Opeth
Watershed
Roadrunner Records
by Danny Montana
Prog rock has never been cool and prog metal is arguably even less cool but Opeth have somehow managed to rise above and beyond the condescension once again with their latest grand opus, Watershed.
Everyone appreciates the raw tenacity found in any band’s debut album and knows that over the next few years all the rough edges will be worn down and that rough diamond will sparkle. This is exactly what happened with Opeth, as they revealed their unorthodox leanings with Orchid as they showcased a semi-death metal, semi-folk amalgam of trademark organised confusion.
The Swedish pioneers grew and grew, smoothing their palates more and more, culminating in 2005’s Ghost Reveries touched down with a hugely compelling mixture of massive, rolling riffs, death metal grunts and growls and sweet, mesmeric singing.
Watershed is a grand exercise in using everything a band has learnt to date in the most effective way. There are twists and turns so magical and unexpected that you’ll hear something new with every listen – even if you spin the record twice a day for the next three months.
‘Porcelain Heart’, at eight minutes, is still the album’s most commercial sounding song and as such was rewarded with the status of the first single. ‘Hessian Peel’, however, is an entirely different proposition as an acoustic introduction is complemented by an extravagant arrangement which almost seems to tell a story, even without the words.
Watch the video to ‘Porcelain Heart’ by Opeth
Akerfeldt does tend to sing much more on Watershed, even when confronted by some enormous, unexpected blastbeats on ‘The Lotus Eater’ but as the psychedelic riffs drive and roll across the song, those growls seep out eventually. This song might showcase everything that is righteous about Opeth.
Indeed, while a watershed usually demarks a significant departure or change in course, Opeth have simply created another magnificent record which showcases each and every one of their talents in the most fantastic way.
5.5/6
Watershed by Opeth is out now on Roadrunner Records
3 responses so far ↓
1 The Truth // Aug 29, 2008 at 3:42 pm
With many new band members in Opeth recently this Cd is amazing! If your a fan of Opeth you should really enjoy this album all tracks are amazing. Coil is very slow for Opeth but I can see where frontman is coming from alittle change of pace to show the change in the band. Buy this CD dont think twice!
2 The False // Nov 7, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Opeth has taken such a sad turn. If you are a fan of the ever-diverse collection of albums leading up to The Grand Conjuration and appreciate the purity and intuition that is so consistently heard in them, I strongly recommend never listening to The Watershed.
I thought Opeth would be immune to the so-called ‘Metallica Syndrome’, but I’m sorry to admit that they are its latest victims.(If you even call them Opeth anymore)
The Swedish kings of melodic death have been americanized by road runner, fame, and an overabundance of tours (which was the reason for Lopez’s departure); and it can be clearly heard through the music.
Throughout Watershed, you can hear sundry melodies, bass lines, and tonal themes *stolen* from the Grand Conjuration, to the point that it sounds like an over-marketed, dumbed down remix.
I suggest taking the $15 you would have spent on this album and sending it to Mikael Akerfeldt bribing him to beg Peter Lindgren and Martin Lopez for forgiveness; though he would probably just spend it on a new scarf/double expresso from Starbucks/Moody Blues apparel etc.
I know that this was a bit on the harsh side, but let it be known that I’m ever grateful for every album leading up to TGC (especially Still Life and Morningrise). Watershed has found its place on the shelf next to The Wall and Load, where it will remain unplayed and gathering dust.
3 Eight more bands announced for Download Festival 2009 // Mar 24, 2009 at 12:36 am
[...] is something of a mixed bag – on the plus side, we have confirmation of an appearance by the mighty Opeth, who are every bit as prog as Mastodon but without the burden of a million desperate hipsters [...]
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