My Epic Return to Opeth! Vocal Analysis of "Blackwater Park" and wow is this a long analysis...

It's been far too long since my first listen to Opeth with a cocktail in hand, not really knowing what I was about to get myself in to. It's been years since "Harlequin Forest" and "Ghost of Perdition", and I wanted to dive back into Mikael's harsh vocals again on the back of our Distortion study. And by dive back in, I mean another full hour long analysis. Get ready!
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, as she listens to Opeth performing "Blackwater Park" for the first time.
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Written and Performed by Opeth
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I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions. Here's the link: • Opeth - Blackwater Par...
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Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
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We have a sister channel: THE SINGING HOLE. Join us there to examine how ordinary creatures create extraordinary sounds. / @thesinginghole
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
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#opeth #Reaction #TheCharismaticVoice
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[@csch1510]

The Magnum Opeth

[@metallizard88]

Mike Tyson type shit

[@Wendelvendel]

Well this is a pleasingly long run

[@metalmanny666]

Pun!

[@Aakarsh1068]

That's Black Rose Immortal though.

[@csch1510]

@@metalmanny666 no pun intended.

[@dust4magnet]

Steven Wilson produced this, and he's a genius at soundscapes. Several times nominated for a production Grammy. You've done one reaction to one of his solo performances. I encourage you react to his band, Porcupine Tree. In particular, "Anesthetize" live from the DVD/Blu-Ray. And actually, Steven is very open to interviews. See Rick Beato's excellent interview with SW.

[@davidward2651]

Anesthetize or Arriving Somewhere But Not Here would be fantastic

[@krisdavis3888]

Definitely recommend Porcupine tree next, huge influence on Mikael and a big part of creating the great production on some of their albums even though musically they seem very different at first glance

[@denniswijker7162]

His production of Blackwater Park (the album), Damnation, and Deliverance are amongst his best work imho. I'd love to see reactions to Porcupine tree however! My personal favourite being Arriving Somewhere But Not Here.

[@gabriellema4208]

Way offtopic here, but Rick's interviews with Brendan O'Brien and the one with Warren Haynes are amazing

[@ryanzillmer8511]

@@davidward2651 Heartattack in a Layby, excellent harmonies.

[@Cadinho93]

Blackwater Park is just... Opeth fans take it for granted, but then you see people react to it the first time and you're like, I'm back there listening to it for the first time again. Sensational. Also, Blackwater Park is Opeth's masterpiece in my opinion, the whole album start to finish is amazing.

[@kbredstar529]

this record, and damnation and deliverance to a lesser extent, were the prime reasons i ended up getting the Opeth "O" tattooed lol

[@aviduke]

​@@kbredstar529 they were my 3 golden opeth albums and really cement a time in my life. Nearly got the same haha

[@YeahResident]

My Arms Your Hearse, Still Life, and Blackwater Park were all classic.

[@revel911]

@@YeahResident Peak Opeth

[@citizenbrain8065]

​@kbredstar529 add Orchid to that list and it's the exact reason I did the same thing.

[@rolandbuysse9374]

Yay Opeth! If I counted correctly - this being your 3rd Opeth song - you only have 110 must-listen songs left!

[@patrickbertlein4626]

Not that many, sorry. Damnation was the last good album. Ghost Reveries had a few moments.

[@saheluddin7878]

@@patrickbertlein4626another bitter jealous hater trying to justifies his crap taste on opeth😂 . grow up kid

[@blackwater009]

@@patrickbertlein4626 every song on Ghost Reveries except for the second part of Hours of Wealth is a masterpiece... Sooo, care to explain why your opinion is better than mine?

[@itsPhils8]

I hope that list gonna be 118 at least or 122 maybe even more before 2025 🙌🏻

[@themountain3461]

​@@patrickbertlein4626my condolences that you don't derive enjoyment from Watershed - it literally sends shivers down my spine how genius it is

[@laurahigdon4741]

This entire album is classic, thank you!

[@janeg6759]

Agree, it’s one of my all time favorites.

[@CORS1NHACROMADO-ix5yh]

@@janeg6759 In Cauda Venenum became one of my favorites albums by them. i think its a very underaprecciated album, fans haven't given the right amount of attention to it

[@timwallace5997]

Porcupine Tree "Anesthetize" live in Tilburg just has to be done. Frontman/songwriter Steven Wilson produced Blackwater Park and is a genius. From a vocal point of view, up until the last few years, Wilson put effects on his vocals because he wasn't confident about his voice. Anesthetize live shows how wrong he was, plus the harmonies in the last section are utterly gorgeous.

