The Classic Metal Album Reviews:
Title: Orchid
Artist: Opeth
Label: Century Media
Release Date: 1995

Rating: 5 Skulls

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    • Hel's Review:
    I struggled with choosing the album to represent Opeth's first review in the classics section. Clearly, both of the albums eligible for the honor, Orchid and Morningrise, are worthy. Both are incredible albums. But Orchid came first, and undeniably, with this album, Opeth indelibly made their mark on the consciousness of the metal community. Therefore, this will be the subject of our discussion.

    While none of the tracks rises to the epic level of Morningrise's "Black Rose Immortal," which clocks in at a staggering 20:14, two of the tracks, "Forest of October" and "The Apostle in Triumph," exceed 13 minutes in length, no small feat for a band's debut effort. But more important than the length of the songs, each song is an amazing work of art, a mind-boggling combination of incredible songwriting and sheer musicianship. With Orchid, Opeth clearly stepped out to stake their claim on their own special corner of the metal world.

    This release set forth their intent, and Opeth has continued to build on this important cornerstone, continuing the trend began by this record all the way through to Blackwater Park, their most recent release as of this writing. Opeth has so far been a band with a strong vision and a respect for the importance of their past work. "In Mist She Was Standing" was included in their set the last time I caught them live, as were tracks from every other album they have released.

    This is just a small part of why Opeth is a noteworthy band. Their astounding songwriting ability and prodigious talent as musicians are the driving force behind everything Opeth have done to date, and I anticipate the same levels of quality and character to continue in their forthcoming efforts as well. For from their very first release, Opeth have consistently produced five skull material.
    5 out of 5
    HEL  Email Hel

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