haha I remember that. the cassette days. and when still life came out with face of melinda, so many hardcore fans swore off the band forever. yup nothing changes.
@@danglingondivineladders3994 Yeah, that reminds of Metallica being accused of selling out as early as Ride the Lightning, mainly because of Fade to Black.
Many of you make me sad, and I know I should not read these comments, but as a musician it makes me sad when people want an artist to regurgitate the stuff they have already done. Its like a painter having to paint the same damn thing again and again and is FAKE to do that. This is the evolution of a musician and the current band and I am blown away by it artistically and I don't say that very often. I just wish you got it too, if not that is OK too. Just don't expect people doing this for over 20 years to do the same fake redone stuff and bow to your expectations, I am sure he would rather do nothing than go backwards.
+Raymond Desrosiers I've missed out on the entire evolution until just discovering them about a month ago. I like the old stuff but simply love the newer. I played in prog band in the 80's and we never came up with anything close.
It's not fake if it comes naturally from within. You don't expect your wife to turn from a religious person into a satan worshipper just because it would be fake to be religious all the time, do you? Two albums are never the same, natural progression is to be expected both in relationship and being a musician but you don't turn from straight to gay just because you want to evolve, do you? People regress when they get older and because of that they die. Being youthful and energetic is not going backwards. People also regress after they start getting money, take take it too safe, life gets too nice. For me Blackwater Park is their greatest achievement but it's not to say the 4 albums before that were the most important for me. I can appreciate the acoustic album and this one and I think Åkerfield is a genius but it doesa affect to my liking towards the band. If I had kids it would be different because after a man becomes dad he starts to produce female hormones and basically becomes a woman for 2 years. So he becomes boring, feminine, likes "love songish" music etc. I'm basically reliving my rebel years again and I want that Orchid kinf of rage again. Life is not nice, after all =)
Guy above me is using some retarded logic... but I agree with you. Their evolution is amazing and inspiring. Surely a band that will last for a long, long, time.
Mika Salinto I just use glasses, no straws. You maybe a complete bullshit arguement with no merit, and with no understanding of the actual band. Apparently not knowing why they're doing cleans in the first place. Maybe try collecting your thoughts, and reformulating them. Otherwise it's garbage. Satanism, is a religion first off. Pretty sad I have to say that. Second, albums can definitely sound the same, plenty of bands never push their sounds. Some people like that, others don't. Opeth has had pretty consistent changes throughout their career yet people still whine when they continue to evolve. I won't even touch the rest of your post because it gave me cancer. 0/10 would not read again.
6:20 - 8:59 That is so wonderfully dark. Has a Ghost Reveries vibe and such a foreboding atmosphere. The outro from 9:00 is beautifully cathartic - they really haven't lost their ability to do that. Wow.
Yeah, hell breaks loose just because some people notice a massive difference between old and new Opeth and don't hold them in the same regard. For me It's not about lack of growls or even heavy guitar. Damnation puts that asinine strawman theory to bed. I also don't 'hate' the new Opeth, I just don't find it captivating anywhere near the level they used to master. If that's 'hate', IDGAF. I don't care what a band did in the past no matter how good, I will never become a sycophantic fanboy to pretend for everyone the new stuff is always awesome, let alone the same as their previous material and otherwise continue to blow the criticism out of proportion like many of these commenters can't help themselves from doing.
You are right my friend! In fact I would go as far saying this is the song you let your friends listen to as an introduction to Opeth's universe. (A universe so vast)
Moon Above, Sun Below Opeth MOON ABOVE, SUN BELOW LYRICS You are sleeping unhampered by guilt Comes the morning you shut down The devil's breath is a disease on your lips Reaching out for your loss You prey on your flock Seeking out the weaker hearts With eternity in your grip And on a lifelong throne of sub-religion They will eat from your head Your head..... With the moon above and the sun below - x4 I can't remember the sun upon my skin Slave to a sorrow that is whispering within I'm always waiting for you before I sleep There is no comfort in the distance that we keep In a river of grief I am drowning And your grip is surrounding my heart Balancing on the edge of failure And relieved, should I fall Scattered dust upon my eyes A winding road taking you nowhere A winding road taking me home And my home is my grave Waiting for a day when there is nothing left to say Voices of despair is a familiar friendship A society in your head holds the code to destruction Dying fast Summer dying fast And this can't last, as nothing ever lasts In a forest of flesh There is a need to sever myself away from happiness Still no drifting sun Black upon the earth Still the air is dry And the locust wait Ah......... No, No, No - x2 There is no help in the wake of our needs There is no help to dispel the pain There is no help still some cling to a phantom There is no help Ah......... No, No, No - x2 Only circles on the water - x4 Only circles on the water (softly) - x2
People need to realise.... the old Opeth albums still exist. This album doesn't delete them from history. I hate the faux outrage at Opeth simply making music that they want to make.
@Zedrik Allen I just saw them Tuesday and about half the set being their heavier tracks. Deliverance was the final encore song and all of it was amazing.
Lyrics: You are sleeping unhampered by guilt Comes the morning you shut down The devil's breath is a disease on your lips Reaching out for your loss You prey on your flock Seeking out the weaker hearts With eternity in your grip And on a lifelong throne of sub-religion They will eat from your head With the moon above and the sun below I can't remember the sun upon my skin Slave to a sorrow that is whispering within I'm always waiting for you before I sleep There is no comfort in the distance that we keep In a river of grief I am drowning And your grip is surrounding my heart Balancing on the edge of failure And relieved, should I fall Scattered dust upon my eyes A winding road taking you nowhere A winding road taking me home And my home is my grave Waiting for a day when there is nothing left to say Voices of despair is a familiar friendship A society in your head holds the code to destruction Dying fast Summer dying fast And this can't last, as nothing ever lasts In a forest of flesh There is a need to sever myself away from happiness Still no drifting sun Black upon the earth Still the air is dry And the locust wait There is no help in the wake of our needs There is no help to dispel the pain There is no help yet some cling to a phantom There is no help, only circles on the water Only circles on the water
I didn't appreciate this album to the degree that it deserved when it first came out. Coming back 5 years later and this album has aged like a fine wine. In my opinion, it trumps both Sorceress and ICV. So cohesive with fantastic production, soundscapes and songwriting. This song was included in their setlist when I saw them live and it made me remember how much I love this album
I wasn't able to listen to this when it was released, but after picking up a lot of mellower occult bands like The Devil's Blood, I find that "Pale Communion" speaks to me now. Opeth was just ahead of where I was going, preparing the way.
agree. I was a bit upset with the new direction.....but musical tastes change, bands experiment and evolve. It's just that way it is and they have done it beautifully.
