Opeth: Return Of The Growl

[@kahwigulum]

I believe in a thing called Opeth.

[@NicklasNylander87]

what do you mean with, "believe", exactly?

[@romeocosta5668]

Amen...

[@snaxon]

I see what you did there👈😆

[@DogTree2024]

A band I’ve followed for over 20 years - everything they do takes you away to a different place and multiple, multiple listens unlocks so much more. Really one of the best bands going.

[@Rkitt8]

WHOA, Justin reviewing Opeth?! This album definitely has a buzz around it. Well deserved. It is a masterpiece.

[@russellzauner]

they made the reaction video influencer list because it's on every channel "rappers hear opeth for the first time"

[@elon_bust]

@@russellzaunerit’s crazy how that’s like one of the most prominent ways that metal music gets promoted now

[@Hellacoptersfan]

Yep, all by design!

[@ArtHazard]

@@russellzauner hate those so much

[@immy_darkness]

Ian Anderson narrates the part of the father. And Mikael’s daughter voiced the “disembodied” voice which is supposed to be the ghost of a secret daughter with Polio (or something like that). I absolutely love that the growls are back!! The album sounds like a huge mash up of all of their previous styles, and I think you can definitely hear the influence of Mikael writing for Clark

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks Immy!

[@internetguy8075]

They got Ian Anderson on this?! That's so cool!

[@alibegg]

@@internetguy8075 he does a fucking incredible flute part on track 4 as well.

[@immy_darkness]

@@alibegg and I did a cover of the harp solo just before it (I uploaded it to my channel 😁)

[@Thefiremanfromtwinpeaks]

Opeth is simply the best at what they do. I will travel far to see them perform. They operate on a whole other level. Really a first class act.

[@DilganURikisNuni]

The call recall is Ian Anderson. He does multiple voice-overs in the record and has a nice flute solo on one of the tracks. Joey Tempest sings on one of the tracks, as well.

[@leilahamaoui3564]

A video about my favourite band of all time?! Yep, you've got my attention. 👀

[@HornThrowers]

Oh hi

[@leilahamaoui3564]

@HornThrowers I'm sorry, do I know you? 👀😂

[@MamPuia321]

never thought id see Justin review Opeth! i hope you do some more of their songs

[@AllofJudea]

I've seen Opeth countless times, including an acoustic show with porcupine tree at berklee college of music in Boston. Great, great live band.

[@JustinMcclung-g2q]

I saw them play damnation in portland. Was introduced to porcupine tree that night. They were playing gravity eyelids and I was like whT the fuck is this shit. Then the riff hit.

[@TayTheDay]

It's rare I love a new album this much on a first listen. What a masterpiece

[@Ian-zj1bu]

First listen today after putting it off... Hooked 10 seconds in! WOW!

[@RickMacDonald19]

It's interesting you mention ABBA and Scott Walker, both whom Akerfeldt has expressed his appreciation for.

[@richy_B]

Justin from The Darkness and Opeth...when two of my favourite worlds collide!!! Opeth have everything you could ever want from a band, and the fact they still keep making music this good is incredible! Love it

[@thefluxcapacitor1]

They say you should never meet your heroes. If your heroes are Opeth, then you should definitely meet them. I was fortunate to have beers with the guys many years ago, and they are seriously the nicest people ever.

[@RohannvanRensburg]

Man I didn't even know you had this channel, what a wonderful blending of bands I've listened to over decades! Who knew you'd be a fan. Smashing! Concept albums will never die, there's nothing as genuinely interesting or memorable in long format. I think most fans are happy about the blending of his incredible vocal development over the last decade plus the old influences, there's a reason we have "Oldpeth", "Newpeth" and then, finally: "Nowpeth".

[@chrisryan7283]

It's really rare that I love an album at first listen, but this one did it. Not one dull moment.

[@jonjackson5372]

This new Opeth album is the first one I’ve explored and I like the mix of clean vocals with death metal growls. What I’ve heard so far from it really captures my imagination. I still listen to albums, but then, I’m 60 years old. Cheers!

[@AllofJudea]

Oh, you have quite a back catalog of brilliance to check out! Every album is great but I highly recommend Blackwater Park and Deliverance

[@nietzscheente1271]

If you liked the new album i recomment you their albums 'watershed' and 'pale communion'. They have a similar vibe.

