Classical Composer Reacts to Reverie/Harlequin Forest (Opeth) | The Daily Doug (Episode 50)
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2021
- #Reaction #Opeth #OpethReaction #Reverie #HarlequinForest
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm reacting to Opeth's Reverie/Harlequin Forest. I'm using their studio recording from the Opeth UA-cam channel. I REALLY enjoyed this track.
Resource video: • Opeth - Reverie / Harl...
1000% a concept album.
The first song is called, “Ghost of Perdition”. The story start in a small cottage where a young man is actually witnessing his mother who struggles with her sanity become possessed. The young man is tempted by the devil to surrender his soul, but because he is seeing her become possessed the young man refuses. The possession takes the mother so badly that the son murders her to release her from the grasp of the demon…
The second song is called, “ The Baying of The Hounds”. The young man is condemned for murdering his mother by the town’s people and they release the town dogs to track him. Occasionally through this song the devil speaks to the young man attempting to torment him for murdering his own mother. He slips in and out of what appears to be a dream like state feeling that maybe he is dead…
The third song is called, “Beneath the Mire”. The devil speaks louder now. He flees into a mire(HE DID WHAT?!) and hides from the hounds. Townspeople die by sinking in the mire while searching for him and he begins to feel more powerful. The young man begins to feel that he might be possessed himself…
The fourth song is called, “Atonement”. Here the man is able to clear his head and he repents for what he has done. He feels that he has received forgiveness for what he has done, but he knows that he will never be able to justify it…
The fifth song is called, “Reverie/Harlequin Forest”. The townspeople have picked up the young man’s trail again and are now fully chasing him. He flees into a forest(NO WAY!) and while hiding he finds himself in a situation where he has to murder one of the people to keep from being discovered. The young man suddenly feels the power again. He begins to see that he has no way of life other than running and murdering to survive. The young man sets fire to the forest and kills not only all the trees, but all the townspeople as well…
The sixth song is called, “Hours of Wealth”. The young man has found a home in a new town, but feels like a stranger and alone at all times. The longer that he’s there, the more that he doesn’t speak to anyone. He retreats into his mind and slowly starts to feel insane. It is revealed that the devil is biding his time with the man…
The seventh song is called, The Grand Conjuration”. The young man, feeling completely alone, turns to the devil and surrenders his soul. The man goes on a murdering spree and destroys everyone around him to build the army of satan stronger…
The eight and final song is called, “Isolation Years”. A letter is discovered that was written by the mother, who is revealed to be a woman named Rosemary. The letter states that she will die alone and seems to be coherently written. The letter details that Rosemary knew her son was gone, even though his physical body was still there. It is discovered that the letter was written while she was murdered by her son due to stains of blood, which are essentially right where his name is written on the letter. This all reveals that the young man was actually the one struggling with a demon, while his mother was documenting it while also knowing that she would end up losing her life.
Brilliant
Used to be a concept album, until Mikael wrote Isolation Years, which apparently had nothing to do with the story, but he liked it so much they included it anyway and scrapped the concept album idea. The current track listing is most likely not the original one, as the story supposedly begins at The Grand Conjuration.
@@KenoxProductions I’ve heard that before, but choose to believe otherwise. 🤪
@@spencermccreery2508 Yeah, same. It's too good to be ignored.
@@KenoxProductions Like, it could very easily factor into the story. I literally proved it. Why can’t Mikael?
Opeth is one of the greatest bands nowadays.
always has been.
Favorite band since I was around 8-9. Still my favorite lol
Nowadays? They have been going for 30 years lol
@@Syko1985
But only the last 20 during which they turned out to be good. Prior to the assistance of Steve Wilson, they were, certifiably, the worst band in the world. Steve Wilson magnificently turned them around.
@@youmothershouldknow4905 Orchid, Morningrise and My Arms Your Hearse are often stated as favorite albums by many fans. So I don’t think Steven Wilson was the magic element in Opeth’s case. He did play a significant role in bringing Opeth to the mainstream yes but “worst band in the world” is a definite exaggeration.
The long crazy outro was deliberate. It symbolizes being hopelessly lost in the darkness of the Harlequin Forest.
and sorrow haahha
@@casaroli in you
@@casaroli someone knows his memes.
