SORCERESS

I can't say enough good things about the most recent release from Opeth. I suppose one should come to expect flawless musicianship, compositions and production from Sweden's prog-metal masters and Sorceress is no exception. Continuing in the growl free, "full on prog" vein that the band embarked on with Heritage, Sorceress is perhaps the most eclectic Opeth album released yet. Influences such as Gentle Giant and Caravan are readily detectable on this release. There are plenty of heavy moments and fret board flying pyrotechnics but there are also lovely breakdowns with melancholy and simple playing. Opeth has made a career as a band steeped in contrasts (growls vs clean vocals, heavy sections followed by ethereal light ones, even the death metal/pure prog "halves" of their discography); and Sorceress continues this tradition beautifully. I had the fortunate pleasure of seeing Opeth at Radio City Music this past weekend for an epic concert. The Sorceress material that was played (Sorceress, The Wilde Flowers and Will O' The Wisp) all delivered perfectly well in the live setting (standing toe to toe with classic material from Deliverance & Damnation, Still Life, Blackwater Park et al). This LP is my favorite effort of the post death metal phase of Opeth's career. My personal highlights from the album are: Sorceress, Will O' The Wisp, Era, Strange Brew and The Wilde Flowers, but candidly the entire album is breathtaking. While not quite a concept album, the album takes on the weighty subject of lost love and the myriad feelings one can experience as a romantic relationship erodes/dissolves/ends... The "duality of man" aesthetic that Mikael Akerfeldt has always been a master of is again on full display. Fans that won't accept Opeth without growls, should pass here for obvious reasons. Prog fans in general though would do well to seek out this record. It is a brilliant utterance from one of the most talented bands in music. Kudos to the band and all involved in the production of this masterpiece. A hearty five stars!!!