The List of Opeth Albums in Order of Release Date
Opeth Albums in Order: Opeth, the Swedish progressive metal pioneers, have crafted a rich and dynamic discography that reflects their evolution over more than three decades. Renowned for blending death metal with elements of folk, classical, jazz, and blues, the band has consistently pushed the boundaries of metal music.
Beginning with their 1995 debut, Orchid, Opeth albums in order reveal a fascinating progression from their early death metal roots to more experimental and progressive territories. Albums like Morningrise (1996) and My Arms, Your Hearse (1998) showcased their growing mastery of intricate compositions and melancholic atmospheres, while Blackwater Park (2001), produced by Steven Wilson, brought them international acclaim.
The band’s later works, including Ghost Reveries (2005) and Watershed (2008), expanded their sound with sophisticated arrangements and cleaner vocals. Their transition to a fully progressive rock style was marked by Heritage (2011) and continued with albums like Pale Communion (2014) and Sorceress (2016). With their 2024 release, The Last Will and Testament, Opeth cements their legacy as one of the most innovative bands in metal history. Exploring Opeth albums in order offers a deep dive into the artistry of a band that continues to redefine itself with each release.So, if you are a die heart fan of Opeth Albums then check out here we have list of Opeth albums in order of release so far.
All Opeth Albums Available on: Apple Music
Also see: Dream Theater Albums in Order
How many albums does Opeth have?
The discography of Opeth consists of fourteen studio albums, four live albums, three box sets, three video albums and seventeen singles.
The List of Opeth Albums in Order of Release Date
Here is the list of Opeth Album in Order of Release Date:
- Orchid — 15 May 1995
- Morningrise — 24 June 1996
- My Arms, Your Hearse — 18 August 1998
- Still Life — 19 October 1999
- Blackwater Park — 27 February 2001
- Deliverance — 12 November 2002
- Damnation — 22 April 2003
- Ghost Reveries — 30 August 2005
- Watershed — 3 June 2008
- Heritage — 20 September 2011
- Pale Communion — 26 August 2014
- Sorceress — 30 September 2016
- In Cauda Venenum — 27 September 2019
- The Last Will and Testament — 22 November 2024
All Opeth Albums List in Order
1. Orchid (1995)
Tracks:
- In Mist She Was Standing
- Under the Weeping Moon
- Silhouette (Instrumental)
- Forest of October
- The Twilight Is My Robe
- Requiem (Instrumental)
- The Apostle in Triumph
Released on May 15, 1995, in Europe via Candlelight Records, Orchid marked Swedish progressive metal band Opeth’s ambitious debut. The album blended death metal growls, black metal elements, and intricate progressive rock influences, enhanced by acoustic interludes and melodic passages. Recorded at Unisound Studio under Dan Swanö’s guidance, it introduced Opeth’s unique soundscape—characterized by multi-layered harmonies, lengthy compositions, and dynamic transitions. Tracks like “In Mist She Was Standing” and “The Twilight Is My Robe” showcased their evolving style. Despite initial skepticism, the album gained critical acclaim, establishing Opeth as trailblazers in progressive metal. Its 2000 reissue added the rare track “Into the Frost of Winter.”
2. Morningrise (1996)
Tracks:
- Advent
- The Night and the Silent Water
- Nectar
- Black Rose Immortal
- To Bid You Farewell
Morningrise is the second studio album by Swedish progressive metal band Opeth, released on June 24, 1996, in Europe via Candlelight Records and a year later in the U.S. through Century Black. The album showcases Opeth’s signature fusion of black and death metal with progressive and acoustic elements. Recorded at Unisound Studio in Finspång, it was the final album featuring bassist Johan De Farfalla, drummer Anders Nordin, and producer Dan Swanö. Known for its intricate compositions, Morningrise includes Opeth’s longest song, “Black Rose Immortal,” at 20 minutes. The melancholic and atmospheric tone solidified its status as a genre masterpiece.
3. My Arms, Your Hearse (1998)
Tracks:
- Prologue
- April Ethereal
- When
- Madrigal
- The Amen Corner
- Demon of the Fall
- Credence
- Karma
- Epilogue
My Arms, Your Hearse, released in August 1998, is Opeth’s third studio album and marks a turning point in the Swedish progressive metal band’s career. Introducing drummer Martin Lopez, it also features frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt handling bass duties. This concept album, with its lyrical continuity between tracks, showcases shorter, more cohesive songs compared to its predecessor Morningrise. Tracks like “April Ethereal” and “Demon of the Fall” combine death metal intensity with atmospheric melodies, while the haunting artwork, shot by guitarist Peter Lindgren, enhances its mystique. Praised for its innovative fusion of metal genres, the album remains a hallmark of 1990s extreme metal.