And that Opeth likes looong and awesome outros!!!
"Interesting chord progression, I want to see how much they do with that...." Welcome to Opeth. However much you think can be done with it, they will do, and then they will do more.
I watched his "Ghost of Perdition" reaction video before this and he comments on the chord progressions there, too. Seems to be a running theme here 😉
"I could listen to him all day"
Yes, so could we, and we do. What a voice.
Opeth creates and uses the most interesting chord progressions.
4:28
Doug: It's so powerful behind him and ♪he's just singin like this♪, such a smooth and wonderful color to his voice...
Me: yea... just wait for it
I like how you're open minded to different types of music. A lot of people dismiss Metal, but it's become very sophisticated with extremely accomplished musicians.
What I like about Opeth is how complex, thoughtful and layered their music is without being overly pretentious. It's all very listenable because it comes so naturally.
How is it possible I've learned to appreciate Opeth musically even more from one reaction than I have after 15 years of them being my favorite band period!?
Can't EVER beat Black Rose Immortal. If it wasn't for that I never would have changed musical directions
Everytime I hear older Opeth music I always imagine an orchestra playing it. It just sounds so grandiose and has a cathedral and middle age vibe. Nothing sounds like Opeth. They used to sound like classical music played through humbuckers and rectifiers.
"I can listening to him sing all day long" hahahaha what a coincidence, me too xD
A great baritone voice, always so good to hear. And i listen to him all day anyway, there is so many great songs from this incredible band kkkkk
Are you kidding me?!?! I requested this on a previous video like 2 hours ago when I discovered your channel... Christmas has come way early...
Opeth - The Drapery Falls
- Blackwater Park
please !
This is favorite opeth song. Every time I listen to this song I can feel I'm travelling across some strange land.
You were in a place called Harlequin Forest!!! I was there too!!!
I can't get over Opeth. They're overbearingly powerful, masterful use of transitions and non standard song patterns keep it so interesting. Listening to their whole discography from Orchid to Watershed you can hear how Mikael slowly cleaned up their composition, removing anything that isn't interesting and useful to move a song forward. Each album gets leaner and leaner until finally watershed is the pinnacle of their style.
Its also why they had to change directions. They mastered themselves- making anything more in that style would be self-parody. So he was brave and bold and now they're more interesting than they ever were before IMO. I grew up and so did they.
It’s funny. I remember when watershed came out a lot of fans hated it. I think it’s a masterpiece. I agree with everything you said.
I agree about changing directions, but I still just am not into 90% of their newer songs, it's very hit or miss but obviously that has to do with personal taste. I can't say I don't wish every day they'd do something again in this style, it's not necessarily true that it'd have to be super derivative but I know they've said something to that affect.
@@Terminxman I wish they could clone themselves into 3 different Opeths. One old style, one middle/transition style, and one modern style, and they'd all pump out new awesome albums every year.
Yes, you described their change perfectly.
imo they lost it with watershed and gained it back with heritage. watershed feels like Mikael's last attempts to make growl based songs and it feels forced.
Really enjoyed this! One of the best analysis of one of my favourite songs.
Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope. The live version is great too
Love love love this comment. It would be great to see him analyse and breakdown such a great track like plague flowers!! Studio version though. I’m sick of the live version, it doesn’t do the song justice in my opinion!!
You've hit the nail on the head with their restraint from virtuosity. I think that's why I love Opeth but find Symphony X or Nightwish lacking. They shred when they need to but the open space in their songs is so vast. It makes the heavy heavier and the gentler moments sweeter.
So true!
this is the pink floyd way. which is, in fact, the way.
There is, however, a kind of virtuosity in composition and juxtaposition!
Especially now with Fredrik. Virtuosity is like action in a film, it's a lot more interesting if used sparingly.
EXACTLY!
You summed up Opeth perfectly when you said "They've kind of got me confused me a bit". Their songs often lead you down a particular path and you think you know where it's going and then all of sudden you arrive at a place you weren't expecting.
This is the Opeth song I’ve been finding myself listening to a LOT lately. Very very nice. And count this as another vote for Ne Obliviscaris .. as a composer, worth noting that And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope has been studied by a conservatory in Sydney as an example of modern composition.
