Omnipotent is practiaclly the only word that can do justice in describing the five members of Opeth and their majestic performance at the Royal Albert Hall on April 5th. On a night where heavy metal of the highest calibre resonated throughout these hallowed alcoves, Opeth cemented their reputation as unmatched leaders of their craft. Such was the majesty of this impeccable performance, it should be placed proudly - and unashamedly, alongside the many legends that have preceded them at this venue, and those still yet to follow.

Palpable aptly described the atmosphere during the build up to a truly momentous night. Last night’s evening with Opeth was like the most memorable one-night stand you can possibly imagine. Being serenaded by such epic and grandiose music for over two hours, was the most irresistible form of sonic seduction I have ever had the pleasure to be consumed by. Such is the diversity of Opeth’s catalogue that the contrasting material could be likened to a form of tantric titillation. A flawless performance of 2001’s revered Blackwater Park LP - complete with every chest pounding riff played to perfection, brought me to near climax on multiple occasions; only for the starkly contrasting cushion of acoustic melody to come and bathe me in majesty, before the subtle nuances built towards another unstoppable crescendo.

Ecstasy was reached as the final notes of the title track reverberated around the historic dome. With only a 20 minute break for the proverbial cigarette, my mind struggled to take in what my eyes and ears had just witnessed. Yet there was little time for reflection as the night was but half done! Having gathered one’s breath for round two, Opeth returned to bathe me in more musical waves of wonderment as we relived her past 20 years. From “Advent”, “The Moor”, to one of all time favourites “Reverie/Harlequin Forest” and the magnificence that is “The Lotus Eater”, it simply could not go on long enough.

This was my first night with Opeth, and judging by this performance, it may have to be my last. I cannot fathom how such a feat can be bested, and going back for more only risks tarnishing the memory. These five men deserve similar accolades to those bestowed upon other more famous musical deities, as their performance and their material – whilst certainly not as popular, deserves no less recognition.

Hand of heart this was one of, if not, the greatest concert experience I can claim to have witnessed .Having barely slept, awoken by a swell of imagery from the night gone by, I felt every the more compelled to etch my memories on to paper. I hope I’ve been somewhat successful in conveying just how incredible this performance was. Failing that, there were several thousand others in attendance whom I wager would lament my bold claims. Still not convinced? Then get your wallets ready as the entire performance was captured by some 13 cameras for all to see on a future DVD release. Before too long you shall be able to witness that special night with Opeth – even if Mikael Åkerfeldt thought we were all “far too ugly” to be on film! Open your mind to new forms of music and forever be free from the shackles of conforming to what is said to be “popular”.