WATERSHED

A bit disappointing from Opeth's side this time. It's not a bad album in any way, but since this is Opeth, I was expecting more. There is no doubt some killer tracks on this record as well, bet it is a bit of an anticlimax. Especially since it was following what I consider to be Opeth's best album, Ghost Reveries. The beautiful mixture of extreme metal and elements inspired by 70' progressive rock isn't as prevalent as before. Still, when it kicks in there is no one who even comes close to Opeth's brilliance. This album still confirms Opeth place within progressive extreme metal. As number one. But compared to their earlier works it just seems to be missing something.

Heir Apparent is as expected. A powerful excellent extreme metal song, spiced up by progressive elements. Still, it's not as memorable as I would wish. The Lotus Eater on the other hand is very memorable, and probably one of their most interesting songs ever. This song shows Opeth at its best, in addition to showing lot of originality in the song structure. Clearly the best track on the album. Following this monster track is the ballad The Burden. A ballad that I also think is one of Opeth's best ballads. The rest of the songs are quality in both production and performance, but they seem to be forgotten as quickly as they appeared.

If this change is due to the band changing half of their members or not, is hard to say. I would like to not think so since their new members play the old songs to perfection. The new drummer really deserves honor. His technical performance is beyond words. For the fifth time I saw Opeth live last summer, and I must admit that Hex Omega and Porcelain Heart made me lose concentration there for a minute.

It is with sadness in my heart that I appoint this album only three stars. Opeth is after all one of my all-time favorite bands. Maybe that is why I expect as much of them as I do. I am sure they will be back soon, stronger than ever.

Share this OPETH review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Robinanimate
• Report this review (#262951)
• Buy OPETH music online with PA partners
• Show all OPETH MP3/Stream
• Go to OPETH page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Watershed page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for OPETH related discussions