DELIVERANCE

I think that Deliverance is the most underrated album in progressive music the last years. It seems that the death metal elements sound weird to a significant proportion of listeners. Too bad, because I thought that progressive is for open-minded individuals,so why being so obstinate to harshly comment this mix of progressive and death metal? Whatever,in this album Opeth exceed the expectations that they have set in their previous masterpiece, Blackwater park. The death metal lava is blended with sentimental and misanthropic touches of progression and atmosphere. So, what about the songs?

Wreath-It initiates with a very heavy drumming along with intense growls and headbanging riffs. Maybe it is too death metal for the average prog listener but it evolves into something dark and emotional especially in the part 'bleeding animals in a field of fire...'. Mikael's voice is brutal but not in the 'i Scream and my voice seems like mire' style but dark and terrifying.It fits with the band's attitude.Despite its 12 minutes it is not boring and it closes as it has started. I think that their influences like Morbid Angel are present here. 4/5

Deliverance-One of the best songs that Sweden has unleashed,aggressive in the beginning but soon changes into melancholic and emotional. The sense of something wicked is all over the song which is what Opeth do with their music. They explore the darkest feelings of humans. Excellent musicianship here by all the members. Especially the final part with the drum pattern is very interesting.It is a crime not to rate it with 5/5

A fair judgement- This song has only clean vocals but it is not less dark that the other songs. Akerfeldt is very talented as you will have noticed by now. The riffing part during the last minutes is simply astonishing. 4/5

For absent friends-It is a very short song which functions as a bridge between the previous to the next song. However it is very emotional and shows the sensitive side of Opeth. 5/5

Master's apprentices-Very catchy riff in the beginning and quick drumming in the legs. Mikael's voice which spit black blood fully suits the song. The 2 guitarists present a very binding work. Also, the serene part is simply ethereal. Another diamond in this album. 5/5

By the pain I see ion others-My favorite song in Deliverance. From the distorted voice as the song commences till the intense refrain to the impeccable clean part till the acoustic guitar performance before the end of the song, this track is an epic in this kind of music.If you forget your earphones while listening to it,a voice will suddenly be heard, telling about possession.Quite spooky.5/5

Overall, it is an excellent album which will send Opeth to the peak of tech/extreme progressive. Well done!