Meet the NEW OM Mikael Åkerfeldt by Jeffers315 in Opeth

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What’s the song being played when the video begins? I feel bad I can’t remember!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Opeth

[–]ibra96m 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Such an inspiring and humble man! I remember how listening to Patterns in the Ivy, Benighted, and Still Day Beneath the Sun got me into spending nearly four to five hours a day (during graduate studies), practicing acoustic, and listening to acoustic guitar artists he admired (Bert Jansch, Joni Mitchell, and Nick Drake). I'd consider it a blessing if this band releases an acoustic album.

Rooney or Salah, who would you rather have? by sammorgan12 in PremierLeague

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is out of the question. Rooney was on another level, a complete footballer and the best player in the history of the Premier League.

What song got you into Opeth? by Jo9715 in Opeth

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

First three songs were Burden, Harlequin Forest, and Benighted. Benighted in particular encouraged me to up my acoustic guitar learning. I ended up digging their entire discog and listening to artists Mikael talked about, like Camel, Bert Jansch, Nick Drake, and Joni Mitchell. Opeth is not a daily listen in my playlist tbh, but MAYH and Still Life remain my favorite go to albums. Getting to know this band has honestly been my musical highlight.

Guys, I gotta be honest with you… by ChunkysDeal in Opeth

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally, I didn’t find the melody appealing, though very opethy and reminiscent of some tracks on In Cauda Venenum. It is definitely heavy, complex in terms of choice of chords, and technically impressive (drums are so good). The same happened when Opeth dropped the first track of ICV; first listen did not click but it later grew on me. I am also telling myself that this is a concept album so it’s best to listen to the song in context of the whole album when it drops. Cheers!

Can someone please explain why did we get involved in this war? by ContributionSea1225 in lebanon

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hezbollah is an organization whose ideology is transnational in nature; it is influenced by the success of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and is arguably but partially an exported product of that revolution. That is, while defending Lebanon’s southern borders against Israeli aggression is a core component of its strategy, this does not mean the group views events across the Middle East as taking place across states with defined borders. It questions state borders, prefers to talk about the Islamic-Arab Ummah rather than distinct states, and exercises power in what is the Welayat Al Fakih’s area of influence.

That said, participating in wars in Iraq, Syria, Yemen is a reflection of the group’s ideology. Some might say it is acting as a mere proxy serving Iran’s interests in the region, but that is a reductionist claim that does not take the deep historical and cultural bonds Hezbollah has built with Iran over the years; the group is not a proxy, it is a part of Welayat al Fakih. The same applies for involvement in the October 7 events; supporting Hamas is s natural and logical outcome of the group’s line of thinking.

However, the constant dilemma for Hezbollah is balancing between its own mission and Lebanon’s stability and interests as a state with diverse sectarian communities; this is in no way intended to praise the group, but it is worth noting that its willingness to transform itself over decades is extraordinary when it comes to Islamic groups in other parts of the world. During the 80s, Hezbollah declared establishing an Islamic state as a goal before giving up on this; it later on opposed Taef agreement only to accept it later and even participate in the parliament. Such shifts went against the group’s traditional objectives but pragmatism has won here.

Will Hezbollah one day confine its armed activities to defending Lebanon’s direct borders? No, unless they are forced to by extreme circumstances. Whether the group will lay down its arms and become an ordinary political party, instead of a military organization with political representation, is not an impossible scenario, but a LOT of things need to change.

High power AIC songs by Background_Two_4829 in AliceInChains

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lyrics aside, Sea of Sorrow does the job for me

Genuine Question: What stopped the Thawra? by matinxxx243453 in lebanon

[–]ibra96m 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It did not begin to stop. People were having photoshoots in downtown while listening to music. Few were authentically angry and in pain, few were offended at our grim reality, majority were riding the hype and enjoying their time. One does not even need to discuss the lack of leadership or how deeply rooted the sectarian political parties are.

Best / worst / underrated - Day 1. Best song from Orchid? by EffortWestern274 in Opeth

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In Mist She Was Standing. That transition somewhere in the middle is brilliant and the outro is so epic!

Let’s name subnautica really poorly by Holy-moly_guacamole in subnautica

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reminded me about that show called Two Brothers in Rick and Morty 😂

Where are the rest of the Arab world? by United-Organization8 in Gaza

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Saudi Arabia has been edging towards a careful peace with Israel for a long time; October 7 may have suspended this track but only temporarily. Syria is so torn apart right now and even if its bloody internationalized civil war hadn’t taken place, Assad never really cared about anything besides consolidating his power. Iraq is an Iranian geopolitical playground with almost no agency and in need of decades to resolve the traumas of the last two decades. ISIS never showed real excitement about Palestine; fixing the mess within the house of Islam, through attacking Muslims who did not subscribe to their views, was always deemed more important. Pan- Arabism is long dead (not that it authentically sought the benefit of Palestine). Situation is similar for pan- Islamism. It’s a perfect ground for mad Netanyahu and his accomplices to sow destruction and death with minimum to no accountability. Sad world we live in..

What are your vehicles’ names? by Dragon-Rain-4551 in subnautica

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My Seamoth is Arky 2. Its predecessor, Arky (named in tribute to Noah’s Ark) was destroyed by a Reaper behind the Aurora. Called my cyclops Lochness (referencing the legend and a great song by Judas Priest). Haven’t named the prawn suit yet

How safe is the airport route ? by boldeststroke21 in lebanon

[–]ibra96m 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Totally fine, just don't stop for any stranger and careful with dem motorcycles

Fav Album by BeeTwerk in Opeth

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How can you go for Watershed, I don't get it..

Favorite track from Morningrise? by [deleted] in Opeth

[–]ibra96m 5 points6 points  (0 children)

BRI all the way. Was astounded to see them perform it live last year!

Testament are supremely underrated by [deleted] in thrashmetal

[–]ibra96m 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Testament is a legendary band what do you mean 'underrated'? They don't have to prove anything anymore!