Watershed (Opeth)

I like to think of Opeth's nineth and most recent album as sounding like a cross between "Damnation" and "Ghost Reveries". The complex song lengths and light/shadow contrasts are still used in full force, but this particular release seems to focus more on the band's melodic elements and also features a few surprises along the way. I'm assuming that most of these changes are due to this being the first album to feature former Arch Enemy guitarist Fredrik Akesson and Bloodbath drummer Martin Axenrot.

Coil: Instead of starting things off with a regular ten minute tangent, we open this album with a three minute ballad. The song features melancholic accoustic guitar playing, a gently sung duet between lead vocalist/guitarist Mikael Akerfeldt and female vocalist Nathalie Lorichs, and a sweet refrain. A cool, unique way of starting things off.
8 out of 10

Heir Apparent: After we are greeted by the softest track on the album, we continue to what may be the heaviest. The introduction comes in with a plodding rhythm, crashing guitar chords, and an eerie piano bit before the heavy sound returns; the first set of verses continue with dissonant chugging guitars and echoing growls; the first solo section continues in a similar style until it is overcome by some pleasant accoustic guitar melodies; the second set of verses return to the heavier style and feature some of the fastest riffs and drumming I've ever heard on an Opeth album; and the song closes out with a more melodic plodding segment. A pretty cool track with some great riffs.
8 out of 10

The Lotus Eater: This may be one of the weirdest Opeth tracks I've ever heard. Strange humming and a distant rhythm open this song's introduction; alternating clean vocals and growls above some intense blast beats during the verses; a bass heavy melodic solo section; and an eerie collage of spoken samples in the song's closing segment. An interesting track.
8 out of 10

Burden: Soft piano and subtle guitar squeals dominate this song's introduction in a melancholic fashion; the verses continue with a slow rhythm, mournful vocals, and a few neat bass fills; the chorus bring in louder riffs; and the solo section feature great guitars, wailing organs, and soulful wordless vocals. A pretty neat song with some 70's prog homages thrown in for good measure, even though the song does seem to be a minute or two too long...
8 out of 10

Porcelain Heart: The album's first single is probably one of my personal favorites on here. It begins with a downtrodden guitar chug during the introduction, the verses bring in drawn out clean vocals and much softer accoustic guitars, the heavier riffs return between each verse, and the solo section features building guitar harmonies and what appears to the main riff from "The Grand Conjuration". Maybe that's why this song is so accessible...
9 out of 10

Hessian Peel: Dark bass and atmospheric accoustic guitar harmonies open this song's introduction nicely, the first set of verses continue with gently sung vocals thrown in, some bizarre backwards vocals and dramatic strings lead into a more dramatic segment with the melody kept in tact, the next set of verses suddenly burst into the scene with erratic melodies and psychotic growls with the guitar solos following suit, more backwards vocals bring the melody back in for another set of verses, and the song closes out with the growls returning for the final verse. It may drag on at certain points, but it is another interesting tune.
8 out of 10

Hex Omega: Closing the album out is one last heavy track. The introduction comes in with heavy but melodic guitar chugs and nice double bass drumming beneath, the verses suddenly come to a more melodic style, heavier riffs come between each verse, and the solo section leads into a much softer style. A smooth closer.
8 out of 10

Overall, this album gets 57 out of 70, 81%, and 4 stars. It will be despised by some for occasionally moving away from the Opeth formula, but I think it is a welcome change from a formula that has its share of stale moments. It is quite likeable and may prove to be a more accessible introduction for potential fans. Check it out if you dare.