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What kind of adjectives can I use that would describe Opeth; brilliant, dazzling, intelligent, intellectual or even beautiful? In the end these are all words that have been used before in any number of reviews and I believe they still don't adequately express the musical mastery that is Opeth. I am a new follower to the band as this was the first album from them I had purchased but the very moment I finished listening to this I was online ordering the entire back catalogue.

There are various stages you go through when listening to a Opeth album as I found out listening to Blackwater Park for the first time.

1. Appreciation - "Alright this band is good but what is all the hype about?"
2. Denial - "I bet this album has a few songs that aren't that good."
3. Stupidity - "Man, ten minute songs? I bet they will start to repeat themselves and seem to drag."
4. Ignorance - "I bet if I had the time and didn't have to actually work for a living I could write like this."
5. Realization - "Who the hell am I kidding? There is no way outside of divine intervention I could write songs like this."
6. Jealousy - "Man I suck at writing music. No wonder I work in a factory. I bet they sold their soul to the devil to be able to get this type of talent. They are all probably gay or have some horrible disfiguring disease or something."
7. Approval - "Damn, this band just kicks some serious ass!"
8. Admiration - "I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!" (Add falling to your knees and doing your best Wayne and Garth impression)
9. Bliss - "." (Your significant other walks into the room at the end of the CD and tells you to quit staring at the stereo like a moron and to close your mouth because you are starting to drool on the furniture.)

If you can't tell by now I kind of liked this album a little. From the opening track "The Leper Affinity" to the closing title track "Blackwater Park" this CD grabs your attention and takes you for a musical ride that you won't soon forget. The brilliance is forged by Michael Akerfeldt (vocals and guitars), Peter Lindgren (guitars), Martin Lopez (drums) and Martin Mendez (bass).

For those not familiar with Opeth I sincerely feel sorry for you. Oh yeah this is a review you may want some information. Opeth to me sounds like…. ummm….ahhhh…. Well kinda like….ummmm. There is nothing that I can compare this band to. They are in a class all by themselves that defies you to make comparisons. Technically speaking you could say they play progressive metal with alternating death and clean vocals but that just doesn't convey the heartfelt emotion that shines through not only in the vocal delivery but also through the music itself. This is plain and simple some of the very best music I have ever had the good fortune of listening to and I just can't wait to get that order to hear the rest of their music. I feel as though I already know what to expect and I am positive that I will love every minute of it.

Track by Track
What the hell are you doing still reading?!? Go buy this album already!!!

Rating
I don't care if it is the middle of the night! Wait out front until the damn store opens! No money?!? I don't care if you have to sell your Nana into slavery, buy this album NOW!!!

P.S. My Nana was not sold into slavery for the benefit of the purchase of this CD or its subsequent review. Thank you and good bye.