Nope, I’m not crying, not at all …. It feels like I’m back to my teenage years and hearing Ghost Reveries for first time. But this time with prog rock tuned to 11.

Incredible album. People on here probably will not like it as much as their past albums, but I absolutely love the "heavy prog" feel this whole album has.

Amazing album and I had pretty low expectations, their absolute most progressive by a large margin, sounds like a perfect progression from watershed as if the prog rock era never happened. If this was their last album I'd have zero complaints.

I think I had my expectations too high... It's a good album, but I was expecting more.

Understandable if some don't get this one and do not enjoy it. This album is a theatrical layered progressive metal concept album with much inspiration from 70s prog rock, which is really complex for many metal and specially death metal fans to understand and make connections to it. It's purpose is not to be heavy with much memorable riffs. It's mostly experimental and also a result of much experiment
Yet I congratulate Opeth and Akerfeldt for being able to create such an innovative work after this many years

Probably an unpopular opinion, but I find this more enjoyable than Watershed

Written by Sehroth on 22.11.2024 at 18:22

This album is a theatrical layered progressive metal concept album with much inspiration from 70s prog rock, which is really complex for many metal and specially death metal fans to understand and make connections to it.

I'd tell you where you can stuff your highbrow condescension, but I won't. You can figure it out yourself.

Written by Daniell on 22.11.2024 at 20:19

Written by Sehroth on 22.11.2024 at 18:22

This album is a theatrical layered progressive metal concept album with much inspiration from 70s prog rock, which is really complex for many metal and specially death metal fans to understand and make connections to it.

I'd tell you where you can stuff your highbrow condescension, but I won't. You can figure it out yourself.

I feel you've been hurt by my comment deeply. I can't understand why 😂

This sounds like they extracted some riffs from their extreme prog catalogue and shuffled the notes and sections. It’s like uncanny valley but for Opeth. Everything is just… off somehow. I can’t deny it sounds pretty great at times, but on a whole this is a rusty imitation of their prior glory. And definitely zero moments of grandeur.

Heritage and Pale Communion were far better than this. At least those were original. I think it’s a mid-6 for me but I’m trying to factor out the weight of my extreme disappointment with this one.

Written by Sehroth on 22.11.2024 at 18:22

Understandable if some don't get this one and do not enjoy it. This album is a theatrical layered progressive metal concept album with much inspiration from 70s prog rock, which is really complex for many metal and specially death metal fans to understand and make connections to it.

I like all those things you mentioned. I do not like this album. You can love it, and others can dislike it. No need to be a douche about it.

My expectations was really high .... on the first listening you can already see the excellent quality and advanced technique as expected....it wasn't love at first listen for me... so the true taste for the album comes on the fourth or fifth round.... it's a growther

First listen; first impression: I think it is good, and a few of the songs are excellent. Have to give it more chances before I'll be able to determine if the lyrics and vocal melodies are going to start to come together for me or if they are going to continue to feel like different mix-and-match drafts of the same story pasted together. Mikael has described this as being a restless and claustrophobic record. I think he and I may be talking about the same thing, and it is not (yet) feeling like a unified work for me, which is a weird way to feel about a concept album.

Disappointed is to strong a word for how I feel after the first time through. I think "dissatisfied" is a better one. Kinda the way I felt after the first spin of Sorceress.

Hoping it is a grower for me, and it's just too early to get a sense of it yet.

Also, if the new Iotunn had this production, I'd be loving that album. This sounds fantastic even if the songs are wandering a bit.

Written by John doe on 22.11.2024 at 07:57

Written by DenOr on 22.11.2024 at 05:47

Haha the most overrated metal band on MetalStorm

Really?! I doubt that.

Opeth has seven albums on MS top 200
I dont think some of them -for example Damnation- deserve to be in there
Probably is not the most but at least is one of the most overrated bands on this site

It’s certainly a good record, but, basically nothing stuck out. I like that the growls are back. Just need something to bring me back, and there was nothing here for me. It’s the musical equivalent of being inside the album cover.