I'll thoroughly endorse Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope as well! Particularly the live in Colorado 2016 version.
Otherwise you cannot go wrong with Opeth - Deliverance =)
Really? Wow thats awesome
It was a while ago that this happened, but here's an archived link discussing Professor Matthew Hindson at the Sydney Conservatorium using "And Plague ..." in his curriculum: www.metalsoundscapes.com/archives/7620/ne-obliviscaris-song-at-the-sydney-conservatorium-of-music
I'm torn whether to recommend the live or the studio version of APFtK. The live version is really fun (and makes me want to see them in concert), but I was just listening to both and think the production in the studio version might be better for Doug's analysis.
@@scotthughes2687 thanks
Opeths strength is the ability to establish such an infectious groove whilst playing odd time signatures and establishing such a strong foundation of atmosphere. It’s really a testament to akerfeldts skill. The guy should be scoring movies. He’d be killer at it.
Very well said.
For me this is one of the greatest albums of all time. Just one of those absolute masterpieces you can't imagine being any better.
That No Quarter homage with the Mellotron is just pure genius.
Opeth is awesome and one of my all time favorite bands!! Seen them 3 times. I grew up on classical music. Both my parents are classically trained singers and musicians...my father went to Westminster 😁 Great reaction!!
One of my favourite by Opeth is “Face of Melinda” . Is really focused in sound and ambiance! Believe me
I appreciate you identifying the intervals, chord progressions and modulations, few people doing this sort of thing go into much depth.
It’s crazy how he sings, play guitar and compose all the songs by himself ! My favorite band! They also have song called Mellotron Heart
A very succinct review of this song. This band does breathe rarefied air. Now you could experience either River or Moon Above, Sun Below - both by Opeth. You've now turned the key and opened the door. There's many a tasty tune by this band.
Man, it’s so nice to see someone recommend songs from Pale Communion. Opeth’s more recent albums get overlooked way too often, and Pale Communion is one of my absolute favorites from them. Easily.
this song gives me the chills everytime. Also, the best desciption for Opeth i ever heared "Swiss Army Knive of Metal" - true...
I think this song has *the* best intro I have ever heard in my all years of listening to music. Progressive rock really is a blessing to this life.
Opeth, the fine wine of scandinavian metal, wonderful band. A recommendation as a companion band to opeth is katatonia, especially the 'fall of hearts' album. The vocals have that distinct soft scandinavian flavour and deliberate use of the flat notes to put it in the back metal category.
there are many fine wines in that whole scene tbf.
Katatonia was never a black metal band, at least not as far back as I can remember. And certainly not in their current incarnation.
loved this review! This is one of my all time favorite albums / bands
Fantastic reaction! 👍 Really interesting to hear your analysis.
This was a great analysis, I loved it. Good job Doug!
Thanks, love these reactions where I actually learn something.
This has got to be one of my favorite songs of theirs - that outro never fails to give me some goosebumps. It was so cool to see you making the 'metal scowl' during it; such a raw reaction to the power and groove.
Love your reactions cause of the music theory knowledge you give out and how well versed you are in that knowledge. Earned a sub! 👍🏽
What an awesome analysis! I gotta figure out how to pick out chords in a progression like you, that’s nuts!
Loved it, thanks! Keep going with Opeth! Any of the requests you've gotten will do.
I have just discovered your channel, I really love watching your deep dives into these songs that have meant so much to me. But I had to say, I was also at that Opeth Show in 2016 at Radio City Music Hall! It's one of my top two concerts of all time, you chose a great show to go to.
Loving these reactions. There's so much raw musicality in Opeth. And their use of dynamics is incredible. I love how they tend to stay on riffs long enough to really let you feel the groove, and how they really tell a story with each song.
I rarely watch reaction videos till the end. But this was great and you sure know what you are talking about. Kudos to you good sir and I'll keep on wathching you.
dang I think I've find a new metal band to listen to. Thank U very much Doug!
Exactly the kind of reaction channel I wanted - more music theory analysis!
Love all these Doug, just working my way through now I've found you.
I think your Mellotron in this sounds like a guitar through a Leslie to me.
I absolutely love when experienced musicians check out bands like this. Amazing channel.