What a journey of a tune. Damn! Something about that last sustained vocal note and then the final chord comes to embrace leaves me practically wanting to tear up.
I see you posted this thought 7 years ago.I'm betting by now you are steeped in OPETH's catalogue of work. Interested to hear your thoughts on OPETH now.
Opeth tiene la facultad de hacer lo que le de la gana!! El que quiera escuchar el metal mas bestial lo puede hacer...el que quiere escuchar las mejores baladas lo puede hacer...el que quiere escuchar rock progresivo lo puede hacer...y todo de la mano de la misma banda!! es algo que solo Opeth lo pudo hacer.....cuando te das cuenta que Opeth es la mejor banda de la historia hasta la vida ves de otra manera!!! GRACIAS MIKAEL AKERFELDT / GRACIAS OPETH!!!!!!
If you are a fan of Opeth and you dislike any of their albums to the point of cursing them on the internet, then you are immature and prepubescent. They keep getting better, and this album is a testament to their unique music prowess and creativity. They are the most talented and skilled band I have ever listened to (my opinion) and I will continue to listen to them and love every second of it. Now on the other hand, why anyone wants to call names and insult people for no reason other than having poor eardrums beats me.
To all those who complain about Opeth having lost something : you are wrong! Opeth is a progressive band from the very beginning. You may not like it, but this is the truth. You may have liked Opeth when they were more metal. Now, open your mind and enjoy. This band is not declining.
If I were on a deserted island and I was only allowed to listen to one band for the rest of my existence. The answer would be so easy!! OPETH!! This band just do it for me, I don't know what it is. But I've been listening to these guys for years and years, yet I do not get tired of thier music!! I will love this band till the day I die. Mikael, Fredrik, Martin, Axe, Joakim. I love you.
What the hell is up with the comments on this board. Anyway, this song is seriously one of the best ones I've heard, easily the best of the otherwise brilliant album. Listening to it kind of makes you feel like you've uncovered some truth about the world, and not many songs achieve that. Thanks a lot for the music. As a side note, to all the negativity that's going on, are you seriously asking a musician to write what others want to hear, and not what he himself wants to write? That's pretty selfish.
This is one of their most eclectic albums. I've very pleased with them. I hope they get more nutso with this prog sound of theirs; I'm really digging the evolution from Heritage. Love you Opeth!
I do like the new album, but I would not call it one of their most eclectic. Blackwater Park had Metal, Prog, Folk, Classical, Jazz and a small amount of blues. This one is mainly prog with some metal and some folk in my opinion. It's still fairly eclectic but not as much as classic Opeth.
noobsmustdie453 The drumming and the bass are on a different plane of existence, here, with more emphasis on harmony at the same time than any other Opeth record. Definitely their most eclectic. Throwing a bunch of styles into a blender isn't eclectic. I mean, I understand and believe Mikael now when he says they have their own sound. I hear nothing but Opeth here.
I love how in the description it says: "Lyrics: Coming soon" 😂 Lyrics 😁: You are sleeping unhampered by guilt Comes the morning you shut down The devil's breath is a disease on your lips Reaching out for your loss You prey on your flock Seeking out the weaker hearts With eternity in your grip And on a lifelong throne of sub-religion They will eat from your head With the moon above and the sun below I can't remember the sun upon my skin Slave to a sorrow that is whispering within I'm always waiting for you before I sleep There is no comfort in the distance that we keep In a river of grief I am drowning And your grip is surrounding my heart Balancing on the edge of failure And relieved, should I fall Scattered dust upon my eyes A winding road taking you nowhere A winding road taking me home And my home is my grave Waiting for a day when there is nothing left to say Voices of despair is a familiar friendship A society in your head holds the code to destruction Dying fast Summer dying fast And this can't last, as nothing ever lasts In a forest of flesh There is a need to sever myself away from happiness Still no drifting sun Black upon the earth Still the air is dry And the locust wait There is no help in the wake of our needs There is no help to dispel the pain There is no help yet some cling to a phantom There is no help, only circles on the water Only circles on the water
After listening to Opeth for 10y and all the albums dozens of time, and knowing a bit of music theory, this might be the best Opeth song ever released to me. Pushing boundaries in an incredible way
Love Opeth since the beginning...Opeth make me love death metal...i was also a big prog fan...i have a immense respect for their musical progression...Opeth never deceive
I will never stop listening to Opeth, they manage to inject so much character into their masterpieces. Every song is a journey and i absolutely fucking love that.
The album is definitely a grower. I couldn't stand it at first, as happened with Heritage which I still do not like. Two months after, I can't stop listening to Pale Communion, this track especially is a masterpiece.
This song is as good as anything Opeth did in the past. Just amazing. Vintage keyboards and organs bring something more to their music. Keep it up on The Sorceress guys!
As good as a song like 'Harlequin Forest' on the Ghost Reveries album, you're completely delusional if you think that this song comes close to that...lol, no, hell no, truth is, PC is a disappointment, it's a really weak sounding album.
Caesar Kakutougi I disagree with you. But hey :) I'm a prog and jazz fan so I appreciate a lot more atmospheric music. Growling is really noy my cup of tea.
The sheer depth of soul & unbridled creativity combined with endless talent & passion not to mention incredible diversity of style displayed so consistently by Opeth never ceases to amaze me. The most multifaceted ensemble I've ever heard. Magnificent.
This is fucking amazing. Yeah it's not death metal or it's not even near metal, it's prog rock, it is a goddamn awesome song and if you can't see past the fact that it's not heavy you should pluck your ears out. I'd be glad if they combined this style with their old style of growling, distortion etc. Even if the songs need to be longer or atleast one with these elements in.
The section that begins at around 2 mins in, it is like a mid-Spring or early Summer walk in a Northern European broadleaf forest next to a lake, it has such a vivid soundscape quality. I like how they've written 'Pale Communion' to be much brighter than their previous efforts.