Written by DenOr on 23.11.2024 at 03:06

Written by John doe on 22.11.2024 at 07:57

Written by DenOr on 22.11.2024 at 05:47

Haha the most overrated metal band on MetalStorm

Really?! I doubt that.

Opeth has seven albums on MS top 200
I dont think some of them -for example Damnation- deserve to be in there
Probably is not the most but at least is one of the most overrated bands on this site

A couple of their albums can be considered overrated (in my case Watershed for example), but i don't think the band in general is overrated.

Written by 24emd on 23.11.2024 at 01:32

Written by Sehroth on 22.11.2024 at 18:22

Understandable if some don't get this one and do not enjoy it. This album is a theatrical layered progressive metal concept album with much inspiration from 70s prog rock, which is really complex for many metal and specially death metal fans to understand and make connections to it.

I like all those things you mentioned. I do not like this album. You can love it, and others can dislike it. No need to be a douche about it.

What part of the word "Understandable" is hard to understand? I mentioned some reasons why some and specially death metal fans who might have expected Opeth to come back to death metal might not enjoy this album and find it disappointing. Also I praised the band for being innovative after so many years. If you don't enjoy the album for other reasons so be it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone have certain expectations.
You can hate metal for all I care

Written by DenOr on 23.11.2024 at 03:06

Written by John doe on 22.11.2024 at 07:57

Written by DenOr on 22.11.2024 at 05:47

Haha the most overrated metal band on MetalStorm

Really?! I doubt that.

Opeth has seven albums on MS top 200
I dont think some of them -for example Damnation- deserve to be in there
Probably is not the most but at least is one of the most overrated bands on this site

I agree and definitely with what you said about damnation. Damnation is a beautiful but mediocre progressive rock album. It's not even metal to be rated in this site and it's definitely one of the most overrated albums. I think damnation is their weakest album

Written by Sehroth on 23.11.2024 at 10:41

Written by DenOr on 23.11.2024 at 03:06

Opeth has seven albums on MS top 200
I dont think some of them -for example Damnation- deserve to be in there
Probably is not the most but at least is one of the most overrated bands on this site

I agree and definitely with what you said about damnation. Damnation is a beautiful but mediocre progressive rock album. It's not even metal to be rated in this site and it's definitely one of the most overrated albums. I think damnation is their weakest album

"Beautiful but mediocre" eh?! How is that possible? There's no beauty in mediocrity.
How is Damnation even "mediocre" ?! What's so wrong with it to call it that?!

Written by Sehroth on 23.11.2024 at 10:34

I mentioned some reasons why some and specially death metal fans who might have expected Opeth to come back to death metal might not enjoy this album and find it disappointing.

That’s not what you said, though. Instead, you implied that many metal fans, especially death metal fans, are incapable of understanding complex music. And now you’re complaining that this very clear statement was misunderstood? C'mon!
Maybe you should either express yourself more clearly or apologize for this generalization instead of handing out more insults?

Written by Starvynth on 23.11.2024 at 10:54

Written by Sehroth on 23.11.2024 at 10:34

I mentioned some reasons why some and specially death metal fans who might have expected Opeth to come back to death metal might not enjoy this album and find it disappointing.

That’s not what you said, though. Instead, you implied that many metal fans, especially death metal fans, are incapable of understanding complex music. And now you’re complaining that this very clear statement was misunderstood? C'mon!
Maybe you should either express yourself more clearly or apologize for this generalization instead of handing out more insults?

That's what you understood from my comment. Not what I meant. I'm a death metal fan and I love many many great death metal bands. But if I was a death metal elitist then I would have never understood or enjoyed this record. I do not need to apologize for that. As a rock and metal fan who have the minimum amount of music theory knowledge sometimes I can not understand some avant garde jazz or classical masterpieces. I can enjoy them but I can not understand. It is the truth and my ego can't change it

Written by John doe on 23.11.2024 at 10:54

Written by Sehroth on 23.11.2024 at 10:41

Written by DenOr on 23.11.2024 at 03:06

Opeth has seven albums on MS top 200
I dont think some of them -for example Damnation- deserve to be in there
Probably is not the most but at least is one of the most overrated bands on this site

I agree and definitely with what you said about damnation. Damnation is a beautiful but mediocre progressive rock album. It's not even metal to be rated in this site and it's definitely one of the most overrated albums. I think damnation is their weakest album

"Beautiful but mediocre" eh?! How is that possible? There's no beauty in mediocrity.
How is Damnation even "mediocre" ?! What's so wrong with it to call it that?!

