Opeth

Opeth is a Swedish progressive metal band from Stockholm, formed in 1989 by Mikael Åkerfeldt. The group began as a death metal outfit, characterized by aggressive guitar work and harsh vocals. Over time, Opeth incorporated melodic passages, acoustic sections, and longer, more complex song structures, evolving into a hybrid of death metal and progressive rock.

The band released a series of influential albums in the 1990s, including Orchid (1995), Morningrise (1996), My Arms Your Hearse (1998), and Still Life (1999). These records established Opeth’s reputation for dynamic contrasts, concept-driven storytelling, and intricate compositions. Blackwater Park (2001) brought broader critical attention, while Deliverance (2002) and Damnation (2003) presented a deliberate contrast between heavy, riff-driven material and softer, 1970s-inspired rock.

Ghost Reveries (2005) and Watershed (2008) solidified Opeth’s position in the international metal scene. With Heritage (2011), the band pursued a renewed focus on 1970s progressive rock influences, a direction continued on Pale Communion (2014) and Sorceress (2016). In Cauda Venenum (2019) continued their exploration of varied textures and expansive arrangements. Lyrically, Opeth often explores mortality, nature, spirituality, and existential themes.

The group has undergone multiple lineup changes, with Åkerfeldt remaining a constant creative force, and they have toured extensively worldwide. Opeth is widely regarded as a pioneering act in progressive metal and has influenced a broad range of bands across metal and rock.