Opeth - Heritage

Nightfly wrote: I like it - it's really growing on me getting better with every play. So what do you think, a one off like Damnation or a new direction? I tend to think the former.

In the documentary that came with the album, Mikael seemed to imply that the metal/growling days of Opeth are over.  I won't really miss the growling at all, but I will definitely miss the contrasts between the super-heavy and melodic acoustic sections of the heavier albums.

I have the Special edition, but I haven't looked at the bonus DVD yet. I also have no way of playing the album in 5.1 as of right now, but I do want to watch that documentary sometime today

My first listen. This is one of those rare things - a prog album with space to breath and not trying to fill every second with something amazing .In that respect very reminiscent of Anglagards - Hyrbis (but not sylistically). Establish a mood and draw you in. A contender along with Steven Wilson's 'Grace for Drowning' to be album of the year I think.

I like Orchid.

KirksNoseHair wrote: In the documentary that came with the album, Mikael seemed to imply that the metal/growling days of Opeth are over.  I won't really miss the growling at all, but I will definitely miss the contrasts between the super-heavy and melodic acoustic sections of the heavier albums.

Haha, the bonus DVD really cracked me up - Mike looked so bored and annoyed.

He's talked quite a bit in interviews lately about his mood swings and bouts with depression, so maybe he just had one of his "low points", but the parts where he's in his home studio talking about the record he could not have looked less enthusiastic if he tried.

Opeth wants me to have at least one of their albums in my collection (even at the cost that they annoy old Opeth fans). Well, they reached their goal.

silverpot wrote: Formentera Lady wrote: Opeth wants me to have at least one of their albums in my collection (even at the cost that they annoy old Opeth fans). Well, they reached their goal. That's true for me as well.    I've just ordered the album after listening to it on Spotify several times. I never thought this would ever happen.

Did you guys miss Damnation?

That was the first Opeth I bought, and I went quite a while before getting a second because I was "scared" of trying the harsh vocals.  Pretty silly, in retrospect!

^ huuraay

Tony R wrote: Bonnek wrote: Kotro wrote: I had very high hopes for this album. After the third listen, I'm dissapointed. It's not that it's bad (it's not), it's just... boring and surprisingly uninspired. The songwriting is indeed crappy, there are severall good moments, but they are all lost among lesser ones. The longer tracks fail miserably. Most remarkable moments for me are the short rocker "The Lines in My Hand" and the amazing final two-and-a-half minutes of "Folklore". Exactly this, on all points, I find it an agreeable listen but there's not much beneath the surface.Mike can write decent songs and if he remembers how to, the new sound certainly has potential for a future release. It's a real grower. I would say, and I have thought about it, that this is probably the best re-invention of a band since PT released In Absentia. Yes, I see it as a gateway album, a means to en end, but after a dozen listens I could confidently give it 4.5 stars. It is a classic rock album with many Prog elements. There are chunks of Red by Crimson, some Gentle Giant and even some Camel but these are fused with 70s bands like Deep Purple/Rainbow, later Zep and even Rush. Terrific listen with real depth, well done Opeth. The recording and mixing is flawless too! A great way to throw off the death metal heritage of the band.

I have to say, I wasn't too sure on the first 2/3 listens, then something clicked & I 'got' the album; I now think it's their strongest recent album - in fact, I'd say it's their strongest since Blackwater Park (although completely different albums) & probably one I'd play the most at the moment - superb production from Wilson, great songwriting, great musicianship. A definite 8/10 (and growing ).

If this is a reinvention, cannot wait until the next album...

Unfortunately it seems I am feeling less favorable towards this album with repeated listens.  The music is good, but I can't think of any tracks that really reach out and grab me.