Many things can be beautiful but mediocre. Many Paintings, movies, sculptures and novels are simply beautiful but not that inspiring or creative or meaningful. These works are mediocre in my opinion

Written by Sehroth on 23.11.2024 at 11:14

Many things can be beautiful but mediocre. Many Paintings, movies, sculptures and novels are simply beautiful but not that inspiring or creative or meaningful. These works are mediocre in my opinion

I get it, you think it's mediocre, my question is how? What's wrong with it to call it that?
(is it the song-writing? The performance? is it unoriginal and predictable? Is it generic, derivative? etc)

I never really got the "underrated"/"overrated" discussion. We judge based on our taste. If many people like a certain band and we don't, that doesn't mean they are overrated, it just means they are popular, and they usually are for a reason. I have never hidden my indifference for Opeth's music, and I find the old classics very disjointed, as if parts are being sewn together without the whole being cohesive. Clearly, most people think otherwise. But this album is different, to my ears, at least, and I think that it has very nice flow. Also, the production is excellent, the narrative is interesting, the drumming is fantastic, and I love how dark and proggy it is. The whole package with the cover art and all just appeals to me a lot. It is actually the only Opeth album I can listen to from start to finish and actually enjoy, instead of getting tired of it halfway.

Written by John doe on 23.11.2024 at 11:23

I get it, you think it's mediocre, my question is how? What's wrong with it to call it that?
(is it the song-writing? The performance? is it unoriginal and predictable? Is it generic, derivative? etc)

Yes I find the songwriting repatitive, underwhelming and unoriginal. It's not creative or experimental on any level. I find no high points in the songs, something special that stands out, And if I want to listen to albums with close atmosphere I'd rather listen to some of Katatonia, Steven Wilson, pink Floyd or Camels works.
Don't get me wrong though I like the album. But I think it's the most overrated in their amazing discography. And personaly I can relate to the melancholic parts of Morningrise or Orchid much more

Written by Sehroth on 23.11.2024 at 12:08

Yes I find the songwriting repetitive, underwhelming and unoriginal. It's not creative or experimental on any level. I find no high points in the songs, something special that stands out, And if I want to listen to albums with close atmosphere I'd rather listen to some of Katatonia, Steven Wilson, Pink Floyd or Camel's works.
Don't get me wrong though I like the album. But I think it's the most overrated in their amazing discography. And personally I can relate to the melancholic parts of Morningrise or Orchid much more

OK, thanks for explaining.

For me, it's a favorite, despite wearing its influences on its sleeve. yes, i hear the Camel and Pink Floyd influences, but still i think the album stands up on its own. It's never made me think I'd rather listen to something else.

For me, if something has all the flaws you mention above, i would never say "well, i still like it". Most of the things you mentioned above are deal breakers. Oh well...

Written by John doe on 23.11.2024 at 12:26

Written by Sehroth on 23.11.2024 at 12:08

Yes I find the songwriting repetitive, underwhelming and unoriginal. It's not creative or experimental on any level. I find no high points in the songs, something special that stands out, And if I want to listen to albums with close atmosphere I'd rather listen to some of Katatonia, Steven Wilson, Pink Floyd or Camel's works.
Don't get me wrong though I like the album. But I think it's the most overrated in their amazing discography. And personally I can relate to the melancholic parts of Morningrise or Orchid much more

OK, thanks for explaining.

For me, it's a favorite, despite wearing its influences on its sleeve. yes, i hear the Camel and Pink Floyd influences, but still i think the album stands up on its own. It's never made me think I'd rather listen to something else.

