Customer Ratings & Reviews

First studio recording with guitarist Fredrik Henry Åkesson whom replaced Peter Lindgren. This effort features a nice blend of classic Opeth (although with slicker production than earlier recordings) while somewhat pearing into Opeth's future. Always evolving, this band does not disappoint. A little something for everyone. From progressive death metal to Jazz, this observation never feels contrived. A great way for someone that is not already on board to ease into the magic that is Opeth while getting a taste of where they came from. Come on... Try it... You know you want to...

Opeth now has 2 new members since their last album. Their drummer Martin Lopez and guitarist Peter Lindgren had left the band for various reasons. However they did gain Fredrik Åkesson on guitars who was recently a guitarist in Arch Enemy, and Martin "Axe" Axenrot (who is also the drummer for the death metal band Bloodbath for which Mikael Åkerfeldt is also the singer). In the first track 'Coil' the female vocals are those of Martin Axenrot's girlfriend. Mikael Åkerfeldt is trying to do something that's a little bit different with this album, Opeth is still capable of doing the death metal that has always been and those vocals are present throughout the album, but this album is really rather deep. This album is not one that will be grasped the first time it is heard, maybe not even by the 10th, there are quite a few unsettling moments to it, some psychadelic streams that flow beneath the surface. I love this album, it shows growth in Opeth and I think is really artistic without flaunting it. This is also an album that has a great flow to it in which the song transitions don't feel choppy at all but flow easily from one to the next. This is definately a must have.

Long time fans are always expecting too much out of movie sequels; musical artists are suffereing the exact same pressure when it comes down to releasing a new album. Opeth on the other hand seems to never buckle under the pressure of creating an album just for the sake of rocking the bill. With the bands 9th installment, audiences will begin to appreciate the addition of several different musicians to complete the heavy, yet angelic ambience of Opeths almost celtic approach at progressive Death Metal. The original line-up is still there: Mikael Akerfeldt still delivers his serinating vocals which are none-too-soon followed by the gutteral demon that dwells within. The lead has seemed to changed course a little to accomadate the new style. Drums are in surplus! The double bass is tremendous along with the electric rush of dominating metal riffs. The overall capture is astounding!! And the added female vocals help redirect the focus to gain a further tranquility for the classical Opeth feel. To be fair... or unfair... The album is an absolute success! Oh Heck, It Rocks!!

Anyone who is familiar with Opeth knows basically what to expect. This CD, however, throws a slight curve ball, which can be somewhat expected with the small change in personel. Not to say there isn't any of the trademark metal that Opeth is known and loved for, but expect a little more mellow sound overall... including some female vocals that really add a new haunting dimension. I believe it will take a couple listens, but both old and new fans will find much to love about this new project.

After listening to Opeth for the past five years, I'd have to say that this is their most mature offering. Mikael's growls are as face-melting as ever, but his clean vocals definitely take center-stage on this one. It appears to be a very personal album lyrically speaking, and the music is equally as emotional. This is a great place to start to someone who's new to Opeth.

A must buy. Opeth did an amazing job, as they always do.