LYRICS: You are sleeping unhampered by guilt Comes the morning you shut down The devil's breath is a disease on your lips Reaching out for your loss You prey on your flock Seeking out the weaker hearts With eternity in your grip And on a lifelong throne of sub-religion They will eat from your head With the moon above and the sun below I can't remember the sun upon my skin Slave to a sorrow that is whispering within I'm always waiting for you before I sleep There is no comfort in the distance that we keep In a river of grief I am drowning And your grip is surrounding my heart Balancing on the edge of failure And relieved, should I fall Scattered dust upon my eyes A winding road taking you nowhere A winding road taking me home And my home is my grave Waiting for a day when there is nothing left to say Voices of despair is a familiar friendship A society in your head holds the code to destruction Dying fast Summer dying fast And this can't last, as nothing ever lasts In a forest of flesh There is a need to sever myself away from happiness Still no drifting sun Black upon the earth Still the air is dry And the locust wait There is no help in the wake of our needs There is no help to dispel the pain There is no help yet some cling to a phantom There is no help, only circles on the water Only circles on the water
Still in awe at the sheer majesty of this absolute masterpiece! And the very end 10:08 the piano with the almost ethereal vocals just takes you to another place. Opeth is it's own art movement. Brilliance.
*My opinion/comments: Well-done "Observation" as Mr. Akerfeldt insists his albums as referenced as such. Opeth will always be a musicians band. ~This album feels much groovier and polished than was the Heritage vibe, which I felt was not too much more than a bridge. ~If memory serves, being mostly classically-trained, my ears receive evidence that the desire to effectively 'orchestrate' this album (much like Nightwish or Therion wanted to involve more and more layers without necessarily making the music more complex) was a primary goal... ...the songs are filled with fluidity, and juxtapose each other rather simplistically, yet with much beauty, as is evident on the above 'observation'. Many catchy and well-written riffs permeat Moon Above, Sun Below; as they maintain at least a few songs 10+ minutes long in true Opeth style. +However, I can't deny that I miss the authenticity of the metal they once provided so magically different than any other band of their genre and heyday time. **That being said, this album flows well and has enough fluctuation and thought behind its instrumental writing/production to entice many musically-talented brains and musically-minded ears. *I should make mention of my feeling of loss of lyrical 'motion' in this album, yet not-so-much in this song. Yet I am much less moved by the lyrics, but still very much in-vibe with the tunes. **BEGGARS NOTE: Please -- Make us one more crunchier album, Mik! Put Opeth "Back in Bleak!" Your fans want it and you know it...sooo,throw us a heavy ass bone of badassery and blistering vocals; lest at least invest/promote Bloodbath more or something! Love you all and rock on! No matter my comments, I cannot write with your artistry...I dig it!
Keff 912 Mikael already said that he left the death metal era and doesn't want to make death metal or growl anymore... Just get over it and enjoy the new Opeth era or go listen their earlier albums... Mikael is the kind of musician that doesn't really care about what his fans want to get audience, he makes the kind of music he wants, regardless of whether people like it or not, he knows that regardless of the type of music he does, he will always have at least one fan that can appreciate his process of musical evolution more than his current musical style... (Sorry for my english, I'm a native spanish speaker)
I love the lackluster and lack of growls because that's why Mikael is so progrssive. Just let him know that whether he does care or know or care to know, but he has found that fan that will never define him but realizes the beauty of someone who paves their own road and does not do things right, but does the right things.
Honestly, people keep talking about wanting them not to change, but it's still the style Opeth has aquired over the years. Just because it's not Death Doesn't mean you can't like it. Otherwise, you just don't like Opeth like you think you do.
Mikael's voice is one of the most beautiful voices in the world and I love Opeths older stuff and newer stuff. Luckily for me I am able to appreciate change in a band much loved like Opeth because they have earned my respect.
I was very critic with the change Opeth did with old records... and I had never been so wrong. I'm listening the post-growl albums nowadays and they are what I always liked from Opeth style.
The high uality of the mixing reeks of Steve Wilson. Slightly quiet but clearer than crystal. I feel like I am sitting in on a live recording session even listening to a youtube bitrate. I have the vinyl on a solid system with a proper needle and it transforms this entire album into a religious experience. Only gripe is the subtle noise at high audio levels but that is most likely the pressing fault, not recording.
All these people complaining are so pathetic. This album is absolutely beautiful and incredibly deep and moving, and that's coming from someone who loves Still Life and Blackwater Park to death. Grow up people, seriously. Opeth have always been and still are amazing. Keep writing wonderful music, Mikael.
Okay, the mirrored screen effects on this video are even cooler than the ones in Eternal Rains Will Come; the birds taking off in the water in particular was an amazing shot. I don't understand how anyone can dislike this music; complex song structure, variety of moods, some really reflective and sad-sounding interludes, solos hardly paralleled elsewhere, etc. Folklore was probably the fan favourite on Heritage (and yes I agree that Heritage was relatively weak), it looks like they totally took that direction here. Great stuff.
People always find something to hate or dislike, just human nature. Can't satisfy everyone, so satisfy yourself and that's exactly what Opeth has done. From the start, no fucks given. If you like it, good. If you don't, too bad so sad.
This song hits me at so many different emotions. Truly a great reflection of the evolution of Opeth's talent. I enjoyed Opeth's progressive metal, and I enjoy even more their progressive rock. Erik Axenrot's ghosting on the snare sends wonderful vibes throughout the entire song. Masterful comping.
What a dark, yet beautifully layered and complex song! I thought the same thing when it came out, and listening to it again after a few years just drives home the same thoughts.
Like it or not, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Stop bitching about the old Opeth vs the new Opeth, it's the same Opeth. Their old albums are still there to listen. They have taken the direction they have decided to and they have the right to do so, to keep the name and do whatever they want, it's their intellectual-artistic property and we can decide whether we like or not, whether we consume or not. There's no need for passionate arguments based on our opinions (taken as facts most of the cases). Artists are obligated to take risks and follow their hearts and inspiration. We should respect that. Musicians aren't jukeboxes who should play and compose by the caprice of the public, they are artists who have to stay true to themselves no matter the consequences. I do enjoy this album, while I prefer other albums (including Heritage) but I support the band because I respect them and they've earned more respect from me by taking risks even if it causes indignation in some "fans" who think they are entitled to control the decisions of an artist.
For a while, River was my favorite track on the album. But going through this again for the first time in a while, I gotta say this is now my favorite song on the album for sure! Everything about it just sounds very satisfying and the video goes great with this as well!
