271 - Opeth The Drapery Falls 2001

"Blackwater Park" is the astounding fifth effort from Swedish metal titans Opeth. A work of breathtaking creative breadth, "Blackwater Park" (named after an obscure German progressive rock outfit from the 1970s) keeps with Opeth's tradition by transcending the limits of death/black metal and repeatedly shattering the foundations of conventional songwriting. Åkerfeldt's vocals run the gamut from bowel-churning grunts to melodies of chilling beauty, depending on each movement section's mood. "The Drapery Falls" opens with a short acoustic intro before more of Opeth's soaring guitar riffs kick in. The melody is great, and the structure makes the song an incredible ride, constantly shifting from quiet acoustic bits to explosive rock outs.