[@jimmux_v0]

Such a complete album. I'd love to see a reaction to Bleak because it's one of my all time favourite songs, but it's a lot to adjust to so it doesn't get much attention. But, the duet vocals with Steven blend so well it needs an expert analysis.

[@michaelmarotta9476]

A tea time interview with Mikael would be lovely, glad you got around to them again :)

[@orosattila1333]

let s make a petition for this!

[@JMEAUS22]

That would be an intresting personality clash at the minimum

[@markd7933]

PLEASE FOR THE LOVR OF GOD

[@MultiCLucas]

Surely with enough comments she has to see this right? TEA TIME PLEASE

[@mikegallagher2732]

STILL waiting for OLA to get him on COFFEE WITH OLA !!!!!

[@digibirder]

Opeth have the perfect blend of terror and beauty. It's wonderful to have this education from Elizabeth that helps me understand more and appreciate it all more deeply.

[@rticante]

Really hope we get a reaction to "The Drapery Falls" from the same album, it's my personal favorite!

[@dragonmagoz]

The crown's jewel, for sure

[@MikaTarkela]

I hope this too!

[@guillermovera6523]

This

[@dhouchin83]

Yes!!! This. My favorite also.

[@Brendo2386]

My first ever Opeth song

[@bradlong7651]

Mr Åkerfeldts enunciation whilst being the cookie monster is incredible, he is one of the best vocalists ever, not just harsh vocals, his clean voice is also incredible. Also he plays guitar at the same time which blows my mind.

[@dmitryowens]

He's an average vocalist - Dio, Layne Staley and Chris Cornell were incredible.

[@bradlong7651]

@@dmitryowens yep they were, but they're all dead. As far a living musicians go, id say he's pretty incredible.

[@dmitryowens]

@@bradlong7651 He's a good guitarist and songwriter - his vocals aren't great.

[@bradlong7651]

@@dmitryowens well I guess that's music for you, we'll have to agree to disagree on that one

[@Jablan11]

Opeth is my favorite band but Mikael isnt among the best clean vocalists in my opinion. The growls on the other hand are umatched

[@craigroberts6374]

Mikael Åkerfeldt and Steven Wilson have created some incredible music over the years.

[@sillsallat]

Burden by Opeth!! And yes, bring him in for an interview. Epic

[@ganit_y]

Yesssss please do Burden next Elizabeth! 🙏🏽💕

[@tornoutlaw]

@@ganit_y Don't know Mikael is interested in doing this, but I'd definitely watch & listen!

[@sillsallat]

​@@tornoutlawmaybe not. But he might be interested in talking solely about his singing for a change

[@Salomon_G]

@@tornoutlaw Sure he would. It's not like he doesn't do interviews or doesn't like taking about music.

[@tornoutlaw]

You guys are probably right. Gotta say, I think his growling live isn't what it was in the 2000s, but I appreciate how much more variably his cleans have gotten with the last album. They add new layers of expression, musically and emotionally.

[@theopinson3851]

Mikael was the first harsh vocalist I appreciated. His enunciation was a big part of it…kind of undercuts the “you can’t understand what he’s saying!” complaint. 😂 If you decide to keep going down the Opeth rabbit hole (as you should!), I highly highly highly recommend Bleak. Without giving it away, there is a guest vocal feature that is just *chef’s kiss*.

[@morbid333]

Same for me, but it was actually when he was in Bloodbath. Their Resurrection Through Carnage album is what got me into death metal. I discovered Opeth later, through the song Demon of the Fall.

[@iDEATH]

Oh nice! This entire album is a masterpiece. It's a big part of what finally got me into appreciating harsh vocals back in the day, as prior to it I couldn't really get into 'em. Musically Opeth is so good that once they started mixing clean and harsh vocals I kept coming back, and eventually really began to understand the artistry behind the growls. I've read quite a few comments that would seem to suggest that I'm not the only one with that experience!

[@mvunit3]

So strange, my replies keep getting deleted :(.

[@iDEATH]

@@mvunit3 That one made it. KZbin is censorious, even when it doesn't need to be sometimes. With my tinfoil hat on I might suspect the random deletions are a screen to give the deliberate ones deniability, but surely they'd never do that...

