This album is a bit heavier than 'Still Life' (1999) though it features more diversity (piano). But it is also a bit heavier than their predecessor. The music varies a lot here. Hence the progressive metal effort. It's a shame that the band stopped playing metal and swayed to progressive rock. But at least we can appreciate their older music than what's now that they are dishing out. The music and the vocals are the best parts of the album. The length of the album is another one that exceeds 60 minutes. They really were a talented progressive metal band. I'm not in the liking of how they changed, but like I said, their old stuff is their best stuff.

The metal and tough sound permeates throughout this album. But they do a good job with taking a break from the heavy guitar bits to settle down with clean guitars and vocals. Mikael Ã…kerfeldt uttered that he hates the deep throat on songs, but it's still good to have. It could be another reason why they're a rock band now. I like the old stuff only, 'Heritage' (2011) is not for me, sorry. The music on here is fantastic. They really don't include much lead guitar riffs, just acoustic guitars and clean tone riffs. But it constantly fluctuates. I like it when they put forth the metal in the songs. It takes me aback, but it's also good to hear them always changing it up.

I like the music and vocals the most, they can do without some things though most of it is appropriate here in making this a dominating album. I like the deep vocals, the clean is a good change up however. I wouldn't really change anything on here, the music is just amazing. It's the riffs that do it for me. The bar chords and that mixed with the clean is well-done. The fluctuation always keeps you guessing. They don't seem to run out of ideas on here. The music just flows and the thickness in the chunky guitar is spellbinding. I like the clean stuff too, it's good for a change. Sometimes it's difficult to hear only heavy shit.

I would say that every song on here is worthwhile, nothing on here misses a bit. I would say this is one of the best Opeth releases in the early 2000 era. But just how they changed made me pause. As long as they keep it to music that is progressive metal, then good. But that's not going to happen again, at least that is my prediction. They put in their bit in the metal world, onto the next chapter. I like this one entirely, as I said, nothing that needs a change on here. I like the clean a lot on here. Both the vocals and guitar, it sounds really amazing. But once the heavy guitar bits come forth, then the destruction of your eardrums.

I venture to say if you still have a CD player, buy the physical copy of the album! Show support for metal music! This one is another great chapter in metal history. It's not that you necessarily have to like the band members to respect what they have done for the metal world over the years in their career in music. They still need your support for ongoing the next chapter in their career. Check this one out, you'll hear a great many things worthwhile and experimental. The heavy and clean are both wicked, and they show their talent for mixing these two aspects into a great many compositions. Own it if you don't already!

Rating: 10 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Death8699
08/07/2020 18:38