Come on guys, the new album is amazing. Sure it's not the same as what they did before. But why would you want the same stuff again anyway? It's already there, go look it up and listen to it.
i will always wait..... weakening comfort..... amazing lyrics.... and the emotional approach through the transition part and the bridges.... amazing..... counter transition is absolutely brilliant. The punch, the power.... :) Regards Himesha Dharmathilake Music Critique Music Consultant
Frederik is wayyyyy better than Peter. That's right, I said it! I don't give a damn that Peter started the band with Mikael. Mikael writes all the songs, anyway. Frederik is a fuckin beast on the guitar that adds so much more to the Opeth sound than could be achieved before he joined. Peter leaving, however sad at the time, may have been the best thing for the band.
Fredrik is a much tighter rhythm guitarist and a more fluid lead player than Peter, no doubt. But Peter was no slouch, and his solos were always unique and well-compos ed.
Im aware that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I will admit that at first I hated this album. However after listening to it a few times, it is a masterpiece. Just because it isn't the black metal roots of Orchid, or heavy like Ghost Reveries, doesn't mean it isn't good. In my opinion this is the most musically technical album they have produced to date.
So I was listening to this song on my windows media player, laying on my bed, enduring another keyboard noodling part, getting depressed. Opeth is the last band that I became really excited about. I often answer that they are my favorite band if some one asks me. But the reason I felt excited was because of all the good, new Guitar yumminess Mikael introduced to me. That isn't Opeth any more. Where do I go for the next fix of metal guitar brilliance and ingenuity?
Dan Goldsmith Riverside! or DT/Haken/Tool/AAL/Periphery/Karnivool/Katatonia/PT/TameImpala- especially if you feel low. their music is capable of eliminating pain!
A musicalidade da banda mudou. Nesse caso para melhor. Suas musicas estão cada vez mais maduras e bem compostas. Parabéns por nos presentear com mais este belo trabalho Opeth.
I love Opeth.
New and old.
me too man
hell yeah man
x2
They change but, they never sound bad.
I love you man. True buddy
I remember when I first heard Opeth in the late 1990s. The fans complained that the new album Morning Rise, was not true death metal. Nothing changes.
haha I remember that. the cassette days. and when still life came out with face of melinda, so many hardcore fans swore off the band forever. yup nothing changes.
@@danglingondivineladders3994 Yeah, that reminds of Metallica being accused of selling out as early as Ride the Lightning, mainly because of Fade to Black.
Thats cuz they didnt understand that Opeth is Opeth & NOT death metal only.
Opeth IS their OWN genre
So this is death metal according to you?
@@Paniekzaaiertje Totally missed the point
Many of you make me sad, and I know I should not read these comments, but as a musician it makes me sad when people want an artist to regurgitate the stuff they have already done. Its like a painter having to paint the same damn thing again and again and is FAKE to do that. This is the evolution of a musician and the current band and I am blown away by it artistically and I don't say that very often. I just wish you got it too, if not that is OK too. Just don't expect people doing this for over 20 years to do the same fake redone stuff and bow to your expectations, I am sure he would rather do nothing than go backwards.
+David Horvath Fucking love how these guys have evolved.
+Raymond Desrosiers I've missed out on the entire evolution until just discovering them about a month ago. I like the old stuff but simply love the newer. I played in prog band in the 80's and we never came up with anything close.
It's not fake if it comes naturally from within. You don't expect your wife to turn from a religious person into a satan worshipper just because it would be fake to be religious all the time, do you? Two albums are never the same, natural progression is to be expected both in relationship and being a musician but you don't turn from straight to gay just because you want to evolve, do you?
People regress when they get older and because of that they die. Being youthful and energetic is not going backwards. People also regress after they start getting money, take take it too safe, life gets too nice. For me Blackwater Park is their greatest achievement but it's not to say the 4 albums before that were the most important for me. I can appreciate the acoustic album and this one and I think Åkerfield is a genius but it doesa affect to my liking towards the band.
If I had kids it would be different because after a man becomes dad he starts to produce female hormones and basically becomes a woman for 2 years. So he becomes boring, feminine, likes "love songish" music etc.
I'm basically reliving my rebel years again and I want that Orchid kinf of rage again. Life is not nice, after all =)
Guy above me is using some retarded logic... but I agree with you. Their evolution is amazing and inspiring. Surely a band that will last for a long, long, time.
Mika Salinto I just use glasses, no straws. You maybe a complete bullshit arguement with no merit, and with no understanding of the actual band. Apparently not knowing why they're doing cleans in the first place. Maybe try collecting your thoughts, and reformulating them. Otherwise it's garbage. Satanism, is a religion first off. Pretty sad I have to say that. Second, albums can definitely sound the same, plenty of bands never push their sounds. Some people like that, others don't. Opeth has had pretty consistent changes throughout their career yet people still whine when they continue to evolve. I won't even touch the rest of your post because it gave me cancer. 0/10 would not read again.
6:20 - 8:59
That is so wonderfully dark. Has a Ghost Reveries vibe and such a foreboding atmosphere.
The outro from 9:00 is beautifully cathartic - they really haven't lost their ability to do that. Wow.
The outro also gives me strong Pink Floyd vibes, I dunno if it's just my head or anybody else gets it
I think that 6 min part gives more heritage vibes than ghost reveries
listen to Folklore's last 3 minutes, what a breathtaking outro. Also Things will Pass :)
That part is such an ear worm
I don't think there are bands like the swedish ones
This album is awesome, you all need to clean your ears. Shut up, sit down, put on a good pair of headphones and just listen.
Fuck you old albums better than this.
Fuck both of you linkin park rules!
MetalAllDayAllNight The dynamic range is quite amazing.
this song is great! some people just cant accept change
+sahin cene Yes, but that doesn't mean this one is awesome, and honestly, their new songs are the best live, with the exception of The Drapery Falls.
90% Opeth supporters talking about the abundance of haters
10% Haters
True, i am yet to find a hate comment...
Yeah, hell breaks loose just because some people notice a massive difference between old and new Opeth and don't hold them in the same regard.
For me It's not about lack of growls or even heavy guitar. Damnation puts that asinine strawman theory to bed. I also don't 'hate' the new Opeth, I just don't find it captivating anywhere near the level they used to master. If that's 'hate', IDGAF.
I don't care what a band did in the past no matter how good, I will never become a sycophantic fanboy to pretend for everyone the new stuff is always awesome, let alone the same as their previous material and otherwise continue to blow the criticism out of proportion like many of these commenters can't help themselves from doing.
