This is a review of the brand new Book of Opeth by my friend and massive metal fan, Jodie Fairfax.
When I was asked to review this book, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the formation of Swedish metal stalwarts, Opeth, I jumped at the chance. But I will admit to being mildly concerned. Having been a fan of their atmospheric, beautiful music for a number of years. I was a little nervous that a biography would not be enough and that seeing their story in print would be a disappointment.
I need not have worried... The book encompasses not only the story (albeit in a fairly short form), which is honest (Mikael admitting to liking the less trendy bands like Van Halen and the Scorpions, to the more cult bands of the time like Sepultura and Necrophagist) and humorous at times. But it also includes personal photographs of the band through the years, and perhaps most importantly to an Opeth fan, the gorgeous, Turneresque artwork of the highly talented Travis Smith. It contains content from Mikael Akerfeldt and co, in their own words and pictures. It lacks the sensationalism and scandal of some metal biographies, but it's a good, solid, visually beautiful archive of a much loved band
At £40 for the classic version, (and an eye-watering £250 for the Signature edition) I thought it would be a bit pricey, but having read the digital version, I find myself reaching for the plastic to pre-order it in its full glory. I particularly can't wait to hear the transcendent 'Atonement' acoustically and on vinyl! The Book of Opeth won't necessarily convert non-fans, but it's a great insight into Opeth over the years for the devotees. Well worth the money!
The Editions:
The Classic edition - £40
- Limited to 3,500 copies
- A large format, 208-page full-colour hardback, printed on heavy-weight art paper
- Over 300 images, many of which are rare and previously unseen
- 7” record exclusive to the book
- Wrapped in silk cloth with foil detailing
The Signature edition - £250 
- The Classic edition with a black-on-black cover
- 7” record exclusive to the book
- Limited edition of 500 hand-numbered sets - signed & numbered by Mikael Akerfeldt
- Each set signed and numbered by Mikael Akerfeldt
- Also includes three limited edition fine art prints by Travis Smith, hand-numbered to match the book
- Presented in a clamshell box covered in black cloth with foil detailing
Book of Opeth, published by Rocket 88 Books is available to order now exclusively from opethbook.com
