WATERSHED

Okay, Opeth's 9 album and some interesting reviews. I believe the album is up there as one of the best Opeth have offered(together with Orchid and Blackwater Park). The introduction in the studio of a new guitarist and drummer has certainly added something to the mix. Akerfeldt is a visionary with his melancholic lyrics. There can be no question that this man loves his music and has strove in pushing the boundaries of this genre of music. Opeth have always been slightly left of field when they emerged with others who were purveying the Gothenburg sound. Watershed has moved on from Ghost Reveries and there are certainly some experimental sounds on show. I mentioned Orchid earlier and it was this album which introduced Opeth to me - If I remember rightly it was originally advertised as progressive death metal and intrigued me. I really have not looked back since and Opeth have progressed onwards and (mostly) upwards. Muscally there is a bit of everything here for everyone - the cookie monster lryics are there and need to be there as they add the necessary impact as and when required - Akerfeldt's clean vocals have improved - but have never been bad to start with and the painful emotions he stirs match perfectly with the more subtle tracks. All is not perfect, however, and there are times when listening I wish why did they do that? for example on Burden at the end of the track. These are minor blemishes and overall the album exhibits a well constructed soundscape sometimes enthralling at other times unnerving. If you are a fan of Opeth, Dark Tranquility, At the Gates, etc. you will not do too badly in purchasing this album. I would also say that if you are new to Opeth, then start with this album first. If you had nightmares about Sesame Street and I'm not talking about Big Bird - and cannot abide death growls and full tilt pummelling drums etal - albeit only on about 20% of the album then look elswhere I'm afraid. I purchased the single CD version - and if there was one disapointment- there are no lyrics printed- a shame really as Akerfeldt writes some really miserable, esoteric and thought provoking stuff. To sum up - worth the wait? Yes - and I cannot wait to see them at Bloodstock and on the UK tour in November. Best Opeth album ever? Better than Ghost Reveries and on par with Blackwater Park. Best album of 2008? Of what I have purchased this year - yes. Finally - Enjoy the Opeth experience!