Artist: OPETH
Album: MORNINGRISE RE-ISSUE 2017 (DIGI)

Year: 1996/ 2017
EAN/UPS: 00602557247671
Media type: CD

For an extreme Metal album, 'Orchid’s presentation, the album cover simply bearing the flower of the same name, proved deceptive. Once past the packaging, fans revelled in a labyrinth of sound, discordant song structures and apparent chaotic structure. Guitars ranged from crunching Death Metal to lilting acoustics, the bass took on an uncharacteristic prominence, percussion was more in keeping with freeform Jazz whilst vocals took on many tongues, from blackened howls, gut wrenching growls to ethereal pure tones. So confusing was this assembly that in the mastering process tracks were misplaced, with the closing segment of ‘Requiem’ mistakenly tacked onto the beginning of ‘The Apostle In Triumph’.

Gigs followed in the Spring of 1995 including a London Astoria show alongside VED BUENS ENDE, HECATE ENTHRONED and IMPALED NAZARENE. OPETH’s second album, 'Morningrise' produced once again by Dan Swanц and released in June 1996, was an exercise in oppressive malaise, a quintet of equally morose, lumbering leviathans imbued with near impenetrable poetic filigree. The album left reviewers either perplexed or in awe whilst existing fans lapped up the twenty minute 'Black Rose Immortal', detractors cruelly labelled the band's Progressive Rock persuasions as "boring". 'Morningrise' promoted with a support slot to MORBID ANGEL in the UK and to CRADLE OF FILTH in Europe. Following these dates both Nordin and De Farfalla made their exit. Perservering, Еkerfelt pulled in a brand new rhythm section of Uruguayans bassist Martin Mйndez and ex-AMON AMARTH drummer Martin Lуpez, both members of REQUIEM AETERNAM.

This latest incarnation of OPETH cut the 'My Arms, Your Hearse' album, described as a "third observation", during the August and September 1997. The band chose a fresh location to have their art "absorbed by the electronical devices", utilising Fredman studios and employing the production team of Frederik Nordstrцm and Anders Fridйn. 'My Arms, Your Hearse' was delivered to the public in August 1998 and further UK live action saw supports to CRADLE OF FILTH in December 1998, shortly after which the band signed to new label Peaceville Records. This union resulted in the self-produced album 'Still Life', hammered out at both Fredman Studios and Maestro Musik during April and May 1999 being ushered out in October. Heavier than previous outings, the album benefited from a brighter sonic value and criticism aimed at their meandering approach to songwriting saw tracks cut down in length.



TRACKLIST:

1. Advert
2. The Night And The Silent Winter
3. Nectar
4. Black Rose Immortal
5. To Bid You Farewell

Bonus Track:
6. Eternal Soul Torture

LINE-UP:

Mikael Еkerfeldt (vocals / guitar)
Peter Lindgren (guitar)
Martin Mendez (bass)
Martin Axenrot (drums)