[@musicminds247]

Please check out their early catalog.

[@sarcophage]

I’m envious - how exciting to hear those earlier records for the first time! Dont miss ghost reveries (but don’t start with it)

[@aviduke]

The Blackwater park is albumn my favourite example of death metal screams with beautiful clean vocals. The songs have a tune despite being progressive

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

If I were ever to win the mega lottery, I'd pay silly money to have Justin be my evil hype man for a day.

[@MrFoffof]

Yep. I agree.

[@tracywilliamson4275]

You know.....I would do that, too. Maybe that's why I'm poor!😂😂😂

[@danielx555]

... for ... a ... DAAAAYYYY ....

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

@@danielx555 excellent growl 😂

[@st3ngah]

Scott Walker is a good shout, Mike is a big Scott fan

[@MistValleyGaming]

Opeth are legends. I got introduce to them (well, their music) around the time their Blackwater Park album came out (early 2001). It was actually their slowest hit on the album, Harvest, that drew me to listen to them. So i do appreciate their more melodic side. That said, I was a huge fan of their album Deliverance album, one of their heaviest albums ever (the live DVD was AMAZING!). Haven't listened to them much since Watershed ('08), still think Blackwater Park and Deliverance are their best works, along with lesser lights like Still Life and My Arms, Your Hearse, but I will definitely be checking out their new album. I am blessed to have had some musician friends as I grew up, mainly metal guys, who introduced me to all the wonderful music/bands from Europe that most people in NA never got/get to hear.

[@damichoo]

I liked your funeral story. Uncontrollable laughter at inappropriate times is so relatable. So patently human.

[@musiconyourowntermspodcast6128]

Loved them for decades. Great album, loving it so far. Also love the fact that Bill Bailey is friends with the band and has used one of their songs as intro music.

[@geoffkinch6581]

I've loved them since Blackwater Park. Always breathtaking and brave in their work. Waddaya mean no one listens to concept albums anymore? That's my next album ( or the one after next) 😂. Love your stuff Justin. As usual you're a joy to listen to. ❤

[@muppetjoe870]

I'll always love Opeth and am a fan of everything they put out. One of my favorite bands to see live ❤

[@fathuman]

Opeth are truly an astonishing band. I often try and recreate their songs in my DAW to try and learn and its so much work! All the MIDI drum programming with all the ghost notes with barely any repetition for more than 4 bars at a time. Figuring out all the chromaticisms in their guitar parts. All the layering that's going on in the production. Sections that change every 2 seconds. Its a slow and arduous workout let me tell you. And as Justin pointed out, the fact that they're putting out a concept album in an age where nobody buys albums is yet another auteur move where they blissfully eschew all commercial considerations.

[@andrewgillis8572]

i have the word for this: edifying - so casual a presentation one almost doesn't notice the revelations Justin makes

[@deller79]

Love this tune. Gets better every listen. Love the Major change in the middle. Really like the sound of his growls, clean vocals also great, crazy melody…..And also love Heritage ✌️

[@jessyjessy451]

Hey Justin! Stopping in to say it's thanks to your reviews I've found some great new bands, even saw one of them live a few weeks ago!!

[@L4DNS]

I fell out of love with death metal and thought that id never get back into heavy music. But all it took was another hard knock and the anger flowed free lol. We can never forget who we are...

[@mikecrepps5211]

Thanks!

[@progperljungman8218]

He's not abandoning anything, he's just picking up the growls again to enhance the current development of his writing. Great video! ❤

[@rupe82]

Hell yea! So glad you've finally reacted to Opeth. Incredible band 👍

[@dr.kennethspeers8014]

Justin Hawkins likes "Heritage"? Something I never thought I'd hear, maybe I assumed that bit. I love heritage.

[@AMushroomEnthusiast]

Love mikael akerfeldt. His stuff with bloodbath is incredible aswell. His harsh vocals from 99 to 05 will never be beaten. Love his prog rock era too. He just ticks my boxes

[@TheSyl63]

His growls on watershed were peak

[@Zelgadis82]

I believe the fest was Rock the Coast! I was there and both Opeth and The Darkness rocked pretty hard!

[@YeahResident]

Wish I could meet Opeth. They're my all-time favorite band and I've seen them live 19 times.