Great video. I've been listening to this album for almost 15 years, and this song has relatively recently become my favorite on there. It's just so well put together, and it grooves so hard, but it's understated compared to the other heavy songs on the album.
One of the greatest songs to feature from one of the greatest bands. Thank you.
Good stuff! I remember talking to you in theory class about seeing them live.
One of the best channels out there.... Right here...
Love your reactions. Been a metal head for 36 years and its so cool to see these reactions where people are actually giving some of these bands credit. For so many years all ive heard is they just play loud and fast and scream(and yes some of it is that way, but even that takes talent!!) So cool to see you and other pro composers and singers and musicians stepping up and talking about the talent these bands have, even if it is not what you usually listen too!! Good job bro! keep em coming!
your music knowledge is a real treat to watch. So much Respect to you!
I love your breakdowns of Opeth songs. They're one of my favorite bands. Already subbed, but just watching you talk about this stuff is awesome.
I was at that same show haha! Best Opeth concert I've been to. The set list was exceptional and surprising. I was right up front.
great break down at around 11:00 in particular, never thought of it that way. gave me even more appreciation for the song.
I really like the way you listen/analyze and the detailed knowledge of what you hear. This is a breath of fresh air in the world of reaction videos. I can't wait for when you get to the band Nightwish - and that's the reason I have to sub now :-) Keep up the good work and stay curious! Cheers from Sweden
You got me hooked in Sir. I rarely subscribe to any channel. Very informative and interesting point of view from someone who was able to see instantly the indisputable connection between (apparently) not so distant musical genres. Plus what a serious hearing you have. Also, your video shows exactly how we should be listening to music. By diving deeply into the chords and harmony, the lyrics, to flow with the progression. We are so badly distracted these days. Fair play to you. 👍🏻
DOUG! Just found your channel...man did I get excited when you said "Is that a mellotron?" You've got the most enjoyable music reaction channel I've seen! Thanks for your perspective.
That was actually Harlequin Forest. Reverie was a "gap track" between the song before this, Atonement and into Harlequin Forest. With how the album got transferred to digital media, it shows up at the end of Atonement but is not actually part of the song, it's the intro to this. That's why it "cuts to the chase." A shame really, as it's a lovely intro that most people think isn't even part of this song.
love your vids, please do more with the piano. really nice to hear you play stuff immediately after you hear it XD.
first time here 20 years Opeth fan never see someone get it right like u man, I love it when u said his clean vocal smooth and there is a hell behind him exactly right :D
Yes love it, Opeth is my favourite band ❤ would love to hear your take on "next of kin" or "lovelorn crime" by them
in cauda venenum is so underrated
Thanks Doug for your expert content. It´s a pleasure to share this awesome band whith the part of the people who can feel it like most of us do. Best band by far! keep on doing it, Doug, cause we really appreciate it. BW.
Great break down/reaction. Hopping to see them at the end of the year, COVID restrictions permitting. They are doing a “fans request set list” tour for their 30th anniversary. Fans vote on their website for one song from each of the 13 studio albums, should be epic!
I love watching you fawn over Opeth songs please do heaps more
"Swiss army knife of metal bands"... such a great line.
Arguably my favourite band of all time ❤️ and I’m not particularly a metalhead. Really enjoyed your reaction to this; subbed!
When a track starts immediately with no intro, and ends the same way, that'll be a concept album :)
My wife and I were at that same show at Radio City Music Hall! Great, great show!
I'm a simple man. I hear Opeth, I leave a like :)
But also, lovely to hear You explaining it all. THANK YOU
Native Construct - Mute.
They're all Berklee grads. Like nothing you've heard before. You would absolutely love it. Best album in the past ten years.
I 💓 Opeth, especially clean vocal Mikael. 💖
Love Opeth. Found them a few years ago, maybe the best band I've found in like 20 years (top three in any case), and the band that finally got me to accept and even enjoy growls.
Thank you for doing a great reaction on one my favourite songs ever! Saw Opeth a year ago in Helsinki, last gig before Corona stopped the big concerts. They did play this, impeccably.
Everyone is asking you to do a reaction to their favourites, and I will add Karnivool and their song Deadman to this long list of requests. Karnivool is an Aussie proge band, I'm confident that you would love their music. 🎶
this song is just a perfect piece of art !