[@iDEATH]

@@mvunit3 I replied about 2 hours after you posted that to try and make sure you knew one got through, but my reply got deleted too. KZbin's censorship AI is off its leash again or something, ffs.

[@aviduke]

Right there with you

[@Agostoic]

Same experience for me tbh.

[@Kwisgaar]

The acoustic outro to Blackwater Park has been my alarm tone for years now. The way it produces a feeling of relief as well as dread is Opeth in a nutshell.

[@shanebilowitz7261]

I have never clicked on a thumbnail faster

[@arthurcorbilho1699]

Same

[@amitex]

FACTS

[@Narnach]

Come for Elizabeth and Opeth, stay for all the nerdy tangents. Love your enthusiasm and width of knowledge. I keep learning new things.

[@marcokollmann8157]

This song just keeps hitting... and hitting... and hitting... If I had to pick one favorite Opeth song, this would be it. Can't wait to see your reaction. 🤘

[@zae5159]

Steven Wilson's production on this shines through so immediately if you've ever listened to Porcupine Tree or his work afterwords, he has SUCH immaculate taste in his choices in mastering and production, I really think he helped bring this album from being very, very good, to being an album that stands out as one of the best metal albums ever released. Opeth + Steven Wilson is a match made in... Hell? (In the best sense)

[@jasonjenkins6373]

Michael: can you produce blackwater park for us? Steven: sure but i want a really cool riff in return Michael: here, have blackest eyes.

[@stevemuzak8526]

When you listen to Opeth discography from the first album the jump in sound quality on Blackwater Park is just next level. Steven Wilson did a fantastic job.

[@AcidifiedMammoth]

​@@stevemuzak8526I was already a PT/Steven fan before listening to Opeth and now in retrospect I can see if Steven had a hand in the mix, given how awesome and somewhat similar it sounds to the way he plays Metal portions in PT

[@stevemuzak8526]

@@AcidifiedMammoth True, absolutely brilliant. I love how he added more layers to Opeth's music.

[@Flagg795]

Wow. I am seriously impressed Elizabeth. After finding the channel 4 years ago with Ghost Love Score & following ever since, it is crazy seeing some of the songs that come along now. Well done & I can’t wait!

[@joergojschaefer3521]

From "I'm not really into metal" to "Let's stick some needles in your Throat and do some cool, harsh vocals, Will" This is EVOLUTION!

[@drdoktor77]

-Mikael Akerfeldt LOVES putting major and minor right next to each other in a progression. And, of course, tritones EVERYWHERE. He'll tell you all day that he knows nothing about theory, and from a book-learnin' sense, he's probably being honest. But in actuality, I think he has a tremendous "instinctive" knowledge of theory (that probably comes from listening to a huge and varied range of music,) and a fabulously twisted ear. It's what makes his songwriting so distinctive. He really understands how tension and release work with his choices. Edit- just as a note for your observation at 23:14, Opeth actually have a song called "Will O' The Wisp," on the Sorceress album. Edit 2- The "banshee scream" you heard near the end I'm pretty sure was hitting a harmonic on a guitar through a ton of gain, then diving it with the vibrato arm. There's also a lot of drone-y sounds with the guitar (especially in the quiet section after the first "verse,") that were done with an electric guitar played with an e-bow,- basically a little handheld magnetic device that lets you hold a note infinitely.

[@carpathianpsychonaut]

Would love Elizabeth to hit something like "In My Time Of Need" from their Damnation album. It's such a warm and gorgeous production and would be a great counterpoint for this one when it comes to Mikael's voice.

[@Wishpool]

I 💜 the Damnation album so much!!! The live performance from Royal Albert Hall in 2010 is incredible!

[@veronicarose4474]

Opeth's "The Drapery Falls" is probably my favourite song of all time, and it's from this album! Would love to hear your take and analysis of it. Thank you for everything you do for music and music appreciation ❤

[@jacek_poplawski]

I was waiting for "must watch" episode and here it comes :)

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Yay! It's an hour long, btw.

[@ryan_nstuff]

@@TheCharismaticVoice as well it should be. Opeth fans would have been disappointed otherwise. :D

[@DavidArcuri]

This is literally my favorite song in the world, and the first time I heard it 20+ years ago, sounded like nothing else I've ever heard, and it changed my musical tastes forever. I got goose bumps the first time I heard it, and every time I've heard it since then.

