Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
I've got Opeth's Damnation and I understand this is a one of a kind for Opeth but if I wanted another Opeth, one that was "Proggy", which would it be? Are all of their vocals "Cookie Monster"?
I haven't heard all of Opeth's disks, but the ones that I've heard are a mix of Cookie Monster and clean vocals. When the vocals are clean, they are outstanding! I'm not sure why this band continues to growl when Akerfeldt has such a fantasic voice. They would be so much more listenable (to my ears anyway) if they would just stop it.

Having said all of that...I hate Cookie Monster vocals. But Opeth's music is just so damn good that I do my best to overlook them. This is the only death metal band that I'll do that for. I just picked up Ghost Reveries in 5.1. I can't wait to find the time (and an empty house) to listen to it!

As for head bangers...I can't believe that no-one has mentioned Dream Theater yet! If Wireworm is looking for some great guitar playing, you're not gonna find a shredder much better than John Petrucci.