“Over the past few years ever since I started listening to all forms of rock music I have come across innumerable bands in this universe of drugs, booze and rock n’ roll. But there are a few bands that continue to enthrall and surprise you with the kind of music they play. Majority of the bands have a set style of playing and the variation in the songs disappears over a certain period. But one band that has continued to keep you wanting more is Opeth.
I came to know about this band from Rohan who used to put the lyrics in his status messages on messenger. Out of curiosity I checked out the music by the band and was surprised with the variety they played. I mean most of the bands who play Death and Dark Metal are usually typecasted with the same form of music. But Opeth, can give you those growling vocals and at the sametime give you sheer poetry. How many bands have you heard who do that? I have heard Testament do one song Return to Serenity, but thats about it.
If my memory serves me right then the first Opeth album came out in 1995 and its been more than 10 years now since they’ve been around. But the music still doesent satiate your curiosity. Take the lyrics of Face of Melinda (Album: Still Life):
By the turnstile beckons a damsel fair
The face of Melinda neath blackened hair
No joy would flicker in her eyes
Brooding sadness came to a riseWords would falter to atone
Failure had passed the stepping stone
She had sworn her vows to another
This is when no-one will botherAnd conceded pain in crumbling mirth
A harlot of God upon the earth
Found where she sacrificed her ways
That hollow love in her faceStill I plotted to have her back
The contentment that would fill the crack
My soul released a fluttering sigh
This day fell, the darkness nighI took her by the hand to say
All faith forever has been washed away
I returned for you in great dismay
Come with me, far away to stayEndlessly gazing in nocturnal prime
She spoke of her vices and broke the rhyme
But baffled herself with the final line
My promise is made but my heart is thine
Who writes such lyrics? For all I know most of the new Death Metal (or Black Metal as they call it) bands do not anything apart from hatred and blood and demons in them. Now people will argue that if you want poetry then do not listen to Death Metal. But music as genre was never about the lyrics. Genres are decided on the basis of the music that goes with it. Death Metal is just a fad that rockers have. All of them. There was a time when I wouldn’t take anything but Deicide and Cannibal Corpse. But those really seem like such a waste now.
To all those who havent heard Opeth yet, all I would say is go get a CD! Here are some strong recommendations:
- Still Day Beneath The Sun
- Patterns in the Ivy – 2
- Face of Melinda
- Benighted
- Harvest
- Death Whispered A Lullaby
- To Bid You Farewell
Technorati Tags: Opeth Metal Rock Death Metal”