[@kbredstar529]

this is my all time favorite Opeth record AND song. when my son was an infant and i was an 18 year old, my ex wife would try to put on music for him to sleep to, he'd wake up crying without fail no matter what she'd put on, til finally i just put on the music i listened to, Opeth, and he slept like the literal baby he was all night. it makes me wonder if the same parts of an infants brain activated by classical are also activated by prog/death metal.

[@julien2231]

I know that my daughter likew when i sing rock songs to make her fall asleep haha. She is 5. I listen to rock/prog/metal etc. And she likes it all.

[@DrSkeff]

It was the same with my eldest son and Neurosis. Great band!

[@darrinrebagliati5365]

I think it's a lot to do with what you listened to while your child was developing in the womb. Another possibility is that heavier music makes a better use of the drums that is closer to a heartbeat.

[@TheVadrigar]

I used to put my daughter to sleep with Ghost of Perdition. I think it's the distortion in metal that reminds babies of the womb. That's why white noise works also.

[@joakimskurk]

Metal is quite close to white/pink noise, therefore they found it soothing because it is similar to the sounds of the womb. 🤘 Edit: Saw the other comments after I posted. 😅

[@kaem2018]

I first heard Opeth from one of your videos, the Ghost of Perdition one. It was a few years ago, now they're my #1 favourite band, I have their merch and stuff, thank you!!

[@donaldglaser7686]

That was the first Opeth song I heard on Sirius (before XM) back in 2005 or so. It's been a fun ride going both directions through the catalog.

[@The13thblade]

@@donaldglaser7686 My first listen took me a while. Didn't realize the band I was listening to. They are so good. 1998.

[@mehdi_gh8797]

Not only you paused one of the best breakdowns on a song ever, you did it twice, and I felt physical pain each time

[@bertberw8653]

Yeah, but she's doing this as a vocal analysis and a little bit of music theory on top, it's not supposed to be her emotional reaction to it, so there's no need for her to be paying attention to that

[@ericmahr9445]

Me too lol

[@dustin6528]

Too many stop and starts

[@stevensorrell1625]

Fair enough. But she is trying to understand.

[@MrTelorix]

Yeah she is not a metalhead so she wouldnt understand a good breakdown from another or a killer riff. How she is not headbanging is beyond me, even my Ex who hates metal digs this song. This youtuber is only focusing on one instrument at the time and pauses hundreds of times, so she cant see the whole picture of how it all connects. Thats unfortunately holding her back

[@TotalDESSSS]

Quick drum lesson for Elizabeth: fast double kicks isn't a blastbeat. Blastbeats are when kick and snare alternate really fast.

[@BaerndXP]

Thanks for the comment, I was just about to write basically the same. Blast beats is a figure of 16ths notes, usually 16ths in tempos faster than 150 bpm, where kicks alternate with unison snare-/cymbal-hits (traditional blast beats). All variants of blast beats all have one thin in common: fast snare 8th notes in combination with kicks and notes on the brass. As far as I know, Martin Lopez never played bastbeats with Opeth. First Blast beats appeared in "the Lotus Eater", played by Axe. Right?

[@BrofUJu]

​@@BaerndXP correct. And blast beats don't have to alternate kick and snare either, a lot of the old school black metal was just kick, snare, hi hat all at the same time super fast

[@BaerndXP]

@@BrofUJu That's what I meant with "variants". My detailed description was meant to be for traditional blast beats, but the Hammerblasts, from your description, of course exist, alongside bombblasts, diarrhea blasts and so on, and all variants have snare hits with at least 8th notes speed in common (gravity blasts even faster). :)

[@nikolausherrmann6801]

A little Fun Fact. The Song and the Album were named after the obscure german Band Blackwater Park, who made one Album named Dirt Box in 1972. Cool Hardrock btw.

[@gabriellema4208]

Discovered that band a couple of weeks ago,one of those "this YT vid leads me to this one, and then that one" affair. After listening to the whole record I needed more, so googled it to find out their discography (sadly just that one album) and then discovered Mikael took the name from there, made sense.

[@nikolausherrmann6801]

@@gabriellema4208 i knew many Metalmusicians, who really love the so called Krautrock between 1969 and 1979. Music with no Boundaries and extremely full of Creativity. If you like this you should check out the Bands Wind (Dear little Friend), Birthcontrol (The Work is done), Jeronimo (Timeride), Nightsun (Living with the Dying) and many more. This is a deep Rabbithole.

