DELIVERANCE

Riddled with less thought-provoking, haunting, silent pauses, lacking much musical-storyline (meaning there is not much of a climax, and absolutely no introduction to set the mood) and virtually no atmosphere, this Opeth album claims my interest less than others. Despite that, however, there are still some (however few) piano sections which can cause quite an emotional resonance.

The style of music is static, and there isn't much shifting in sounds. The album begins death metal, and ends death metal, and has very little changes or dynamics. But, the complexity and power of the band is undeniable. Like other metal bands that create complex compositions for the sake of it, the intricacies of Opeth's music have meaning, and do not sound hollow, but are very passionate. Every musician is smoking, but does not sound isolated in his own corner of the room. The sound of the music is a single anatomy, and every instruments melts together. Artistic and creative elements run amok, and (with the exception of the dopey album cover) the album is quite exceptionally crafted.

Deliverance is good, but unfortunately, restricted to death metal fans. Non-death metal fans may find the overpowering guitar, and dominating grunting and growling, and the steadily swift drums to be a bit overwhelming and soulless. Again, once you looked passed these aspects of the music, there is in fact some great writing. If you are a death metal fan already, then it doesn't even matter, and you will appreciate the writing instantly (hopefully...). In the end, it shapes up to be a very good death metal experience, however mildly forgettable.