4. Still Life (1999)
Tracks:
- The Moor
- Godhead’s Lament
- Benighted
- Moonlapse Vertigo
- Face of Melinda
- Serenity Painted Death
- White Cluster
Opeth’s Still Life (1999) is a landmark in progressive metal, blending ferocious intensity with intricate beauty. Released through Peaceville Records, it marked their sole collaboration with the label and introduced bassist Martin Mendez to the lineup. A concept album, it narrates the story of a protagonist exiled for his beliefs, returning years later to reunite with his love, Melinda, amid tragedy and rebellion. The album’s intricate storytelling complements its sonic depth, featuring tracks like “The Moor” and “Face of Melinda,” praised for their dynamic contrasts. Remastered in 2008 with a 5.1 surround mix, Still Life remains a quintessential Opeth masterpiece.
5. Blackwater Park (2001)
Tracks:
- The Leper Affinity
- Bleak
- Harvest
- The Drapery Falls
- Dirge for November
- The Funeral Portrait
- Patterns in the Ivy (instrumental)
- Blackwater Park
Opeth’s “Blackwater Park” stands as a defining milestone in progressive metal. Released on March 12, 2001, the album marked the band’s artistic evolution through its collaboration with Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree. Wilson’s production accentuated Opeth’s fusion of death metal intensity with intricate, progressive rock influences, resulting in a dynamic and emotionally charged sound. Tracks like “The Drapery Falls” and “Harvest” exemplify the balance between Åkerfeldt’s growling vocals and serene acoustic moments. Widely regarded as Opeth’s magnum opus, Blackwater Park earned critical acclaim for its sophistication, earning accolades like Loudwire’s “Best Progressive Metal Album of All Time” and placement on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Metal Albums.”
6. Deliverance (2002)
Tracks:
- Wreath
- Deliverance
- A Fair Judgement
- For Absent Friends (instrumental)
- Master’s Apprentices
- By the Pain I See in Others
Deliverance is the sixth studio album by Swedish progressive metal pioneers Opeth, released on November 12, 2002. Recorded alongside its companion album, Damnation, the two projects showcase the band’s contrasting styles—Deliverance delves into brutal, death metal-inspired heaviness, while Damnation explores a mellower, progressive rock aesthetic. The album’s creation was fraught with challenges, from technical issues to personal loss, including frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt dedicating both albums to his late grandmother. Notable tracks include the powerful title track and the haunting “Master’s Apprentices.” Deliverance earned critical acclaim, charted globally, and won a Grammis Award, cementing its legacy in Opeth’s illustrious discography.
7. Damnation (2003)
Tracks:
- Windowpane
- In My Time of Need
- Death Whispered a Lullaby
- Closure
- Hope Leaves
- To Rid the Disease
- Ending Credits
- Weakness
Opeth’s Damnation: A Masterpiece of Progressive Rock Transformation Released on April 22, 2003, Damnation marked a bold departure for Swedish progressive metal band Opeth. Produced by Steven Wilson, the album abandoned their signature death metal sound in favor of 1970s-inspired progressive rock. Featuring clean vocals, melodic guitar work, and prominent Mellotron, the album reflected Mikael Åkerfeldt’s introspection, partly shaped by the loss of his grandmother during its recording. Tracks like “Windowpane” and “To Rid the Disease” showcased Opeth’s evolution, earning widespread acclaim. Critics praised its artistry, with Loudwire naming it the second-best album of 2003. Damnation solidified Opeth’s place in progressive music history, blending emotional depth and technical brilliance.
8. Ghost Reveries (2005)
Tracks:
- Ghost of Perdition
- The Baying of the Hounds
- Beneath the Mire
- Atonement
- Reverie/Harlequin Forest
- Hours of Wealth
- The Grand Conjuration
- Isolation Years
Ghost Reveries is Opeth’s eighth studio album, released on August 29, 2005, marking their first collaboration with Roadrunner Records. This album saw the inclusion of keyboardist Per Wiberg as a permanent member and the departure of drummer Martin Lopez and guitarist Peter Lindgren. Blending progressive metal and rock elements, Ghost Reveries explores themes of occultism and personal turmoil, featuring tracks like “Ghost of Perdition” and “The Grand Conjuration.” The album is celebrated for its intricate compositions, emotional depth, and rich instrumentation, including the use of an open Dmadd9 guitar tuning. It was met with critical acclaim and became one of the band’s most defining works.
9 Watershed (2008)
Tracks:
- Coil
- Heir Apparent
- The Lotus Eater
- Burden
- Porcelain Heart
- Hessian Peel
- Hex Omega
Watershed, released in 2008, is the ninth studio album by Swedish progressive metal band Opeth. It marks the debut of guitarist Fredrik Åkesson and drummer Martin Axenrot, replacing longtime members. The album is a departure from Opeth’s earlier work, incorporating both death metal and more melodic elements, while maintaining the band’s signature complexity. Songs like “Coil,” featuring guest vocals from Nathalie Lorichs, and “Burden,” inspired by Scorpions’ “Living And Dying,” showcase the band’s evolving sound. The album received critical acclaim, achieving high rankings in Metal Hammer and Metal Edge’s year-end lists. It remains Opeth’s last to feature death growls until their 2024 release.