[@cyclopscataract]

Please check out "Why?" by Devin Townsend, Justin.

[@TheTobesOfHades]

Reviewed as only Justin can do. I like all periods of Opeth and am looking forward to hearing the entire album.

[@dantheman2907]

You're pretty spot on about the inheritance. From the song §7: (Narrated) "As part of paragraph seven, I bestow upon you both A number of artifacts of immense personal value to me Wearing the family crest I hope they can serve as a reminder of the fragility of heritage" "Effectively, these heirlooms are in essence worthless Still, I consider them a token of my innermost sympathy Pass them on to generations to come"

[@TheSyl63]

Nylon swimming trunks 😂😂😂

[@stevemuzak8526]

This album is like a movie. Really epic stuff. 9/10

[@marcot4863]

Martin Lopez one of the best drummers ever in my eyes . I lost all respect for opeth after they sacked Lopez replacement after a decade of being their drummer,all because he refused to take a jab

[@GMHG777]

@@marcot4863 youre way off bro, first of all you are referencing Martin Axenrot, not Lopez, who left due to medical issues and Axe replaced him. What were the band supposed to do ? Never tour because Axe wasn't willing to get the vaxx ? So those other guys give up their livlihood because Axe made a decision not to engage in the only way he could keep his position ? Axe made his choice, Mike and the rest of the guys owe him nothing at that point.

[@duartelucas5746]

@@marcot4863How so? They said he basically disappeared. “Ghosted us” were Mikael’s words, this last week.

[@nectarinedreams7208]

@@marcot4863 I lost all respect for him and gained more for Opeth when they got rid of him. Good riddance.

[@nectarinedreams7208]

All good prog albums are.

[@catherinehoy5548]

You have such fun with this vocalising, I love it. :)

[@SsickMusic]

Props to Opeth for doing something different and to you to give them visibility

[@Notlost-lj9qt]

Loved the song and his voice. It is very cool that they made this concept album. I feel that there is a certain group who will get into the story or theme, and others can still find a song that they choose to listen to more exclusively. As an aside, your intro was especially melodic today.

[@antonb348]

A great return to form. Mikael sounds so good here, the growls are nice and guttural. Fan since 2001 🤘

[@arto2533]

When did they go out of form?

[@radicalstanza3614]

@@arto2533 15 years ago. Steep drop-off.

[@360Fov]

Opeth are the type of band to absolutely be using the real deal Holyfield synths.

[@p1aa.xx.]

OPETH OMG THE AMOUNT OF TIMES IVE ASKED FOR THIS!!

[@cath3638]

I definitely agreed with your review as I understood it. I particularly liked the reference to your family's penchant for leaving thick nylon swimming costumes in their wills.😄

[@ib777]

I love you Justin! Thank you for talking about one of my favorite bands, which can con coniugate so well poetry, melody and brutality 😄 the growl of Mikael is the only one I actually appreciate and can listen to, and I LOVE his clean voice. But above all, Mikael is an outstanding composer and the band's mastermind. In a single word: a genius. And in his case, that's not an overstatement.

[@MrMickthemonster]

G'day from Canberra Australia Justin. Long time darkness fan from the first time is it just me played on late night rage I was hooked but if I could share my fondest darkness memory would be any one of the Canberra gigs but when you busted that handstand on the stand at groovin the moo.......that was craaaazy

[@philipjennings3490]

Good day to you one and all!

[@Ilikewhiskey2112]

Opeth is the greatest band of the past 30 years. They’re more than silly growls. Don’t overlook them based on that. Thanks, Justin for reviewing such an awesome band.

[@Rkitt8]

HAIL OPETH. This album is brilliant. I’ve been a die hard for for 22 years, this might be their best ever. Not my favorite, that belongs to Still Life, but this is the zenith of their ability and Mikael’s songwriting and vision.

[@hartyewh1]

I for one enjoy your Smeagol growls and expect to hear them on your next record👍

[@phantomechelon3628]

Justin's delightful silliness is in complete contrast to the darkness (pun intended) and heaviness of the muic being revewied. As someone who still loves Blackwater Park to this day, I'm glad Mikael has rediscovered his growl. His clean vocals are amazing, but I've always wanted Opeth to get back their heavier, darker edge. Also, as Justin noted...holy shit there is a LOT of stuff going on in that track. Very dense and proggy. Fantastic!

