Opeth's definitive album

Ahh, Metal Hammer CDs. The magazine was pretty cringe, as is all music journalism, including this site, but the CDs were usually ripping. I heard a tune on the Feb 2001 cover CD from this album and it is one of those things I'll never forget. There were some other bands that I liked on that album (Apartment 26 and Spineshank being some of the better nu-metal of the era). But The Drapery Falls was so different - morose, brooding, long-winded and excellent. Of course I had to buy this. 

The whole thing is just wonderful. Progressive songwriting with long, willowy passages interlaced with brutal passages and growled vocals. It's a genuine classic that showed people just how thoughtful metal could be. Completely lost on the folk I was at school with who thought it was rubbish. But they liked Korn which sums up their so-called taste. 

Anyway. If you can tolerate the vocals you will love this album. Its influence is felt to this day. Still listen to it all the time. 

There is a live version. They went to the Royal Albert Hall. I can't bring myself to listen to it as their live show is meant to be wooden and stale. Completely different to the recording!