[@Knutterbife]

And that band, in turn, took the name from a book, "The Woman in White". Lol

[@Zagadochnost]

@@Knutterbifevery interesting book, by the way 😊

[@wickedlester68]

One of the most talented bands in the metal genre for years. This record was their best in my opinion and very glad you picked something off it. They create such a mood in their music.

[@gj4312]

"Do you want the sounds to be cool or the words to be clear?" Mikael: yes

[@IllustriousCrocoduck]

Opeth isn't my absolute favorite band, but if I could only listen to one band for the rest of my life, it would be Opeth.

[@dustin6528]

🤔

[@AxelordSMIJES]

​@dustin6528 beat me by 4 weeks, lol. In my head: "well, wouldn't that sort of make them your favorite band by default, then?" 😅

[@IllustriousCrocoduck]

@@AxelordSMIJES no, Opeth is just exquisitely well-rounded and dynamic. They have no bad or boring songs, and they have no single sound.

[@dustin6528]

@@IllustriousCrocoduck 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@GrunkleBearnison]

YES FINALLY MORE OPETH 🎉🎉🎉

[@petsounds3612]

LEPERSSSSSS COILED BENEATHH THE TREEEEEEEESSS

[@DuskPatrol]

The fucking best

[@Vaishino]

I absolutely love the chunky bass that's very audible in places in this track.

[@christianwilhite83]

One of the best songs, off the best album, from the best band....ever! Thank you Elizabeth for returning to Opeth! Haven't seen a comment on this yet, but Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) was heavily involved in making this album as well.

[@AlecBrownBurr]

This study is a powerful illustration of the value of an open mind. I think a lot of people associate elitism with opera singers and other classical styles and it completely warms my heart to see you expose yourself to and embrace metal and and the community around it. Because of your open mind and inquisitiveness we're now seeing professional researchers take an interest in this artistry and I could never have imagined such a fantastic outcome from someone who was initially just broadening their horizon. Thanks for everything Elizabeth!

[@bcebere]

New Opeth, and he is growling again. 😁 The nature is healing

[@jeffbudd7678]

Just saw this uploaded, havent watched it yet but HOLY HELL I am hyped to see this video! Blackwater Park is one of my favorite albums of all time. Cd, double cd, original vinyl, 10th anniversary vinyl and the 20th Anniversary LP are all in my collection. Monsterous album. Love this era of Opeth. Thank you Elizabath for visiting this mandatory listen!

[@bradlong7651]

I'm so happy you're doing this. I was lucky enough to see their BWP 20th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall, it was absolutely amazing. I highly recommend watching the entire thing, it's available. ❤

[@samstrolia]

Opeth holds a very special place in my heart, like I could perpetually exist alone with just their songs to keep me company

[@benibear2995]

I have always felt that Opeth takes me on a journey flying over a slowly changing musical landscape, from sweet green rolling green hills, slowly changing into a deep dark forest then to the gnarliest mountain crags to the gates of mordor and back into a sweet meadow... There is no other band that can paint these vistas so vividly in my mind when I listen to it.

[@ryukan250]

Would love to see you interview Mikael on your channel! The man is a living legend and a funny down to earth guy. Good banter.

[@RaveEpic]

This is one of the best songs ever created. Finally you've done it.

[@alpollol1079]

Amazing! I've been hoping for the longest time that you would return to Opeth once again. They always manage to capture this hauntingly beautiful atmosphere with their unique soundscapes; they certainly deserve more recognition. I hope that we can get more Opeth in the future (hint: The Drapery Falls 😉)

[@1danwynn]

You're in your element with this one, Elizabeth! A 12 min progressive metal masterpiece. You seem very much yourself when analysing it. Awesome stuff. And another great piece of music you have introduced me to. I've heard Opeth, but not this song. So, thank YOU for bringing such magical worlds within our reach! ❤

[@LegendaryGauntlet]

The main masterpiece of a masterpiece album composed by genius musicians, executed to perfection. Final lyrics give me chills every time.

[@andrebaptista8284]

Do more OPETH! They have SO many good songs! I think vocally it would be more interesting for you to analyz the songs where he sings more and screams less (even though this is also one of my fav Opeth songs! I love your channel! Your energy and expertise are amazing! Keep em coming!

