SORCERESS

With "Sorceress" the band further consolidated their transition towards epic melodic Prog-Rock/Metal leaving all initial Death-Metal influences behind them. The music incorporates the elements of Art-Rock, Folk, Classic Rock, and even World-Fusion melting together both electric and acoustic sounds. The tracks showcase plaintive piano or acoustic guitar prologues, complex compositional developments, intricate dynamic shifts, lush string arrangements, strong riffs, solid groves, and gorgeous organ-guitars duels. There are no metallic fury or death growls even at the most bombastic and savage sections of the songs. Akerfeldt uses only clean melodic singing throughout the album or even soft-spoken voicing over mellower passages. As well as the progressive character of the songs unfolds primarily via his intelligent songwriting.

Yes, OPETH are becoming less and less "Metal", more "Progressive", more discreet and elegant melodically. It's not a problem at all. However, I have to admit that the band is somehow wasting its individuality as the nostalgic nods to the Giants of the 70's Prog-Rock are becoming too obvious.