When “Ghost Of Perdition”, from 2005’s Ghost Reveries album, kicks in you know that you are in for a special ride. “Under The Weeping Moon” has long standing lead singer, guitarist Mikael Akerfeldt on typically mesmerising form. Ranging from death growls through to ‘clean’ vocals the next, he possesses an undeniable stage presence and charisma.
His trademark introductions are included and sees him characteristically entertaining the audienc, never more so than when he introduces “Under The Weeping Moon”. This one dates back an astonishing thirteen years to the bands first album Orchid released in 1995.
The well chosen set list which delves deeply into their past should please most, if not all. Next up “Bleak”, from their fifth studio album Blackwater Park, gets an immediate reaction as anything from that album no doubt would. The beautiful and familiar opening of “Face Of Melinda”, from 1999’s Still Life, gradually unfolds into a lavish Opeth soundscape.
“The Night And The Silent Water”, from 1996’s Morningrise, switches from dark to light effortlessly. “Windowpane” the 2003 single from their impressive and highly regarded release Damnation follows. It was an album that represented somewhat of a shift for the band and remains a high among the many highpoints.
They round off the main set with the amazing “Blackwater Park”. Guaranteed to get any crowd going, the Roundhouse one needs little encouragement. This is the epitome of the multi layered drama that Opeth can create.
The band reappears and gives us a Zeppelinesque “No Quarter” backing as Mikael introduces the band, and indeed himself. The drama of “Demon Of The Fall”, from My Arms Your Hearse, brings this comprehensive trip through the band’s history to an end.
Since this concert was filmed Opeth have released the Watershed album. This is a welcome addition and sits well alongside 2003’s Lamentations DVD. No fan of Opeth would be seen dead without it I guess.
Please read Aaron Fleming’s review of this DVD, or Chris Beaumont’s review of the earlier double CD album. Also, make the time to visit Opeth’s official website.
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