 Opeth recorded its debut album , Orchid , with producer Dan Swanö in April 1994 . Because of distribution problems with the newly formed Candlelight Records , the album was not released until May 15 , 1995 , and only in Europe . Orchid tested the boundaries of traditional death metal , featuring acoustic guitars , piano , and clean vocals . AllMusic called Orchid " brilliant , " " startlingly unique , " and " a far @-@ beyond @-@ epic prog / death monstrosity exuding equal parts beauty and brutality . " 
