WATERSHED

Although not being a devoted Opeth fan, I really anticipated their new work. Opeth is the representative speciment of tech/extreme prog that fits to my needs. All their albums kept the balance of heaviness and progness. You alway feel that there is a multiple personality in the band's mind, that they explore all the interesting paths, not just adding impressive sounds. This feeling of exploration goes further on this album. Their sound has not changed, all their characteristics are still here. The music is still haunted and atmospheric, all the ghosts are swirling around you. Yes, it is a strong come back (actually they never left!!) true to their history and sound. Most songs have a complexed structure with various passages, in their usual style. Their melodic passages have a 70's melancholic sense (Burden). The process of widening their influences continues. I 've also have the feeling that in this album the music is more tuned up, tightly built and matured. Maybe this is the result of time and I say this as an advantage. To discuss about the band's abilities is not needed. They are true masters of their instruments and this record gives a lot of examples of this. They surely like to point this. So is this a step forward? IMHO yes. They didn't change, they evolved. It's hard to express the differences (maybe it is not so obvious) simpler, clearer, softer, heavier I don't know, but I feel that there is a new package and I like it. This band has a special place in the area of prog metal. They must try really hard to give as an indifferent and weak album and Watershed is not in the faintest idea like that. In fact, it is one of 2008's great works. I give it 5 stars for just one reason. Hearing this I felt like I was sitting in a chair, having in front of me a band's private live performance, that overwhelmed me. It was like a real experience. By the way that will actually happen at July 9 but not in a private way (Rockwave Festival - Athens). Let's see...