OPETH Vinyl & CDs

Review: The third album from the Swedish prog-metal auteurs served as their first endeavour following the replacement of drummer Anders Nordin with Martin Lopez, while proving that their newfound departure into ethereal waters weaved around their reliable gothic death metal machinations was no mere one-off. Distinguishing itself from its seminal predecessor, Morningrise, by restricting all tracks to below the ten-minute mark (an accomplishment for a group notorious for their eschewing of brevity), the expansive tracklist which includes fan favourites such as 'Demon Of The Fall', would cement Opeth as leaders of a new artistic nuanced form of prog-death which they have continued to refine over the ensuing decades since.

Review: As one of the leading lights in European prog metal, Opeth have come a long way since they first appeared in the mid 90s, but as with all totemic bands, it's fascinating to travel back in time and remember where it all began. For Opeth, it started with Orchid, which was signed by Candlelight without the band even having recorded a formal demo. The strength of their potential shone through from rehearsal sessions, and the resulting record showed off their prowess in two-part guitar harmonies, Celtic rhythms and sweeping, epic arrangements punctuated with moments of powerful metal. Now Spinefarm have reissued it as a double LP pressed on red, translucent vinyl - one for collectors and newcomers to the world of Opeth alike.