PALE COMMUNION

Opeth's gradual but ultimately wholesale departure from death metal and into classic prog got off to a very shaky start with the controversial mixed bag that was the Watershed record and the outright baffling Heritage release. But on Pale Communion the band actually manages to get their footing. Here the band steers away from their characteristic complex song writing and arrangements and instead focuses on providing the backdrop for Mikael Åkerfeldt's truly moving and inspired rock vocal performance. When the instrumental elements are the main focus of a song or passage, listeners are treated to the subtle mastery of the Joakim Svalberg's keyboards. The album is colorful, balanced between folky and heavier sections, and has proven to broaden Opeth's appeal outside of metal.