Yeah....maybe it's because 10% is too much and a bit ridiculous. This shit is gold.
Supporters vs haters is like left vs right.
I love the 'No, No,No' bit, I always imagine mikael shaking a sassy finger as he sings it lol
Hahaha... Now thats funny
Oh no he didan’t
Or His Fist...
The "only circles on the water" section is now one of my favorite Opeth outros.
Oh man i love that "only circles on the water" part.
me too!!
I thought it said, on the surface of the water.
man this is such an underrated Opeth track. Its up there with some of their best songs.
You are right my friend! In fact I would go as far saying this is the song you let your friends listen to as an introduction to Opeth's universe. (A universe so vast)
Agreed
This is my favourite track from Pale Communion, with River being a close second.
came to find this comment
I would dare to say it is a masterpiece in general, beyond music genres
Moon Above, Sun Below
Opeth
MOON ABOVE, SUN BELOW LYRICS
You are sleeping unhampered by guilt
Comes the morning you shut down
The devil's breath is a disease on your lips
Reaching out for your loss
You prey on your flock
Seeking out the weaker hearts
With eternity in your grip
And on a lifelong throne of sub-religion
They will eat from your head
Your head.....
With the moon above and the sun below - x4
I can't remember the sun upon my skin
Slave to a sorrow that is whispering within
I'm always waiting for you before I sleep
There is no comfort in the distance that we keep
In a river of grief I am drowning
And your grip is surrounding my heart
Balancing on the edge of failure
And relieved, should I fall
Scattered dust upon my eyes
A winding road taking you nowhere
A winding road taking me home
And my home is my grave
Waiting for a day when there is nothing left to say
Voices of despair is a familiar friendship
A society in your head holds the code to destruction
Dying fast
Summer dying fast
And this can't last, as nothing ever lasts
In a forest of flesh
There is a need to sever myself away from happiness
Still no drifting sun
Black upon the earth
Still the air is dry
And the locust wait
Ah......... No, No, No - x2
There is no help in the wake of our needs
There is no help to dispel the pain
There is no help still some cling to a phantom
There is no help
Ah......... No, No, No - x2
Only circles on the water - x4
Only circles on the water (softly) - x2
I thought it was "on the surface of the water"..?
People need to realise.... the old Opeth albums still exist. This album doesn't delete them from history.
I hate the faux outrage at Opeth simply making music that they want to make.
Same with paintings. |^ω^| I try to remember this when viewing abstract and fan art.
the diversity makes for an amazing live experience.
Just like Metallica with Load / ReLoad
I love the Black metal opeth and this weird mix of progressive metal and acid jazz
@Zedrik Allen I just saw them Tuesday and about half the set being their heavier tracks. Deliverance was the final encore song and all of it was amazing.
Lyrics:
You are sleeping unhampered by guilt
Comes the morning you shut down
The devil's breath is a disease on your lips
Reaching out for your loss
You prey on your flock
Seeking out the weaker hearts
With eternity in your grip
And on a lifelong throne of sub-religion
They will eat from your head
With the moon above and the sun below
I can't remember the sun upon my skin
Slave to a sorrow that is whispering within
I'm always waiting for you before I sleep
There is no comfort in the distance that we keep
In a river of grief I am drowning
And your grip is surrounding my heart
Balancing on the edge of failure
And relieved, should I fall
Scattered dust upon my eyes
A winding road taking you nowhere
A winding road taking me home
And my home is my grave
Waiting for a day when there is nothing left to say
Voices of despair is a familiar friendship
A society in your head holds the code to destruction
Dying fast
Summer dying fast
And this can't last, as nothing ever lasts
In a forest of flesh
There is a need to sever myself away from happiness
Still no drifting sun
Black upon the earth
Still the air is dry
And the locust wait
There is no help in the wake of our needs
There is no help to dispel the pain
There is no help yet some cling to a phantom
There is no help, only circles on the water
Only circles on the water
It's taken me 3 years to fully get into Opeth and appreciate what they're all about and what they do. One of the best bands I've ever heard
I didn't appreciate this album to the degree that it deserved when it first came out. Coming back 5 years later and this album has aged like a fine wine. In my opinion, it trumps both Sorceress and ICV. So cohesive with fantastic production, soundscapes and songwriting. This song was included in their setlist when I saw them live and it made me remember how much I love this album
I wasn't able to listen to this when it was released, but after picking up a lot of mellower occult bands like The Devil's Blood, I find that "Pale Communion" speaks to me now. Opeth was just ahead of where I was going, preparing the way.
this almost made me tear up. i love you
I feel this
I didnt like it at first either but i discovered dream theater then i came back to there new shit and it speaks more to me than there old stuff
I do that I love to listen to an album and create my own mind about it I hate to read reviews because they are neutral
This song is so so beautiful. Somehow really discovered the beauty of it just recently.
agree. I was a bit upset with the new direction.....but musical tastes change, bands experiment and evolve. It's just that way it is and they have done it beautifully.
This album has grown on me and I'm very happy
same ^^
same picture lol
What a journey of a tune. Damn! Something about that last sustained vocal note and then the final chord comes to embrace leaves me practically wanting to tear up.
I see you posted this thought 7 years ago.I'm betting by now you are steeped in OPETH's catalogue of work.
Interested to hear your thoughts on OPETH now.
Pure Opeth ! I fucking adore this song ! Fredrik Åkesson's guitar solo is insane ! 4:37 Damn !
Opeth tiene la facultad de hacer lo que le de la gana!! El que quiera escuchar el metal mas bestial lo puede hacer...el que quiere escuchar las mejores baladas lo puede hacer...el que quiere escuchar rock progresivo lo puede hacer...y todo de la mano de la misma banda!! es algo que solo Opeth lo pudo hacer.....cuando te das cuenta que Opeth es la mejor banda de la historia hasta la vida ves de otra manera!!! GRACIAS MIKAEL AKERFELDT / GRACIAS OPETH!!!!!!
Tool
@@lalonunez7372 grow up
@@lalonunez7372 no se burlen, podrían tener un hijo igual!
Opeth will go down in history of one the classical greats. Feel blessed to be alive at this time!
so agree with you ! respect!
Maxime Mailloux Respect to you too fellow Opeth fan, you excited for the new album? I am.
+Howesenberg yeah i'm from montreal and have my tickets for the 4 october!
