Ghost Reveries (Special Edition/+DVD) [Digipak] - Opeth

Advantages: amazing musicianship, beautiful songs/vocals
Disadvantages: sucks to be you if you don't have this CD already!

...Opeth just seems to get better and better with every album they put out. Ghost Reveries is excellent from the minute it starts all the way until the end. Anyone familiar with Opeth's unique approach to songwriting and musicianship will not be let down with this album. It is intensely heavy and dark throughout and also is soft and melodic when it needs to be. The production quality is top notch on this record and the overall tone is subperb. The album kicks off with the classic Opeth death metal style with "Ghost of Perdition" and soon progresses into a very groovy progressive song with great breakdowns and acoustic parts. The album continues on with a couple of great heavy/progressive songs. Hours of Wealth is one of the most beautiful pieces Opeth has ever done and will bring a tear to your eye. I would recommend this album... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Possibly their strongest release to date, well produced
Disadvantages: Lacks acoustics, nothing else

...Opeth are one of my favourite bands on the planet and have had a huge influence on the way I listen to music and the way i play and compose. Ghost Reveries is latest release, and their first since signing to new label Roadrunner Records. As with the previous release, Ghost Reveries is a death metal album and from just a short listen you can hear why Opeth are leaders in this genre. Signing to Roadrunner has only strengthened the band. They remain true to their work and have sold out to a more mainstream sound, yet the production is much better which makes the aggression and beauty of the music much clearer. Before the release of the album a 5th member was added to the band to add keyboards to the sound. This has increased the 'prog' aspect to their sound and added the 70's feel that you can feel in most tracks. Notable influences... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: magical
Disadvantages: steals your time and mind like a thief in the night

.... My first contact with progressive death masters OPETH must have been in late 2001 or early 2002, when I was recommended listening to their somewhat abrasive yet hauntingly atmospheric album "Blackwater Park". When doing so, I realized that there was something about the band which made them special and that they were really good at what they were doing. However, not being great friends with growled vocals, I could not really appreciate what they were all about. Things changed when "Damnation" came out, an album loaded with melancholic über-songs / rock-ballads featuring clear vocals only. "Ghost Reveries" finally bridges the gap. Here we find Mikael Åkerfeldt using both his growls and clear voice, assaulting instrumentals freighted with bleakness & angst as well as beautiful melodies trailing along in a subdued manner. Large... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful