Customer Reviews

The Candlelight Years

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't understand why this product is listed as untitled when it clearly says on the picture presented 'The Candlelight Years'. Anyway This is a japanese only rerelease of Opeth's first 3 albums, Orchid, Morningrise and My Arms, Your Hearse. A tidy pick up for the price if you don't already own them, absolutely pointless if you do, because there are no bonus tracks or artwork or special stuff at all. All the linear notes are in Japanese aswell.

This is a collection of Orchid, Morningrise, and My Arms, Your Hearse. The original release was in Japan, which the insert would be in well, Japanese. This release however, is the European release that was available this month. This is why the literature is in English. I strongly suggest buying these three together in this set. What an F'n deal!

I recently purchased this box set from FYE for the retail price. I was extremely surprised when I saw this sitting on their shelf brand new :). I had owned all of their albums except for the first three and this was a great deal. It includes all the bonus tracks included on the previous reissues. Also the box set contains fantastic artwork that justifies the purchase even more. This does not contain any exclusives not included in the previous reissues, so there is not much reason to purchase this boxset if you own the reissues. Also the insert's text is only in Japanese. However this was limited only to Japan with 2000 copies so it may not be easily found for the retail price. Overall a fantastic box set.

What more can you ask for; the first three albums released by Opeth under the "Candlelight" label... thus the name of the bundle ("The Candlelight Years")... and all for such a cheap price.

I purchased this at $13.99... but it is well worth at least $30, as it is hard to find any of the three included cds ("Orchid," "Morningrise," and "My Arms, Your Hearse") for under $10/each used.

Anyway, I was introduced to Opeth by a friend a few years back and have been hooked ever since. While IMO their earlier stuff is not as good as some of their later albums... they are still amazing. The instrumental work... with the melodic death metal vocals is very appeasing to the ears.

If you are a fan of metal music... or even some harder rock, do yourself a favor and pick up this great deal; you will not be disappointed.

Then go pick up the rest of their albums!

This is a dirt cheap collection from the progressive metal group known as Opeth. Inside this three disc set, you'll find a modest booklet insert. It lists primarily lyrics, oddly enough (my friend pointed this out to me) lyrics are given to instrumental tracks. The three albums are set chronologically, one will find Opeth's debute 1995s "Orchid", 1996s "Morning Rise" and the masterful "My Arms Your Hearse" from 1999.

This deal can't get much better, having searched through a few record shops across the United States east coast, I've found each of these albums to cost around 14-18$. Even used you will spend possibly upwards of 8-10$. This is a great introduction to the bands unique blending off all things metal and more. Bonus tracks were included for each album, though I will admit "Orchid" has a really rough bonus track (it's the thought that counts). "My Arms Your Hearse" also features a modernized cover of an Iron Maiden tune.

Essentially these three albums are during the heavily dual guitar orientated era for the group. The songs are strongly layered, vocals can range from a gruesome death metal style to high performance clean vocals. Guitar can go from murky atmospheric distortion to moody acoustics. The guitar solos were far ahead of its time. Drum work is expressive and dynamic, talent is not scarce to say the least for this trilogy. The bass can be very apparent in the mix for some songs, later to be distant but still glowing. Production value is suprisingly good, not nearly as cold and jaded as many other metal groups first few attempts.

If you don't mind the three discs being pitch black with the exception of the bands 'Opeth' font, and the change in cover art (which you really shouldn't, well not for this price), then this is a worthy contender for cheap. You get quality leangthy songs, a variety of metallic mixes (traces of thrash, death, folk, and atmospheric black metal), and some bonus tracks on this killer collection.

This album is a great way for new Opeth fans to obtain the older albums. Orchid, Morningrise and My Arms, Your Hearse are among their best albums IMO and for $15 this deal simply can't be beat.

Great stuff! A really great price for 3 great albums! Some very strong material here--contrasts between heavy and beautifully melodic. However, the songs are long, so make sure you got the endurance. A good intro for people interested in Opeth.

Anyone who has discovered Opeth in recent years and is curious about this band's development would do well to pick up this three-disc set at little more than the price for one disc.
Opeth's sound has evolved over the years; the third disc, "My Arms, Your Hearse," sounds most like Opeth's later works. The sound and songwriting are more mature. While all three albums feature Opeth's signature "fire and ice" mixture of death metal then acoustic guitars, growling then soft vocals, "My Arms" pulls off this trick the best.
The first disc, "Orchid," features a curiosity: a piano solo that's a little reminiscent of silent-movie music.
The "bonus tracks" on "Orchid" and "Morningrise" sound like demos or rehearsal tapes. Those on "My Arms" are much better.

This is a collection of Opeth's early, more black metal, death prog. A wonderful item. Definitely great for collectors or anyone who loves Opeth.

I didn't own these early albums from Opeth. Started off from Watershed and ever since then had been a big fan of this great band. This package is indeed a good buy for those new fans of this band.