Maxime Mailloux Awesome! I've yet to see them live (from the UK) I'm hoping I can catch them on the next tour.
"Guys our camera only shoots 3x4, how are we going to make the video?" "Just mirror it, everyone will just think it's a stylistic choice."
Because overlapping natural patterns and fractals looks ethereal.
@@InfectedMouth It's called kaleidoscope effect, it's been on freeware video-editing programs for the last 20 years or so ;)
Oh no, so woke
"Guys our camera... " Editing: "Hold my beer"
Because it works.
Opeth with trippy visuals. Ah, life is beautiful.
If you are a fan of Opeth and you dislike any of their albums to the point of cursing them on the internet, then you are immature and prepubescent. They keep getting better, and this album is a testament to their unique music prowess and creativity. They are the most talented and skilled band I have ever listened to (my opinion) and I will continue to listen to them and love every second of it. Now on the other hand, why anyone wants to call names and insult people for no reason other than having poor eardrums beats me.
To all those who complain about Opeth having lost something : you are wrong!
Opeth is a progressive band from the very beginning.
You may not like it, but this is the truth. You may have liked Opeth when they were more metal. Now, open your mind and enjoy. This band is not declining.
If I were on a deserted island and I was only allowed to listen to one band for the rest of my existence. The answer would be so easy!! OPETH!!
This band just do it for me, I don't know what it is. But I've been listening to these guys for years and years, yet I do not get tired of thier music!! I will love this band till the day I die.
Mikael, Fredrik, Martin, Axe, Joakim. I love you.
Likewise buddy!
What the hell is up with the comments on this board.
Anyway, this song is seriously one of the best ones I've heard, easily the best of the otherwise brilliant album. Listening to it kind of makes you feel like you've uncovered some truth about the world, and not many songs achieve that.
Thanks a lot for the music.
As a side note, to all the negativity that's going on, are you seriously asking a musician to write what others want to hear, and not what he himself wants to write? That's pretty selfish.
Opeth makes me question my existence
This is one of their most eclectic albums. I've very pleased with them. I hope they get more nutso with this prog sound of theirs; I'm really digging the evolution from Heritage. Love you Opeth!
I do like the new album, but I would not call it one of their most eclectic. Blackwater Park had Metal, Prog, Folk, Classical, Jazz and a small amount of blues. This one is mainly prog with some metal and some folk in my opinion. It's still fairly eclectic but not as much as classic Opeth.
noobsmustdie453
The drumming and the bass are on a different plane of existence, here, with more emphasis on harmony at the same time than any other Opeth record.
Definitely their most eclectic. Throwing a bunch of styles into a blender isn't eclectic. I mean, I understand and believe Mikael now when he says they have their own sound.
I hear nothing but Opeth here.
A wide range of influences is the very definition of eclectic.
Just nevermind.
Dying fast
Summer dying fast
This can't last
'Cause nothing ever lasts
He knew winter is coming xD
i literally looked at your comment as soon as that part of the song came on lol
Mohankeneh Ι've had that happen to me too, it's always pretty damn weird
same to me! almost exact moment, funny haha
Trippy lol i did the same exact thing
Am I the only one around here who loves every single album from opeth ?
Yep not ONE bad album.
No you are definitely not
Nope...I do too. And they get better with time, all of them!
You posted this before Sorceress came out lol
@@jamespeterson4275 Which is a really good album imo
I love how in the description it says: "Lyrics: Coming soon" 😂
Lyrics 😁:
You are sleeping unhampered by guilt
Comes the morning you shut down
The devil's breath is a disease on your lips
Reaching out for your loss
You prey on your flock
Seeking out the weaker hearts
With eternity in your grip
And on a lifelong throne of sub-religion
They will eat from your head
With the moon above and the sun below
I can't remember the sun upon my skin
Slave to a sorrow that is whispering within
I'm always waiting for you before I sleep
There is no comfort in the distance that we keep
In a river of grief I am drowning
And your grip is surrounding my heart
Balancing on the edge of failure
And relieved, should I fall
Scattered dust upon my eyes
A winding road taking you nowhere
A winding road taking me home
And my home is my grave
Waiting for a day when there is nothing left to say
Voices of despair is a familiar friendship
A society in your head holds the code to destruction
Dying fast
Summer dying fast
And this can't last, as nothing ever lasts
In a forest of flesh
There is a need to sever myself away from happiness
Still no drifting sun
Black upon the earth
Still the air is dry
And the locust wait
There is no help in the wake of our needs
There is no help to dispel the pain
There is no help yet some cling to a phantom
There is no help, only circles on the water
Only circles on the water
One of their best songs of any era. Top 10 for me. 4:03 - 5:03 is such a DELICIOUS piece of music packed in a minute.
This is easily one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard in my life. God I love this song!
Epic masterpiece from the greatest band on Earth.
After listening to Opeth for 10y and all the albums dozens of time, and knowing a bit of music theory, this might be the best Opeth song ever released to me. Pushing boundaries in an incredible way
Love Opeth since the beginning...Opeth make me love death metal...i was also a big prog fan...i have a immense respect for their
musical progression...Opeth never deceive
I will never stop listening to Opeth, they manage to inject so much character into their masterpieces. Every song is a journey and i absolutely fucking love that.
Lyrics coming Soon™
ahahah so hilarious
Four year have passed, heh
Still waiting....
Still alive, no lyrics yet....
Still coming soon
The album is definitely a grower. I couldn't stand it at first, as happened with Heritage which I still do not like. Two months after, I can't stop listening to Pale Communion, this track especially is a masterpiece.
Heritage is sooooo good tho
Opeth is the greatest band of all time.
Lol agreed!
I love Martin Lopez, but Axe's drum fills starting at 9:22 are great
Axe is the superior drummer imo. It took him a bit to get settled. Sounded a bit robotic at first. Now he's so smooth and his kit sounds amazing.
martin lopez has been terrific drummer
This song is as good as anything Opeth did in the past. Just amazing. Vintage keyboards and organs bring something more to their music. Keep it up on The Sorceress guys!
As good as a song like 'Harlequin Forest' on the Ghost Reveries album, you're completely delusional if you think that this song comes close to that...lol, no, hell no, truth is, PC is a disappointment, it's a really weak sounding album.
Nope.
