yeah, it goes both ways. Such as artists should be able to do whatever they want, they should also be able to take criticism when they decide to do a 180°, i agree.
Corrupt did you do gambling channelings in RDR2? damn domino game is pain in the ass, even worst as Mafia 2 Joes Avedtures driving car whit a bomb under what exploes as in Speed movie buss suppose
Sodom, Destruction plays same, but then again we are bored, metallica changed sound we dont like it. Thats why I check new bands what play ''true , classic sound'' Its tricky situation.
Obviously bands can do what they feel like but being mad at fans for not liking it is just as weird. Though in the case of Opeth their criticism seems to be mostly directed at the extremes of that expression.