[@guitfidle]

I'm watching this at 10:45 AM, so I'm drinking coffee and working. Opeth is one of my favorite bands BTW. I think it would be pretty awesome to have Elizabeth listen through the whole Watershed album, it really works well as a continuous piece, even having recurring musical themes.

[@msulima33]

My first comment on your channel under the video. The best Opeth album with one of the best songs Mikael ever written. Thank you for these long video, this was a beautiful journey.

[@alpha_waves]

You summed it up perfectly Elizabeth - "Shockingly Beautiful"

[@zweifdawg]

Love this song so much, it was great to see you break it down. The best lines in the song: “Lepers coiled beneath the trees Dying men in bewildered soliloquies” and “Sick liaisons raised this monumental mark The sun sets forever over Black Water Park”. They get me amped every time! Keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@marksummers666]

This album - and this song in particular - made me fall in love with harsh vocals. Mikael's sound is so buttery smooth. Those growls (and the low guttural swamp burp!) are like my meditation. Steven Wilson produced this masterpiece of an album. And there is a live DVD from this tour called Lamentations where you get a good look at Mikael's mouth shapes and technique.

[@blppt]

The transition from the distorted electric guitar to the acoustic, playing that awesome riff, is one of the best transitions (if not the best) in metal.

[@aaronclift]

You’ve selected the title track from Opeth’s best album. I’m sure you’re going to be blown away. Be sure to check out Porcupine Tree as well. Steven Wilson (the leader of Porcupine Tree) produced “Blackwater Park,” and you can feel his style on the album’s songs like “Bleak” and “The Drapery Falls.”

[@mvunit3]

Its funny, I think she is familiar with Steven Wilson, but I don't believe she has reacted to his solo work or Porcupine Tree 🤔. Or she hasn't for awhile (Porky Tree?).

[@opethdan2408]

Drapery Falls is one of my favs

[@aviduke]

Great songs from this album

[@Metallicazor]

except still life is even better, unbelievable i know

[@td601]

@@Metallicazor Agreed

[@geoffdanielson3265]

I think the best performance of this is the Royal Albert Hall performance. The vocals without doubling, raw and live make that last line "the sun sets forever over Black Water park" just live with you.

[@marwanmohamed877]

Roundhouse is the ultimate version

[@IlIlIlIlIlIlIllIlIII]

I think Watershed has the most interesting songs from a vocal standpoint. The Lotus Eater is insane with the growls over the less hectic instrumentals interchanged with the clean vocals over the more hectic instrumentals. Although Still Life is their best album.

[@donbernardo9039]

Along the road exploring harsh vocals, bring Mikael in for an interview! 😉 He seem like a lovely bloke that happens to be a musical genius!

[@partom24]

The Drapery Falls!

[@WishForTheNight]

Hungarian minor/Double harmonic minor (Opethian scale) they seem to use quite often. This is one of their most awesome songs and they rarely play it live. Love the looong reaction, the song deserves it.

[@AlfredSoul]

The part about listener's brain activation and possibly muscle activation was fascinating, because of course I have an idea in my head about how sounds would be produced, were I, somebody who never sings, to sing the songs I'm listening to, but have never thought of it in this way. Especially in the context of the link to psychology. Gotta say, now I'm really stoked for this research!

[@JayDraperTMD]

Axis of Awesome's Four Chords is the ultimate music theory meta-reference for the four chord progression in pop music.

[@baalzamon6187]

She's slowly getting closer to listening to Novembers Doom (if you see this listen to their song Still Wrath)

[@pranakhan]

Fond memories of this album, which came during a difficult time in my life. Thank you for bringing it back to me, so I can hear it through new ears

[@svperstar]

(for you gaming people) the middle part is so Diablo-esque, i love it

[@Bobbias]

Absolutely, it really feels like the Tristram theme from Diablo. Which incidentally is also a beautiful piece of music.

[@jsc315]

I really love your enthusiasm and energy you put into these videos. Thank you

[@bradlong7651]

If you want a magical musical journey, You need to listen to Alcest - Les voyages de l'âm, it's beautiful. And incidentally I saw them the same night as Opeth, they've toured together.

[@ems7448]

Sooo many Alcest songs Elizabeth could listen to. "Sur l'océan couleur de fer" is beautiful as well, almost like a metal-esque lullaby.

