blackwater Park". The growls are really well placed and fitting to the music, on another level. You wont find any clean Vocals in that Song, though. Other ones to consider would be "Bleak", "Masters Apprentices", "When", "Hessian Peel", "Ghost of Perdition"... or if you want to check out another clean Song, go for "Windowpane"

[@jirikrajnak9047]

0:57 deer in the headlights moment

[@jeffd824]

what a banger. nice choice!

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

👍🏾

[@reducetheatoms]

Their baby hand-banging is so lovely :D

[@NeutralGravity]

Another great reaction! Check out Bleak, off their Blackwater Park album.

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

Noted 👍🏾

[@christopherblowers443]

VEKTOR RECHARGING THE VOID

[@TheFbiFilesRepeat]

I approve of this video!

[@largemouthhunter5014]

Great Album , Great Reaction 🤘🎸🎤

[@deminybs]

Ha same, my mother always has thought just because there's harsh vocals the music is demonic, yet if you go by lyrics I know rap or pop songs with way worse lyrics

[@FernandaPereira-ow3jo]

Yessssssssss 💥🤘

[@datnillavondizzle]

Ill give ya dat buck fiddy like my man, and Opeth are legends and inspires

[@elitejudah713.]

If you like this you need to check out Avenged sevenfold, or killswitch engaged, in kill switch engaged early albums they had a black singer named howard, he's going to blow your mind if you ever try em out.. I'm still waiting to see your reaction to hearing descending, I know you probably already heard it but I would like to see your amazement as it plays

[@arwiviv]

When I originally got the "Still LIfe" cd back in 2000, I seriously thought that my cd was damaged when I heard the abrupt end to this song.

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

😂

[@isajr501]

Actually, Mikael Akerfeldt, the leader and composer of this band is writing some kind of soundtrack for a Netflix show (“Clark” is the name of the show).

[@isajr501]

My comment is referring to the note you did on how this looks like “spider man on fox kids”.

[@doctortrainerofficial]

The story behind the lyrics is fascinating. It is about a man who found the love of his life, Melinda. However, he found her dead with a slit throat. In his rage he went on a killing spree slaughtering random people thinking they were the one who murdered his Melinda. He would never know if she took her own life.

[@timg7627]

Close. The ‘council of the cross’ captured and murdered Melinda directly in front of him. He then escaped his bondage and killed several of the guards until ‘at last, weak and torn I went down….’

[@iandavis3599]

Thanks for this reaction.

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

👍🏾

[@kingkasewar]

Is Opeth winning you over????

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

Weee’ll let’s say, i wont shy away from reacting to another track

[@natesnotes101]

Please keep going down opeths rabbit hole. He would certainly enjoy Opeth Still Day Beneath the Sun

[@VastIllumination]

Do more Opeth songs please :) Subbed

[@Growlizing]

Hahaha, love you two guys! It's a very old album and a bit of an odd song. Many of their albums are 'kind of' concept albums. I think it's more that they keep trying to make a concept album, then ultimately give up! Their more recent albums sound VERY different, except it's still very 'prog'.

[@dc249]

Interesting.... I'll have to add Opeth to my list. You should check out BlesstheFall (Keep me Close, Open Water and Pray are some of my favorites). Also Haste the Day (Sons of the Fallen Nation and Chorus of Angels). I'm not big on growling myself but Jimmy from Haste the Day has a beautiful voice...... no comparison to Maynard of course. 😜

[@elitejudah713.]

Tool-DESCENDING is the soundtrack to all the avengers, and all the Superman's rolled into one

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

😄 that’s a tall order Elite Judah, we’ll see…

[@hashfifon]

you should check out Blackwater Park, Ghost of Perdition, The Drapery Falls, Burden, those are some of their best works! although you can't really go wrong with Opeth.

[@benjaminrapp7418]

I'd say just about everything before Martin and Peter left was phenomenal. Everyone always mentions Blackwater Park and MAYH, but never mention Orchid or Morningrise. Black Rose Immortal alone has more tasteful and memorable riffs than most band's careers.

[@elitejudah713.]

I'll even get on video with you when you do it so you could tell me straight up whether it's trash

[@scottkoppinger2595]

It's not only black people who don't like Growls, most people don't, it's an acquired taste most people take a while to get used to and appreciate

[@bryandeschenes6153]

Try some non-growl songs like Universal Truth Dignity Sorceress The Wilde Flowers Cusp of Eternity Era These songs have more rock and less metal overtones. From what I've seen, I don't believe you've explored this side of Opeth much.

[@adityastrcoep]

Bro I need you to react to Eternal Rains Will Come by Opeth from the album Pale Communion

[@chrisss3749]

This is hilarious seeing your friend process it all.

[@richardmoseley2915]

The last 4 or so albums have no death growls at all...maybe check some of their recent output

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

Ok noted

[@markblaauw4961]

Good choice. But than again can't go wrong with Opeth.

[@scottmccumber5810]

I've already watched this 10 times haha.

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

😁

[@BigKrisMorris]

React to Frisco Ft p money and Dizzee rascal. It’s a banger I think lol just came out has a cool video too

[@christopherblowers443]

Do everything by opeth.

