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Rating: 4 / 5
Release Year: 2008
Website: N / A |
Type:
Album
Genre: Progressive Metal
Tracks:
1.Coil
2.Heir
3.Hessian Peel
4.Hex Omega Apparent
5.The Lotus Eater
6.Burden
7.Porcelain Heart
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| Beginning unexpectedly with the acoustic ‘Coil,’ the listener is offered nothing more than Michael Akerfeldt’s gentle crooning to the accompaniment of a guitar, his anguished voice later replaced by a woman’s. (Other reviews note it’s his wife sharing the verses.) The band’s heavier side, complete with growls and brooding grooves, is only heard on the unpredictable turns of ‘Heir Apparent.’ ‘The Lotus Eater’ is just as ambiguous, featuring token blast beats layered with those soothing, irresistibly uplifting soft vocals. ‘Burden’ significantly brings the volume down again. It’s the album’s lengthiest bout of balladry that’s mournful and alive, with juicy guitar licks and Per Wiberg’s extensive keyboard ad libbing. Matters take an eerie turn on the powerful, mind-expanding hooks of ‘Porcelain Heart.’ Diminish once more for the winding ‘Hessian Peel’ until the closer ‘Hex Omega’ takes the listener on a final, twisting musical journey before the shades are permanently drawn on Opeth’s newest album. A confusing work of art from start to finish, the strangely titled ‘Watershed’ is as dim and forbidding as the dark curtains pressing upon the lonely figure gracing its cover. Tis’ a strange and eerie realm this band inhabits. Alternately loud and upbeat, only to fall silent and suddenly blossom, the entirety of ‘Watershed’ is an unpredictable hour-long ride. Soak in the music and you might never look at the rest of your CD collection the same way. Without a doubt impressive for being a strong ninth release, this is actually far-removed from Death Metal and as for its progressive side, well, the music just goes places you never expected it to. Most exceptionally during the slower parts, which are so charming, your heart almost melts. What else can be written about an album with timeless tunes but barely memorable songs? This . . . those tender acoustic passages . . . beautiful.
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Reviewer: HailndKill
Rating:  |
Posted On: August 18, 2008 |
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