[@astrolopitekos]

Opeth 🤝 Steven Wilson That intro with the lead guitar giving that ambience behind the rhythm guitar + bass ❤

[@syntheticsleep]

It's been over 20 years since this came out and I'm still blown away every single time. The way this track in particular is able to create imaginal landscapes in your mind is 100% magic. I hope you take the time to listen to the whole thing a few times and really experience that journey. I know that other people have probably let you know that this was produced by Steven Wilson, but you should, for fun or for the channel, DEFINITELY watch the Anesthetize live show as well as the live Opeth concert called The Roundhouse Tapes which has a top-tier live version of this track. The whole thing is great, though, and would be a fantastic journey through their old catalog for you.

[@Ermz]

30:10 . If you ever want to bounce ideas or get an insight into how vocals like this are produced, you're very welcome to get in touch. I've been producing metal music for my entire life, actually kicked off by a stint on Opeth's online forum back in the early 00s, and am happy to share what we do in this industry to make these records sound the way they do.

[@Novakiller]

So glad you’re down with Opeth!!! Top band for me! I love the long reactions best because it’s always a great song and we will learn a ton! 🤓😎❤️‍🔥😈🤘

[@johannes6075]

Your reaction around 20 minuites (about 2:45' in the song) was the exact same when I heard the song first. I even teared up a little because I love those gorgeous harmonies soooo much and your facial expressions portrayed that so well. ❤ You were talking about emotions (through the different shapes of vocal expression in harsh vocals)... what did YOU feel? Obviously harsh vocals are associated with negative emotions or are supposed to portray that. Well...I feel just pure joy. With waves of shivers running down my spine. Did I mention that I love Opeth? 🤣 PS: I'm extremly hyped about your scientific approach to the creation of harsh vocals. Gigantic Kudos to Will Ramos to have allowed undergoing this procedure. So much respect for him. How are you planning to proceed the research? Other singers doing the same tests? Oh... I just think about Devin Townsend... how excited would I be to see the results of him.... I myself work in the medical branch so I can strongly relate to the technical aspects of those tests. Such a great idea to even consider doing research in harsh vocal production. I'll stop now! 😉

[@damianstark5362]

It's like they're tearing apart a Phrygian scale and sewing it to the backing for a Blues -scale blanket.

[@givemeajackson]

That is a shockingly good description 😂

[@dmitryowens]

Blues scales work well with diatonic minor scales.

[@aaronbevinsnerdcentral]

So excited for the new Opeth record, as Mikael is bringing back his growls...such a talent all round. Watching this takes me back to first hearing Opeth back in 1999.

[@dnic.b]

You did some Opeth before? Didn't know. Opeth is my favourite band - love these guys

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Yup! Harlequin Forest and Ghost of Perdition, but it was 3 years ago.

[@garibaldiburymore6721]

@@TheCharismaticVoice would love to see the cleans era also get some love too; recommend 'Folklore' from 'Heritage'

[@akarm5000]

Burden and Porcelain Heart are great ones as well.

[@linusfotograf]

@@akarm5000Coil too

[@michalp.1484]

omg! I haven't heard Opeth for years, I've even forgotten how great they are! You've reminded me that. Thank you 🥰

[@lundaaa]

This album changed my musical taste forever

[@michaelclements5793]

Mikael Åkerfeldt is a genius. Perhaps future generations won't speak of him as we do of Mozart or Chopin, but they might speak of him as we do of Prokofiev or Stravinsky. They should.

[@dangotorres]

Elizabeth, you GOTTA listen to Heir Apparent from Opeth's "Watershed" album. Some of Mikael's best vocal work of all time is heard on THAT song. Thanks again, Dango Torres

[@chriscoote2690]

Got to lead into it with Coil though…that would be an amazing analysis…

[@dangotorres]

@@chriscoote2690 yeah definitely

[@jimmybekis7823]

Yes. Watershed.

[@mariand.1087]

@@chriscoote2690 Agreed. Coil into Heir Apparent is a must.

[@bennyws4083]

Now that you have done opeth i think you would like mastodon 🤘🤘

[@chriscoote2690]

The Last Baron!

[@bennyws4083]

@@chriscoote2690 hell yeah. Or just something of crack the skye, it's a 10/10 album.

[@impulse020]

So Happy to see the return of Opeth! Your initial reactions to them were what got me hooked on your channel!

