Colorful, 208 page (including discography, credits and acknowledgments) coffee table tome, surrounding the cult that is Opeth. Nearly every page contains a photo: promotional, live or unseen candid. The first ten years (four albums) are encapsulated in the opening chapter, entitled Advent (62 pages). Biggest early revelation, Opeth didn't start with guitarist/singer Mikael Akerfeldt (now recognized/synonymous with the band), but was actually someone else's group, which Mike joined, with the intention of playing bass! Circuitous route from there, through death metal (performing alongside what would become some of Sweden's bigger exports, Therion and At The Gates), to the world renown progressive hard rock of today.

It's traced, with input from various past members, friends and music industry types, in a collection of individual quotes/observations, no edited narrative, nor overview. Never spends much time with any one release and the early photos of fresh faced, bell bottom wearing "hippies" (Akerfeldt's word, not mine) are precious. In just a few pages, Mikael relates his dismay at lack of acceptance and live dates for the “Orchid” debut, then similar amount of print dedicated to Morningrise and lessons learned, on tour with Cradle of Filth. None of the earliest participants, apart from Akerfeldt and mainstay guitarist Peter Lindgren are interviewed, but come “My Arms Your Hearse”, in the chronology, the palette of recollections is enlarged.

On a personal note, good to see Mikael holds my favorite, “Still Life” so highly (even if they only played 3 shows supporting said release), relating the tale of attending the Milwaukee Metalfest (was at that show, photos to prove it), the first real taste of their music being appreciated by others. "It had such a big impact on us, we thought... if we weren't doing well in Europe, we should return to America and play some more shows there." Couple of funny quotes/high praise regarding Gene Hoglan filling in on the 2005 Sounds Of The Underground tour. The second, of three chapters, ends with Lindgren's departure and recruitment of one-time Arch Enemy guitarist Fredrik Akesson. Plenty of honest commentary surrounding the sometimes raw reaction to Heritage and the accompanying tour. The text ends on page 182, but then there's a conversation about cover artwork, with Travis Smith and an 11 page pictorial discography (seemingly every edition of singles, cassettes, VHS, promos and actual releases) is accompanied by comments from an obsessive collector (near to Åkerfeldt's heart, himself an avid compiler of music).