10. Heritage (2011)
Tracks:
- Heritage (instrumental)
- The Devil’s Orchard
- I Feel the Dark
- Slither
- Nepenthe
- Häxprocess
- Famine
- The Lines in My Hand
- Folklore
- Marrow of the Earth (instrumental)
Heritage, released on September 13, 2011, is Opeth’s tenth studio album, marking a bold departure from their signature progressive death metal sound. Instead, the band embraced progressive rock influences, incorporating complex arrangements, clean vocals, and vintage instruments like Mellotrons and Hammond organs. Recorded at Atlantis Studios in Stockholm, Heritage was produced by Mikael Åkerfeldt and mixed by Steven Wilson, marking their first collaboration since Damnation (2003). The album’s artwork, designed by longtime collaborator Travis Smith, symbolizes the band’s transition, with elements representing both their death metal roots and new direction. Heritage received widespread critical acclaim for its adventurous, genre-defying sound, selling 19,000 units in its first week in the U.S. and charting at number 19 on the Billboard 200.
11. Pale Communion (2014)
Tracks:
- Eternal Rains Will Come
- Cusp of Eternity
- Moon Above, Sun Below
- Elysian Woes
- Goblin (instrumental)
- River
- Voice of Treason
- Faith in Others
Pale Communion, released on August 26, 2014, is the eleventh studio album by Swedish progressive metal band Opeth. Produced by Mikael Åkerfeldt and mixed by Steven Wilson, it marks the band’s first album with keyboardist Joakim Svalberg. Moving away from death metal growls, Pale Communion features melodic vocals and more intricate compositions, blending progressive rock influences from bands like Deep Purple and King Crimson. The album received generally positive reviews, with critics praising Åkerfeldt’s emotional vocals and the band’s refined musicality. It debuted at #19 on the Billboard 200 and topped charts in several countries, cementing Opeth’s evolution toward a more melodic, progressive sound.
12. Sorceress (2016)
Tracks:
- Persephone
- Sorceress
- The Wilde Flowers
- Will o the Wisp
- Chrysalis
- Sorceress 2
- The Seventh Sojourn
- Strange Brew
- A Fleeting Glance
- Era
- Persephone (Slight Return)
Sorceress, released on September 30, 2016, is the twelfth studio album by Swedish progressive metal band Opeth. Produced by Tom Dalgety, it was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales. The album is deeply personal, influenced by Mikael Åkerfeldt’s experiences, including his divorce in 2016. The album blends elements of progressive rock and metal with atmospheric textures, featuring tracks like “Sorceress” and “Strange Brew.” The band toured globally in support, with acts like The Sword and Myrkur opening. Sorceress received critical acclaim, charting highly in countries such as Germany, Finland, and Sweden. The album’s limited edition includes live performances with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra.
13. In Cauda Venenum (2019)
Tracks:
- Garden of Earthly Delights
- Dignity
- Heart in Hand
- Next of Kin
- Lovelorn Crime
- Charlatan
- Universal Truth
- The Garroter
- Continuum
- All Things Will Pass
In Cauda Venenum, released on September 27, 2019, is Opeth’s thirteenth studio album, marking a significant entry in their progressive metal catalog. Notable for its dual-language release, it features both Swedish and English versions, showcasing the band’s commitment to lyrical depth. The album spans 67 minutes, making it their longest studio effort, and it was the final record with drummer Martin Axenrot before his departure in 2021. In Cauda Venenum received critical acclaim, with a Metacritic score of 85/100, and is hailed as a pinnacle of the band’s modern progressive era. It combines intricate compositions, rich atmospheres, and complex storytelling.
14. The Last Will and Testament (2024)
Tracks:
- §1
- §2
- §3
- §4
- §5
- §6
- §7
- A Story Never Told
The Last Will and Testament, Opeth’s fourteenth studio album, released on 22 November 2024, is a concept-driven work set in the post-World War I era. The album explores a family’s dark secrets uncovered through the reading of a patriarch’s will. It marks a return to death metal elements, including death growls, last used on Watershed (2008), and is their first conceptual album since Still Life (1999). With new drummer Waltteri Väyrynen, the band has received praise for the album’s blending of progressive and death metal sounds, with critics highlighting its connection to earlier works like Ghost Reveries and Watershed.
Conclusion:
Opeth’s discography showcases the band’s evolution from death metal origins to a progressive metal powerhouse, blending genres like folk, jazz, and classical into their intricate compositions. With “Opeth Albums in Order,” fans can trace the band’s growth, beginning with Orchid (1995) and progressing through transformative works like Blackwater Park (2001), Ghost Reveries (2005), and Watershed (2008), to their latest, The Last Will and Testament (2024). Each album reflects Mikael Åkerfeldt’s visionary songwriting and the band’s dynamic lineup changes. As a cornerstone of progressive metal, Opeth continues to captivate listeners worldwide, cementing their legacy through an unparalleled musical journey.
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