[@madjock-ig5bv]

Spoken word stuff is done by Ian Anderson from Tull!

[@hichaelhyers]

is he growling a bit here too? 😂

[@tomtomthebear]

You can hear mikael’s love of Scott walker in the cleans to this song ❤

[@lithTech1]

It will be great to watch your review of other songs from this album. May be digging into lyrics more. The album is a instant masterpiece

[@paulbreslin2263]

That was the best performance of your opening song in a long time. Clean ! ROG sounds like a great new genre of music! Or PROCK !

[@MeChoonChannel]

Thank you for naming the band in the title. Love this channel. You're thinking of 'prog rock by the soggy bog' btw

[@OyvindBjorgo]

Mikael's voice is a lot more operatic on this album. I highly recommend listening through the entire thing, as there is a pretty huge musical range on it.

[@NZWozza]

New album was great. Always love your humour and insights on these listens.

[@mariozenarju6461]

Two weeks ago I've been tinkering with methods for converting stereo to surround, and on Monday I'll finally buy the CD to give it the treatment it deserves. It has so many moving sounds, it's criminal for it to stay in two dimensions.

[@martinclayton7260]

I pre-ordered this album as soon as I could, I have it now, and it's amazing.

[@l3mp3]

Great song, great review.. would be cool to do some of their older stuff

[@paulhancock]

Opeth are one of those bands you cannot believe you didn't know about sooner (certainly the case with me and most of my friends!). I've always been a big QOTSA fan, 70's rock and heavy metal generally... So when I did eventually find Opeth, they automatically became one of my favourite band. The first time I ever heard them was when someone recommended the Red Rocks Amphitheatre gig, and the opening track 'Sorceress' blew me away as a live performance. Really special band.

[@Crinklechip-s]

Mikael has said he was channeling Scott Walker on this album. Its a new approach for his vocals. His singing voice isn’t naturally that low. I think its great.

[@evankelly3834]

Most underrated music writer/composer ever ,no style is unapproachable in a opeth song

[@danandersson7768]

You nailed the Scott Walker reference. Both him and David Bowie were a huge influence on the vocal style for this album.

[@naruvida1]

The world's best band - for time and eternity

[@PimpMasterT]

The Opeth aura from your intro was *chef's kiss*

[@danielx555]

I love your analysis of how the vocals become eviller and eviller with a hype man.

[@honigdachs.]

That album is absolutely incredible.

[@raquelsnt]

I liked the way you did the two voices 😊 I've noticed that you've sent David to the bench. Poor guy!

[@yurivogensen5438]

Great album! Loved your reaction.

[@Crooked_Rhyme]

It's like they're revisiting parts of their past (growls/heavier guitar tones) while pushing the prog even further. I dig it. And I also believe in a thing called Opeth

[@viammortis]

Haha Justin Hawkins and Opeth, whoda thunk it.

[@taraschneider6115]

Not my bag but I can appreciate the great musical talent & the story telling. The video is compelling too.

[@em83bass]

I'm still indecisive between 'I love it' and 'I really want to love it'. There is no doubt that it's a strong album and Mikael Akerfelt's voicals are excellent, both clean and growl. Musically there's no need to state the obvious as they're absolutely masters. The album has incredibile peaks and flatter moments but I'm sure it's not my final opinion. I'll just fuck off and listen to it again and again. Thanks, Justin! I'm pleasantly surprised you've reviewed the new Opeth. \m/

[@markrichardson8378]

There new album is a stunner,also next year,am seeing opeth in Manchester, followed by ,the darkness in York a few weeks later.

[@DuncYo]

THE HOWL OF LOOORE 😂I love this album already from just this small few second clip

[@eweng903]

Second mic for the JHRA acoustic guitar is a colossal upgrade, and will improve the clarity of the vocals and the guitar in the mix. As discussed before, death growls were invented by John Entwistle of the Who on the song Boris the Spider, so no surprise that Opeth might re-embrace that rock vocal style. Dancing to prog metal is a varied thing, with some sensibly headbanging and others engaging in a strange form of freestyle dance or air guitar. Joakim Svalberg does indeed have an impressive collection of vintage electronica. In terms of bringing the Queen guitar sound to prog metal, that is largely down to Dream Theater.

