PALE COMMUNION

Opeth are a band undergoing a radical, and for myself very welcome, evolution. By their frenetic standards, 'Pale Communion' is a mellow and at times almost commercial album. But the magical guitar work, and fascinating drumming, are ever-present in this superb production. The instrumental side of Opeth has always excited me, but I have never been able to leave square one as far as the dreadful growls were concerned. Now two consecutive albums with clean vocals mean we can begin to believe the growls are gone for good. For myself, 'Pale Communion' does not quite match the excitement and constant surprises of its magnificent predecessor 'Heritage', but the musical mastery and innovation still deserve masterpiece status. And a top 20 chart position in my own country - prog bands do not often achieve that these days, well done!

Verdict: Einwahn's #1 album of 2014.