[@mikelandau5486]

You guys have to react to gojira the art of dying

[@excaluber23]

Charles almost won the video. I was with him right up until the last 5 minutes of his monologue. 😜

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

😄😄

[@seikojin]

It is funny, Opeth has the least evil influence of all the death metal bands. This particular album is a story album... So from the beginning to the end, it is a story.

[@me3ta143ad]

im just sitting here seeing how he hates that he loves this

[@me3ta143ad]

the dying in hte arms reference on thee song is about his wife dying in his arms and then him exacting revenge on those that committed the deed. its the theme of the album. But also, on the Jinjer thing,one of Tatiana's main musical influences as far as being able to flip from growl to clean vocals quickly is Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth.

[@Diakonov29]

leather jacket digs it. hah

[@laurensvanminnen9550]

For the "i want you to die in my arms" lyric: in the context of the story he is basically seperated from his girl, and wishes to grow old together (if i remember correctly)

[@-TRIAD-]

Damn that track started like a Will Smith slap to the face 👊😉🤣😂🤣😂

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

😂😂

[@the_Rade]

Just because you think something doesn't mean all black people think the same

[@damiendempsey6522]

The music sounds great. But have to agree with Charles, the voice is a major distraction for me too. It's like Deafheaven. I would be a massive fan because I absolutely love their music but I just can't get past the vocals. I don't even know why specifically it's a problem...

[@rmr5044]

I hated harsh vocals in general until I listened to their song "Ghost of Perdition". His growls are SO MUCH better on the albums Blackwater Park and Ghost Reveries. Because of "Ghost of Perdition", I now prefer harsh vocals and listen to Meshuggah everyday lol

[@chriscoote2690]

Opeth has TONS of great songs with clean vocals. I didn’t like the growls at first, but if you stick with them they really grow on you…

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

I know it's a cliche by now, but, yes, just stick with it and the growls will grow on you. It took me probably a month-or-so of JUST listening to Opeth before I finally got to where they didn't bother me, and maybe another month to where I actually enjoyed them and couldn't imagine the music without them. It also opened up a whole new world of music for me as there are so many great bands using harsh vocals now. The reason it's a "problem" is down to fundamental human psychology reacting negatively to something that's both different from what they're used to and also something that's innately pretty aggressive/harsh... but if you think about the voice as another instrument growl vocals aren't all that different from how a distorted guitar sounds playing chords.

[@damiendempsey6522]

@@jonathanhenderson9422 I understand what you're saying and get your logic but I'm not entirely convinced that's the reason for me. As a teenager I'm lucky that the alternative rock/grunge/metal scene was really starting to evolve at that moment I was growing up. For example, I absolutely loved Far Beyond Driven by Pantera from the very moment it came out. It was completely different at the time. During the same period I was also a massive fan of Deftones, Ratm, Korn, NIN, Faith No More, etc, so I've never had a problem with aggressive vocals either. But again stylistically it was all kinda of unheard. I've always enjoyed listening to other styles of music too including a lot of world music where I'm not necessarily accustomed to the types of expression and singing. Then even in other genres of music, artists such as Bjork, Thom Yorke, Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom, Aesop Rock, Horace Andy are all pioneers. They all have their own unique vocal styles but their voices never distract me from the music itself.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

@@damiendempsey6522 The thing is that most of the aggressive vocals you mention are just extensions of techniques that are still pretty common in popular music, so there's at least a connection there. A lot of popular singers use mild distortion occasionally, and most of those bands don't do it to the point you can't understand what's being said. The other "unusual" vocalists you mention tend just have unique timbres, but their styles aren't completely different from what's common in other popular music. Death growls are a much more extreme version of distortion that's literally using a different part of the voice to make a sound that's commonly associated with evil things. It's the difference between guitar distortion in, say, the 60s Vs guitar distortion in modern metal now. Still, I can't give any other advice besides sticking with it and letting yourself adjust to it. The phenomenon of people hating them at first but coming to tolerate or even like them with more exposure is extremely common, and Opeth were a gateway band for many, perhaps because they do mix in a lot of clean vocals and extended musical passages without vocals at all. You can also check out Opeth's albums that don't have any growls, which includes their last 4 albums and Damnation.

[@justinmillikan2258]

As with so many other of their songs, there are so many good parts to this song. but for me, the sum of the parts just doesn't equal up to 1. I've listened to so many Opeth songs, giving them chance after chance, but just can't say i like them. It's confusing to me, too, because it's not the vocals or the prog time/tempo changes... I dunno.

[@FeedThemCake]

Black people listening to Opeth lmfaoooo

[@raregrimebeats1352]

Black person listening to opeth since 1999

[@Boomersh0t]

Cool song, this band just refuses to grow on me though. Idk if you keep reacting to them, I'll keep listening to them. I know it's late but, nice to have you back Charles.

[@OrchardFox]

What albums/songs have you checked out?

[@marylandstationmusic9422]

Thank you Boomersh0t ! Feels good to be back

[@donc5428]

This is probably the worst Opeth song to start with. It´s a tough one to to appreciate, you should start do Baying of the Hounds, Hessian Peel or April Ethereal.

[@maro6041]

You guys dont seem like feel this music at all.

[@circulation69]

No guitarist in Opeth in any part of their 30+ year history has ever written or played a boring chord change!