[@joebrezel]

*Elizabeth* They have a professionally filmed show live at Red Rocks here on KZbin. I'm sure watching that will give you a more clear idea of how the singer's doing what he's doing.

[@hollowthere3850]

More Opeth makes me happy! Blackwater park is one of their best songs and brings back great memories!

[@misfit4777]

The acoustic breakdown and following section are some of the best music pieces I've ever heard in my life. I'm glad you covered this. It's been a favorite of mine for many years. Opeth is amazing live, too.

[@Kwisgaar]

I would pay you to react to this whole album! 😂

[@parrydox.gaming]

Idk how I missed an Opeth song on this channel. Opeth & Mastodon FTW Opeth songs are done so well in general but how they sound and feel when listening with headphones on is unbelievable. Opeth songs will always make your brain tingle as you go on a magical journey.

[@kevinhassid8928]

Check out "Serenity Painted Death" by Opeth. Has some of the best guitar playing you will ever hear.

[@gregburcham1911]

Awesome band and song aside for a moment, the first few minutes of this video are why I love this channel so much and are a perfect reminder how Elizabeth has such a beautiful musical mind and talent to flesh out and reveal the incredible nuances and creativity in these songs. Long live music nerds. Now, just like Elizabeth, I'm gonna go play that part back again, and probably once again after that.

[@Ermz]

This is a glorious track from the heyday of Opeth's career. The production was a crossover between Steven Wilson and Fredrik Nordstrom - both extreme heavyweights in their prime working with a band in their prime. Glad you gave it the time it deserved.

[@MKCasu-dm5gv]

This song is the actual essence of the word ambient, and it has the single greatest closing line of all time

[@kitrt]

I've developed a habit of smiling whenever I see a new video title with one of my most beloved songs (of which there are lots on your channel). So thrilling to see someone experiencing those emotions that I once did. The only thing that could top this is experiencing those things with someone in person

[@venrakdrake]

There are a plethora of Scandinavian bands that are a MUST! Katatonia - July In Flames - Take This Life (pretty please!) Dark Tranquility - Misery's Crown Edit: Can't believe I forgot SOILWORK - Nerve! All 4 of those do BEAUTIFUL cleans and screams!

[@robertbrooks9805]

Dawn of Solace as well.

[@Agostoic]

Haven't she done Katatonia by now? 😮

[@mvunit3]

Soen Soilwork Pain of Salvation In Mourning Evergrey Cult of Luna Vintersorg Scar Symmetry And for extreme (with progressive elements) . . . At The Gates Darkane Gardenian Edge of Sanity Vildhjarta Meshuggah . . . to get a taste of various extreme vocals (I KNOW others will also pick many old school Death Metal bands too).

[@CandyOnAChopstick]

+1 for Nerve!

[@arcticus4758]

Such a ridiculously epic tune. Opeth have been my number one band for about 20 years now and Blackwater Park (the album) still stands up as arguably their greatest achievement (my personal favourite is Still Life but I'm a sucker for a concept album). This song caps off the album in the best possible way, it's so visceral and brutal but still has those moments of ethereal beauty that Opeth are so damn good at. I really love the lyrics to this song as well - it paints a dark and disturbing picture of some sort of sick wonderland of death, and the music takes you on the journey through it. So many classic lines - "Lepers coiled 'neath the trees / Dying men in bewildered soliloquys" has to be one of my favourite couplets ever. Thanks so much for taking on this behemoth and I look forward to the next one.

[@Bobbias]

I've been waiting for this since the last time you covered Opeth. They're one of my favorite metal bands, and Blackwater Park is often considered their best album. I would love to see you interview Mikael.

[@Dinugujon]

I can listen to Opeth all day every day. One of my all time favorite bands

[@metalafro]

We need Paradise Lost - Darker Thoughts and Katatonia - July. 🙏

[@przemysawgrzymisawski6971]

I'm affrraid about the lenght of the analysis 'Black Rose Immortal' ;) My first Opeth song.

[@opethdan2408]

OMG yessss!!! Titan of a track by a goat band. I can't to watch this reaction ❤

[@logankerlee1988]

Stoked beyond stoked that you did this song! I fell in LOVE with Opeth ages ago and this song was a big part of the reason why. :)

[@anygues2834]

Their live performance at Shepard's Bush in London is AMAZING