My first intention when I started this prog rock series was to stay the prescribed course by writing about progressive rock “sentimental favorites” such as Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Genesis, Yes, Asia, Emerson, Lake and Palmer etc. I soon surmised there are lots of articles already written about these bands. My prog rock goal shifted to music journalist(educator) to learn and share more about what has transpired in prog rock circles.
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Today’s blog post is about a band from Sweden named Opeth and the prog rock or heavy metal (depending upon your frame of reference) sub-genre known as progressive metal. Progressive metal is defined as a blend of heavy, guitar-oriented metal music enriched with compositional innovation and complex arrangements, usually expressed through diverse instrumentation and often (but not always) with odd-time signatures. Common, but not essential to define the movement, are the frequent use of keyboards, high-pitched vocals, concept lyrical themes and tracks of longer duration. Similar to progressive rock, progressive metal draws influences from other genres, such as jazz/fusion, ethnic, classical and symphonic music. Progressive rock pioneers such as King Crimson, Deep Purple and Rush are acclaimed as progenitors of progressive metal. (My thanks to the Prog Archives Website Progessive Metal Team)
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Staying linear with King Crimson, Steven Wilson and Opeth the intersection continues with Opeth’s 10th studio recording, Heritage which was mixed by Steven Wilson(who has played on as well as produced various Opeth recordings). I heard Heritage for the first time this morning . I was literally swept away by its warm tonality and lush heavy rock interludes.
A further point of intersection is initiated when Mikael Åkerfeldt collaborated with Steven Wilson to create Storm Corrosion. Storm Corrosion’s sound can best be described as ambient, epic, enchanting, and orchestral.[1]
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It was just announced that Opeth have been nominated in various categories at the inaugural Progressive Music Awards 2012 brought you by Prog Magazine.
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Opeth are nominated in the following categories open to public voting.
Live Event Category: Opeth at Brixton Academy 2011 CLICK HERE TO VOTE
Album of the Year Category: Opeth – Heritage CLICK HERE TO VOTE
Mikael Åkerfeldt has also been nominated in the Guiding Light category which will chosen by a carefully selected council.
Related articles
- King Crimson – Prog Rock (musicofourheart.me)
- Steven Wilson – Prog Rock (musicofourheart.me)
- Mikael Akerfeldt Discusses Evolution of Opeth, New Project Storm Corrosion + More (loudwire.com)
- album review of Storm Corrosion (self titled album) (thoughtofvg.wordpress.com)
- OPETH – Mikael Åkerfeldt Talks Being A Record Collecting Geek In New Video (bravewords.com)
- Interview – Fredrik Åkesson of Opeth (kssunews.wordpress.com)
Filed under: Heavy Metal, Music, Progressive Rock Tagged: Heritage, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Mikael Åkerfeldt, Opeth, Pink Floyd, postaday2012, Steven Wilson, Storm Corrosion, tidal Image may be NSFW.
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Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