[@kalaalefaio5108]

Spark-sy!!! Perfect!

[@mrmale9985]

Just herd that bell end song you did pal. Cracks me up every time! 😂

[@Mr.Bowling]

Really surprised that you covered Opeth. I just listened to the album myself, it is incredible and a wicked return to form. I think Mikael is kicking ass, and it feels super tight.

[@Lisan_al_Gaib710]

i saw them in concert after Watershed dropped and it was glorious. i haven't been to a concert since but i think it's time for another round.

[@keezee3828]

Prog Metal cannot get better than Opeth! 🤘Thanks for the very entertaining reaction, Justin!

[@Purpledream.]

Whoa 😱 Reviewing My favorite band alongside Deep Purple !!💜 must be dreaming 😩

[@TheBlackcredo]

I have some thoughts. First of all, Opeth are my favourite band. I love every era of them and think they are one of the few bands incapable of making a bad album. This might surprise you, but the 'hype man' vocals were done by Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull who features prominently on the album, including some flute parts. I agree about Mikael Åkerfeldt's voice. His death metal vocals are top tier, but also his singing voice is incredible and has only got better over the years. And I think a very underrated guitarist. Have you heard the album he made with Steven Wilson of the progressive rock band Porcupine Tree called Storm Corrosion? It's an incredible bit of experimental prog and the last song, I think, is one of the most beautiful songs ever made. Honestly, I think you have in you the ability to make a great prog rock album. Also, I'd kill to own a vintage mellotron.

[@oleksiistri8429]

not all music is made for dancing, some yeah, probably most - yeah, but some for contemplating, for exploring something new, some for shock value, some for sex, there is even a music for sleeping, when people come to a club, pay money and many matraces scattered all over the floor and people just sleep there to the electronic drone/ambient music, i am not lying, you can find it on youtube.

[@andreasnewitsch59]

Thanks for the introduction to this band. Like I said i must be living in a cave im so far behind on all the different music out now.

[@rinl.6924]

Everyone saying they suck now or he's too old to do the harsh vocals ... understand that if the artist isn't happy or isn't doing the art they feel they need to do at the time they write an album and just do what they know will sell-it's no longer art ... it's just not as genuine. I wouldn't expect Mikeal to want to make something that he doesnt genuinely feel happy making. This is why Opeth is one of my favourite bands. I am still waiting for the teased idea of Mikael and Devin Townsend teaming up. They talked about it during the Red Rocks concert.

[@AB-fh9zh]

What a team up that would be. Musically and comically.

[@JeffTiberend]

That would be epic. What about Opeth and Lorna Shore? That could be interesting.

[@rinl.6924]

@@JeffTiberend i only mention devin and mikael cause they both actually mentioned it together in an interview. honestly mikael with anyone would cool ... loving the track on the new album with the flute player from jethro tull was kinda cool.

[@JeffTiberend]

@@rinl.6924 For sure. Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull is just amazing.

[@The13thblade]

Yes!

[@arto2533]

"The last will and testament...of father"...is about the last thing I ever expected to hear with growled vocals. Like this song, the whole album is super chaotic and all over the place, but gets better with each listen. Loving it by now.

[@Avliv_Satan]

I quite like this song and this album, I was pleasantly surprised, not only by this return to form but also the fact that Mike Portnoy is back in Dream Theater.

[@SiGhast]

They just released a track-by-track and Mikael specifically named Scott Walker as an inspiration for the low singing in §1 (that and basically doing it as a form of acting). His fascination with the man is not undocumented, but still, you couldn't have nailed it any harder.

[@plaguedguy85]

I love it! Opeth is a masterpiece of a band!

[@TwoandaHater]

There is nothing wrong with liking Heritage or Sorceress albums.

[@HåkonOdinsson]

Great albums!

[@jesseward3121]

Heritage is a top 5 Opeth album.

[@Dontgankmeplx]

Was it Rock the Coast in Spain you were talking about? I was there and remember your set! You fell over trying to do a handstand hehe 😂

[@DuncYo]

I can’t wait to hear this new Opeth album …most new Opeth albums mean playing tracks 1-2-3- again & again …

[@stevefromlondon4949]

Bloody hell, Mendez and Vayrynen are the absolute beasts on this album, never mind the growl.

[@mimilini1]

That opening sounds a lot like Rush!❤