BLACKWATER PARK

I must say I definitely respect this album for what it is. While it isn't really a flawless essential masterpiece of melodic death metal it for sure provides with some high-quality music that remains through most of the album.

The album is quite lengthy and has some 10-Minute mammoths inside, so you can expect very progressive songs and dynamic. Songs constantly alternate between death metal and melodic passages, keeping this album from being monotonous. Some clear examples of this would be the Opener, Bleak and The Drapery Falls. These tracks, like the rest of the album, are very good and enjoyable (if you like growls, that is).

A downside in this album is that some tracks definitely feel overextended. Dirge For November being the prime example of this. It showcases its main idea and repeats it all the way through, same with Harvest. Finally, this record can definitely sound horrible to most progressive rock fans, although they should still give it a try.

It's gonna be four stars, very good record but wouldn't call it essential.