Third Studio Report On Drum Recordings Available From Opeth
Band Photo: Opeth (?)
Opeth released a third studio report on the upcoming new album "Sorceress," which will drop on September 30th via the band’s own Nuclear Blast Entertainment imprint label, Moderbolaget Records.
In the clip, Martin "Axe" Axenrot shares his experiences with the drum recording process of the band's twelfth studio album.
The track list for "Sorceress" is:
1. Persephone
2. Sorceress (song streaming here)
3. The Wilde Flowers
4. Will O The Wisp
5. Chrysalis
6. Sorceress 2
7. The Seventh Sojourn
8. Strange Brew
9. A Fleeting Glance
10. Era
11. Persephone (Slight Return)
Check out the clip here:
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9 Comments on "Opeth Posts 3rd Studio Report"
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Former Contributor
4. writes:
I'd say we're more openly aggressive about it than passive aggressive :)
I'll admit to a certain level of jaded ex-lover feel towards Opeth, but I'd defy anyone to give an acceptable explanation of how these three albums are metal and NOT retro rock. Even the band isn't calling itself metal anymore, using the phrase "experimental heavy-rock pioneers" in press releases.
Opeth is even about to go on tour with an acoustic version of The Sword. It's too a point where we honestly shouldn't really be covering the group anymore, but only do out of respect of what came before.
Member
5. writes:
You might want to look up passive aggressive, as my comment was pure sarcasm. It was hardly my best comment, as it was a knee jerk reaction to the stuttering and shifty eyed interview that Axe gave (hence the teleprompter reference). This is one of the few comments where I haven't been respectful of Opeth or its members.
And the retro rock moniker that xF adds to some of the Opeth articles has a lot of truth to it.
FACT: They don't even call themselves metal any longer.
FACT: The record was recorded in an old studio where Queen, Hawkwind and others recorded classic albums.
FACT: The guitar tone is warm and slightly overdriven - not typical of modern progressive or metal acts.
FACT: The drum tones are also muted and have the wet 70's sound - noticably different than anything Martin has laid down with his other band Witchery.
Sure sounds like retro and rock to me.
Another comment on Axe's drums. DW drums come from the factory with the shells note inscribe inside. These drums were made for an open, singing, musical note. Admittedly, tuning preferences are nearly as unique as a fingerprint, but to get this older vintage sound out of modern DW drums takes a fair bit of work.
Member
6. writes:
What Opeth is making is progressive rock. Are they using elements used from the 70s rock bands? yes they are. Does that mean it's retro? No it does not. It's a matter of intent. If Opeth said we are going to make our best 70s album, then yes call it Retro Rock. However, Opeth is simply trying to evolve their sound and go into new territory, which is progressive. What upsets me more is that by that horrible term "retro rock" many metal acts would fall by the same classification. My issue with a lot of metal music is that there often little progression going on and in fact many bands seem to make the same album over and over again. That's not a metal problem, it's more of a general issue with music. However when a band like Opeth, who was so deeply rooted in metal, dissociates with that world, it leaves many upset. I understand that. I own every single Opeth album and have listened to them a countless number of time. Blackwater Park, Deliverence, Ghost Reveries and MAYH are my favorite albums of theirs. Yes it took me a while to get into the new sounds when I first heard Heritage. But like many great bands/artists, change must come (see Floyd, Bowie, Beatles, etc.).
In short, MetalUnderground is no longer the central hub for Opeth discussion, which is difficult because usually Opeth news articles revive the best and most frequent comments. They are not metal anymore. Like Riverside and Steven Wilson, Opeth is a prog band that uses metal here and there. Anathema is another example of a radical change. A once Doom Metal band that now makes beautiful music resembling Radiohead more so than anything the Doom community is producing.
DJ: I didn't mean to go after you. You often have great insight on this sight and we have a lot more in common in our metal tastes than differences. I don't post much on this site anymore but I visit this site daily and love seeing great music discussed. I was grumpy yesterday and in the mood to spark another huge Opeth rant :)
Member
7. writes:
No worries at all, PTF. I was feeling a bit cranky as well when I typed my 1st comment. I also enjoy reading your comments, so I agree that we have a mutual appreciation for each others viewpoints. (Good, glad that we got that double dutch rudder out of the way before things get awkward.)
This morning, I looked up some other interviews with Axe, and he has a natural stutter. So, now I feel like a douche for making fun of something he has little control over.
Regarding the retro/progressive moniker, I don't see Opeth's last three albums as progressive in sound or performance.
Sound: As I've already mentioned, the guitar tones, drum tones and even vocal harmonies all harken back 4 decades. There wasn't any new recording techniques used either. No new sounds or instruments incorporated in inventive or creative ways.
Performance: Nothing in how they are playing their instruments are different, evolutionary, or unique from anything that has been established for 30 if not 40 years.
I'm no guitar expert by any stretch of the imagination, but nothing in any of the performances makes me wonder "How did he pull that off?" Mendez's bass playing is competent and complimentary, but I wouldn't call it exemplary. He has done so much better. The vocals are good but are more novel than new. The lyrics also are largely personal and don't cover any new ground or do anything to earn a progressive label. And finally, the drums don't have any creative or progressive licks or grooves. Axenrot is a good player. I am not saying that is bad by any means. The man has chops, but his performance doesn't check any progressive rock or metal boxes. No odd times or complex rhythms, just solid grooves with fills at the end of the bar line.
In effect, without explicitly saying so, they have implied that they ARE trying to make their best 70's album. Opeth's evolution is a change in sound, but it doesn't cover any new territory (maybe only for them). Mikael has stated in interviews his disaffection with modern metal and his appreciation for his classic progressive rock heroes. He is a known aficionado for those older obscure bands, and holds them head and shoulders above current music. This has taken a logical (subconsciously or not) role in his songwriting.
With all that said, I don't begrudge Opeth for going in this direction. I've gradually realized with Watershed, Heritage and Pale Communion, that I personally don't care for the musical camaraderie of Akerfeldt and Akesson, nor do I crave Axenrots capable playing. I miss Peter Lindgren and Lopez in Opeth. Neither of those line-up changes were Mikael's choice and he and the remaining members did the best they could. But, to me it has left a void that has yet to be filled. Opeth has every right to continue down whatever path they chose, but it sure sounds to me like an homage to 70's progressive rock, than being authentically progressive.
Member
8. writes:
I will grant you that the drums are not impressive, contrast to when Lopez was drumming. One thing my favorite artist, Steven Wilson (as if you couldn't tell), has always been able to do is find amazing drummers. Gavin Harrison and Marco M. are absolute beasts behind their kits. Sadly the drums on the last Opeth records are more like filler.
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1. Drum_Junkie writes:
Note to Mikael:
Let your drummer read the teleprompter script a few times before pressing the record button. That way he'll be more comfortable with what you want him to say.