For me, if something has all the flaws you mention above, i would never say "well, i still like it". Most of the things you mentioned above are deal breakers. Oh well...

You're welcome my friend. All in all as people with different experiences we search for different things when we listen to music. Most of the times this is the reason why we feel a deep connection with something or not that much. I like damnation and I listen to it sometimes. The atmosphere is haunting and I do enjoy it sometimes when I feel depressed. But I don't think it as a special record like for example Still life
But aside from that it should not be in the list of 200 greatest metal albums ever. It's a progressive rock album

Written by Sehroth on 23.11.2024 at 13:02

You're welcome my friend. All in all as people with different experiences we search for different things when we listen to music. Most of the times this is the reason why we feel a deep connection with something or not that much. I like damnation and I listen to it sometimes. The atmosphere is haunting and I do enjoy it sometimes when I feel depressed. But I don't think it as a special record like for example Still life
But aside from that it should not be in the list of 200 greatest metal albums ever. It's a progressive rock album

I think Damnation is in that Top 200 because it's a well-rated album from a metal band, it's a matter of whatever algorithm is used to create that top 200. It's not like it was put there to annoy people or something.

Written by John doe on 23.11.2024 at 13:14

Written by Sehroth on 23.11.2024 at 13:02

You're welcome my friend. All in all as people with different experiences we search for different things when we listen to music. Most of the times this is the reason why we feel a deep connection with something or not that much. I like damnation and I listen to it sometimes. The atmosphere is haunting and I do enjoy it sometimes when I feel depressed. But I don't think it as a special record like for example Still life
But aside from that it should not be in the list of 200 greatest metal albums ever. It's a progressive rock album

I think Damnation is in that Top 200 because it's a well-rated album from a metal band, it's a matter of whatever algorithm is used to create that top 200. It's not like it was put there to annoy people or something.

True

Alright, since I was the first to mention Damnation here, I feel that I need to defend it now, since the whole thing went off the rails.

Damnation is a record that stands out both within the context of Opeth back catalogue - and outside of it, by itself.
It is definitely not "just another progressive rock record". Remember when Heritage came out and everyone fucking hated it? The main complaint was exactly that: that they went from being extreme progressive metal trailblazers to a generic replica of their own influences from 1970s. And while I don't think it's fully justified, and while I do think they still managed to create something unique, this complaint definitely can be applied to Heritage and everything past that point. But not to Damnation.

It was an one-off experiment, and indulgence, into something much deeper than just sound. The goal was to create the direct opposite of what was meant to be the other side of a double album, which was Deliverance. This alone meant it couldn't be "just another progressive rock record" by any means.
The goal was to create something unapologetically vulnerable and haunting, and they did just that. I remember Steven Wilson saying, in multiple interviews, how profound it was when Mike said: "I need to play this even softer". The dude with some of the most infernal gutturals out there, casually chugging out 10+ minutes long masterpieces full of crushing riffs, here he knew that the right thing was to play it "even softer". The goal was the atmosphere, the feeling. Not the "progressive rock" sound. They might have utilized some of it, but it's just like with everything else, if they'd incorporate jazz you wouldn't call it a jazz record. So it doesn't have much to do with "progressive rock" as a phenomenon everyone's used to. Which, again, is in the stark contrast to everything that's been happening since Heritage. Damnation is clearly built upon their "Still Day Beneath the Sun", I'm pretty sure without it Damnation wouldn't have happened, and Patterns in the Ivy II is one of the most beautiful and haunting songs I've ever heard. And yes, I'm sure there were influences, and prog rock might have been a significant part of that, but this album cannot be confined into just that. It is unique. There's no other album like that. Especially by a metal band.

Just listen to this first N last time. I even don't listen to old albums. Only how I do listen
Opeth now is new albums once and then burry them forever. Still Life and maybe Blackwater Park are last album from band i can listen to.
This had small funeral vibes, here, one song had growls, but band even did failure to make good funeral music.

I am happy Anathema went on hiatus, it's same story, fw bands really needs split up or change name. That band died after Serenades.