Caesar Kakutougi I disagree with you. But hey :) I'm a prog and jazz fan so I appreciate a lot more atmospheric music. Growling is really noy my cup of tea.
like an amalgamation of damnation and watershed. Good listening.
I'd say vintage keyboards and organs ruined the whole sound of the band...
The sheer depth of soul & unbridled creativity combined with endless talent & passion not to mention incredible diversity of style displayed so consistently by Opeth never ceases to amaze me.
The most multifaceted ensemble I've ever heard.
Magnificent.
Best song of the album.
Yeah I agree, although Faith in others is very close.
True. But the whole album is incredible (the only song I feel is a bit worse is Voice of Treason but still a good track)
lol you can hear the first note of Elysian Woes at the end
This is fucking amazing. Yeah it's not death metal or it's not even near metal, it's prog rock, it is a goddamn awesome song and if you can't see past the fact that it's not heavy you should pluck your ears out. I'd be glad if they combined this style with their old style of growling, distortion etc. Even if the songs need to be longer or atleast one with these elements in.
I would argue that parts of this song are actually quite heavy, particularly the intro, just not heavy in a death metal way...
The ending of that song is spectacular!
Just beautiful! Ten minutes of eargasms! Forever grateful with Mikael and his gift to the world with his contribution to music.
The section that begins at around 2 mins in, it is like a mid-Spring or early Summer walk in a Northern European broadleaf forest next to a lake, it has such a vivid soundscape quality. I like how they've written 'Pale Communion' to be much brighter than their previous efforts.
"Dying fast
Summer dying fast
And this can't last, as nothing ever lasts
In a forest of flesh
There is a need to sever myself away from happiness"
LYRICS
coming soon
Amazing song, they need more 10+ minute songs in their post-death era
Orchid will always be my favorite Opeth album but this one is amazing none the less
LYRICS:
You are sleeping unhampered by guilt
Comes the morning you shut down
The devil's breath is a disease on your lips
Reaching out for your loss
You prey on your flock
Seeking out the weaker hearts
With eternity in your grip
And on a lifelong throne of sub-religion
They will eat from your head
With the moon above and the sun below
I can't remember the sun upon my skin
Slave to a sorrow that is whispering within
I'm always waiting for you before I sleep
There is no comfort in the distance that we keep
In a river of grief I am drowning
And your grip is surrounding my heart
Balancing on the edge of failure
And relieved, should I fall
Scattered dust upon my eyes
A winding road taking you nowhere
A winding road taking me home
And my home is my grave
Waiting for a day when there is nothing left to say
Voices of despair is a familiar friendship
A society in your head holds the code to destruction
Dying fast
Summer dying fast
And this can't last, as nothing ever lasts
In a forest of flesh
There is a need to sever myself away from happiness
Still no drifting sun
Black upon the earth
Still the air is dry
And the locust wait
There is no help in the wake of our needs
There is no help to dispel the pain
There is no help yet some cling to a phantom
There is no help, only circles on the water
Only circles on the water
I like the production style more on this album than the other “progressive Opeth albums”.
Still in awe at the sheer majesty of this absolute masterpiece! And the very end 10:08 the piano with the almost ethereal vocals just takes you to another place. Opeth is it's own art movement. Brilliance.
Lovely to hear that voice again :)
"Dying fast, summer dying fast.." so sad .. so beautful
Best 10 mins and 53 seconds ever! Epically fabulous!
*My opinion/comments: Well-done "Observation" as Mr. Akerfeldt insists his albums as referenced as such. Opeth will always be a musicians band.
~This album feels much groovier and polished than was the Heritage vibe, which I felt was not too much more than a bridge.
~If memory serves, being mostly classically-trained, my ears receive evidence that the desire to effectively 'orchestrate' this album (much like Nightwish or Therion wanted to involve more and more layers without necessarily making the music more complex) was a primary goal...
...the songs are filled with fluidity, and juxtapose each other rather simplistically, yet with much beauty, as is evident on the above 'observation'. Many catchy and well-written riffs permeat Moon Above, Sun Below; as they maintain at least a few songs 10+ minutes long in true Opeth style.
+However, I can't deny that I miss the authenticity of the metal they once provided so magically different than any other band of their genre and heyday time.
**That being said, this album flows well and has enough fluctuation and thought behind its instrumental writing/production to entice many musically-talented brains and musically-minded ears. *I should make mention of my feeling of loss of lyrical 'motion' in this album, yet not-so-much in this song. Yet I am much less moved by the lyrics, but still very much in-vibe with the tunes.
**BEGGARS NOTE: Please -- Make us one more crunchier album, Mik! Put Opeth "Back in Bleak!" Your fans want it and you know it...sooo,throw us a heavy ass bone of badassery and blistering vocals; lest at least invest/promote Bloodbath more or something! Love you all and rock on! No matter my comments, I cannot write with your artistry...I dig it!
Keff 912 Mikael already said that he left the death metal era and doesn't want to make death metal or growl anymore... Just get over it and enjoy the new Opeth era or go listen their earlier albums... Mikael is the kind of musician that doesn't really care about what his fans want to get audience, he makes the kind of music he wants, regardless of whether people like it or not, he knows that regardless of the type of music he does, he will always have at least one fan that can appreciate his process of musical evolution more than his current musical style...
(Sorry for my english, I'm a native spanish speaker)
Amen Corner
I love the lackluster and lack of growls because that's why Mikael is so progrssive. Just let him know that whether he does care or know or care to know, but he has found that fan that will never define him but realizes the beauty of someone who paves their own road and does not do things right, but does the right things.
I remember the days when Opeth was a good band, and I remember every day the good band they still are listening to Pale Communion once or twice a day.
EXACTLY!
Wow I was about to go off on you but bravo :) Somebody else who gets it.
*****
'better' was better.
And with a The Raven That Refused to Sing profile picture. I like you.
Honestly, I prefer straight prog Opeth over their death prog mixture before, I love their new direction.
No Band of this Genre plays (and sings) so clear and high qualitied (the tecnique as well as the kontext)
Honestly, people keep talking about wanting them not to change, but it's still the style Opeth has aquired over the years. Just because it's not Death Doesn't mean you can't like it. Otherwise, you just don't like Opeth like you think you do.
Mikael's voice is one of the most beautiful voices in the world and I love Opeths older stuff and newer stuff. Luckily for me I am able to appreciate change in a band much loved like Opeth because they have earned my respect.