Yes, that was a Melllotron. I've seen them six times. Their keyboardist had a pair. The growls are speaking volume; it's the trick to not blowing out one's voice.
Opeth always felt like a band that people who really knows music likes. This confirms my suspicion. Such an amazing band.
I could listen to you talk about music all day long. I only know a little music theory but I learn something every time I watch one of your videos. Thanks Doug
Your audio is impeccable! You must have a really good mic. Thanks for the review, Opeth is the BEST.
This is interesting and fun. I don't read music, just because I can't🙂 I find it interesting though how you pointing out what happens. You make the music from my favourite band even more living. When things are normal again I will see Opeth in the Dutch city of Utrecht. Been looking forward to that since five months, when I bought the tickets.
This is the kind of analysis I'm always looking for with prog reactions! Thank you! Can't wait to see you do more of these. I would recommend for Opeth that you check out The Moor and Bleak next -- would love for your analysis of them.
Additionally, I would be just as interested for you to do a compositional/theoretical breakdown of Animals as Leaders, an instrumental prog group that's very heavily jazz-influenced and are really changing the prog/metal genres. Check out the tracks The Brain Dance, Tempting Time, Song of Solomon, On Impulse, and Behaving Badly (or really anything by them, except for CAFO)
Blackwater Park!
Blew my mind when I saw you reviewing this song. An easy tie for #1 favorite song from Opeth, alongside The Grand Conjuration. This band changed how I approached music. They're a great bridge from King Crimson, Yes , etc. to Voivod, Death, etc.
Wow.... looks like I have to expand on my ‘ to follow ‘ list.
Spot on with the analysis. Few days ago well done on Tool and now on Opeth.
Guess the math is done based on views, likes and comments on what reaction video’s need to be done. Looking forward to new material like Blackwater Park, or Deliverance.. ( live versions)
Cheers, from the Netherlands!
Perfect reaction, I was confused the first time I heard them to. And that was in the early 2000 I think 🤔 great band and musicians.
Have watched your takes on Maiden's Rime... , Nightwish Ghost Love Score, now this Opeth analysis. You have a great ear!
I've watched too many reactions where people claim to be professional musos but have no idea. I enjoy your insight. Welcome to the fold. Cheers mate
great reaction/dissection of the song! love it, you should react to "Ghost of perdition" from the same band live at red rocks, its an amazing performance
One of my favorite songs 😍 this is a f* piece of art
Nice reaction! Opeth are, simply put, one of the greatest bands ever. BTW, the song title is actually "Harlequin Forest" only. "Reverie" is the ending part of "Atonement/Reverie", in which you can definitely hear two completely different sections.
I've been a diehard Opeth Fan since I discovered them with Deliverance in 2002, Reverie is my all time favorite track. Watching someone else's brain twist reacting to it is super cathartic. Thank you for this!
You are a lucky guy! The gig you went to saw the live debut (and first of only 4 performances) of By the pain I see in others... Will o the wisp, Hex omega, Death whispered a lullaby & Master's apprentices in one gig as well. You damn lucky man!!!
I’ve watched your Tool reaction and now this. Amazing analysis. I would love to see your reaction to The Last Baron or The Czar by Mastodon. Both very melodic. Subscribed!
Hey I was at that concert too! It was for Sorceress and that was the day after they officially released it. Tied with King Crimson for the best show in NYC I've seen (I live in NYC)
Really enjoyed your take on this, you have a really interesting perspective on Opeth. I'm not sure if you've done Steven Wilson's "Home Invasion/Regret #9" but I can't recommend it enough.
Opeth is absolutely EPIC!!🤘🤘🤘🤘
I truly love to see people going on through the "hypnotic part" for the first time.
Kings of Transitions, so smooth....so heavy.
Hey man, I think you would enjoy the construction of Meshuggah's sound. They have good drum videos. Also, this was a good watch.
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@@xdman20005 Made my day
Thanks for putting some music theory into your analysis! Most professionals reacting to some music shy away from that and keep it very metaphorical but I actually want to hear that deeper dive into chord progressions, modulation, rhythmic patterns, harmonies and also voice leading and melodic choices. Please go into more detail next time on the melodies because I think Opeth also deserves a lot of attention in that respect.
Awesome dissection from the perspective of music theory.