The Music Tank

At the begining of June, a renewed Opeth lineup released their ninth studio album entitled “Watershed”. Featuring new drummer Martin Axenrot and guitarist Fredrik Åkesson, the album marks a turn in Opeth’s catalog.

Polished

Opeth - Whatershed

An obvious a new found studio vibe coats most the new tracks, that I must say I have trouble dealing with. Backwards-recorded voice tracks, lots of keyboards and other studio tricks all describe a band that has been experimenting a lot during their recording sessions.

Also unmistakable is the way Åkerfeldt’s obscure ‘70 bands influence is given a more important place on the record than before, especially in acoustic moments. With an assured voice, the Opeth front man also sings through most of the album in ranges that will surprise even loyal fans.

STFU Fanboy!

Because I tend to get anal about bands I am a fan of, I had trouble allowing Opeth to change so much. While by no means “Watershed” is a bad album, quite the opposite in fact, I don’t think it’s a traditional Opeth album either. Fans be warned!

New Beginnings?

In the end, I think this is a cornerstone release by the band. After almost 20 years (!) the band has pushed their sound into a musical range that will allow them to be completely free to experiment, unlimited by genre. I claim it is so important because it might be the first album that is a definitive attempt in changing the sound of the band. Something even “Damnation” did not achieve — though that wasn’t its point.

Åkerfeldt is quoted saying : “it would be impossible for us to play just death metal; that is our roots, but we are now a mishmash of everything, and not purists to any form of music. It’s impossible for us to do that, and quite frankly I would think of it as boring to be in a band that plays just metal music. We’re not afraid to experiment, or to be caught with our pants down, so to speak.” This has never been more true.

Bottom line

With shades of prog-rock vinyls from 1973, “Watershed” is an album everyone needs to give a try. It might be the first Opeth album that show broad signs of songwriting maturity. Surprising those expecting a black on black colored death metal album, “Watershed” displays Opeth’s complete color palette.