Nice!The Opeth sound is still there but in a new form
I was very critic with the change Opeth did with old records... and I had never been so wrong. I'm listening the post-growl albums nowadays and they are what I always liked from Opeth style.
They played it live, yes they did ! Thank you Opeth
The high uality of the mixing reeks of Steve Wilson. Slightly quiet but clearer than crystal. I feel like I am sitting in on a live recording session even listening to a youtube bitrate. I have the vinyl on a solid system with a proper needle and it transforms this entire album into a religious experience. Only gripe is the subtle noise at high audio levels but that is most likely the pressing fault, not recording.
So fucking jealous right now
All these people complaining are so pathetic. This album is absolutely beautiful and incredibly deep and moving, and that's coming from someone who loves Still Life and Blackwater Park to death. Grow up people, seriously. Opeth have always been and still are amazing. Keep writing wonderful music, Mikael.
Okay, the mirrored screen effects on this video are even cooler than the ones in Eternal Rains Will Come; the birds taking off in the water in particular was an amazing shot.
I don't understand how anyone can dislike this music; complex song structure, variety of moods, some really reflective and sad-sounding interludes, solos hardly paralleled elsewhere, etc. Folklore was probably the fan favourite on Heritage (and yes I agree that Heritage was relatively weak), it looks like they totally took that direction here. Great stuff.
I love this song so much! "With the moon above and the sun below".
Don't know how come I did not hear Opeth before.
What a great band. What an evolution of sound.
People always find something to hate or dislike, just human nature. Can't satisfy everyone, so satisfy yourself and that's exactly what Opeth has done. From the start, no fucks given. If you like it, good. If you don't, too bad so sad.
these keys riffs are so good
Favourite one from the new album :D
So good !
This song hits me at so many different emotions. Truly a great reflection of the evolution of Opeth's talent. I enjoyed Opeth's progressive metal, and I enjoy even more their progressive rock. Erik Axenrot's ghosting on the snare sends wonderful vibes throughout the entire song. Masterful comping.
the best new Opeth album I believe.
The sights and sounds are symmetrical. I fucking love this.
ONLY FUCKING CIRCLES ON THE WATER.
GODDAMMIT GOD DOG, THOSE ARE ONLY ACTUAL CIRCLES ON THE DAMN WATER
ahahahhah DIO CANE in inglese non si può sentire.....
What a dark, yet beautifully layered and complex song! I thought the same thing when it came out, and listening to it again after a few years just drives home the same thoughts.
This stuff is amazing!!
Opeth ... They are not of this world. They will always be deeper, than I think.
Like it or not, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Stop bitching about the old Opeth vs the new Opeth, it's the same Opeth. Their old albums are still there to listen. They have taken the direction they have decided to and they have the right to do so, to keep the name and do whatever they want, it's their intellectual-artistic property and we can decide whether we like or not, whether we consume or not. There's no need for passionate arguments based on our opinions (taken as facts most of the cases).
Artists are obligated to take risks and follow their hearts and inspiration. We should respect that. Musicians aren't jukeboxes who should play and compose by the caprice of the public, they are artists who have to stay true to themselves no matter the consequences.
I do enjoy this album, while I prefer other albums (including Heritage) but I support the band because I respect them and they've earned more respect from me by taking risks even if it causes indignation in some "fans" who think they are entitled to control the decisions of an artist.
Aeshma Palazzo hear hear
For a while, River was my favorite track on the album.
But going through this again for the first time in a while, I gotta say this is now my favorite song on the album for sure!
Everything about it just sounds very satisfying and the video goes great with this as well!
Come on guys, the new album is amazing. Sure it's not the same as what they did before. But why would you want the same stuff again anyway? It's already there, go look it up and listen to it.
Lyrics *comming soon*
8:59 Gives me chills.
i will always wait..... weakening comfort..... amazing lyrics.... and the emotional approach through the transition part and the bridges.... amazing..... counter transition is absolutely brilliant.
The punch, the power....
:)
Regards
Himesha Dharmathilake
Music Critique
Music Consultant
The solos are equally skillfully played as the vocals sung. \o/
Frederik is wayyyyy better than Peter. That's right, I said it! I don't give a damn that Peter started the band with Mikael. Mikael writes all the songs, anyway. Frederik is a fuckin beast on the guitar that adds so much more to the Opeth sound than could be achieved before he joined. Peter leaving, however sad at the time, may have been the best thing for the band.
Fredrik is a much tighter rhythm guitarist and a more fluid lead player than Peter, no doubt. But Peter was no slouch, and his solos were always unique and well-compos ed.
+tymongoji Yeah, I loved Peter! But Opeth were fortunate when they got Fredrik.
Idc what kinda music opeth make, as long as they still sound great and create an atmosphere, which they do
This song is hypnotic and trance-like. Love it. I think I'm the new addition to the Opeth fandom :)
Everyone buy the album. it's amazing and you're supporting the band!
Im aware that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I will admit that at first I hated this album. However after listening to it a few times, it is a masterpiece. Just because it isn't the black metal roots of Orchid, or heavy like Ghost Reveries, doesn't mean it isn't good. In my opinion this is the most musically technical album they have produced to date.
the mushroom soup in my stomach thanks you
This comment made me strangely happy...and giggle
Well, stone me to death if you will-I love this song; I absolutely LOVE IT.
Hey, I'm with you on this one. The band is absolutely brilliant. They take chances with their music instead of doing the same old shit.
Favourite track on the album for me. Every Opeth album is fantastic imo
This Is A Masterpiece like the whole album, like ALL Opeth albums...
So I was listening to this song on my windows media player, laying on my bed, enduring another keyboard noodling part, getting depressed. Opeth is the last band that I became really excited about. I often answer that they are my favorite band if some one asks me. But the reason I felt excited was because of all the good, new Guitar yumminess Mikael introduced to me. That isn't Opeth any more. Where do I go for the next fix of metal guitar brilliance and ingenuity?
Dan Goldsmith Riverside! or DT/Haken/Tool/AAL/Periphery/Karnivool/Katatonia/PT/TameImpala- especially if you feel low. their music is capable of eliminating pain!
I know this comment is old, but try Iubaris - The Sailing Wraiths.
Everything opeth does is golden. Black metal to this is always perfectly done
A musicalidade da banda mudou. Nesse caso para melhor. Suas musicas estão cada vez mais maduras e bem compostas. Parabéns por nos presentear com mais este belo trabalho Opeth.