HERITAGE

Opeth's first true nonmetal album (sure, Damnation was softer, but with its themes of resignation and withering had an unmistakable doom/gothic feeling). Heritage sounds like depressive, meandering psychedelic folk/hard rock album. Keyboards are decidedly vintage-sounding and the second part of the album is largely acoustic. At the time of its release, due to the unfocused nature of the songs, I wasn't sure if this was an awkward tribute to the seventies, or a new Opeth. Turned out later, it was the latter. And I like this Opeth. In fact, if you strip away the death metal epidermis, this was Opeth all along - somber and folkish. True, the songs on Heritage structurally lack focus, but every one contains at least a good idea or two, so I have confidence this Opeth will succeed among the dedicated proggers.