Ahhh, another superb release from Opeth. It's no secret that I was sort of disappointed by "Blackwater Park", granted I still recognize that it was a very strong record compared to most of what was coming out at the time, but "Deliverance" is exactly what I was hoping to hear from a new Opeth full-length. It's not a drastic departure from the sound that they've been developing over the years, but there are a lot of little quirks to the writing that are introducing subtle new directions. The core of the writing is still what you've come to expect from Opeth: Amazing acoustic parts and gorgeous singing vocals contrasted by some intricate and interesting metal and those insane death metal screams... all in the form of long compositions (all over 10 minutes, sans the brief clean instrumental "For Absent Friends"). But it's the little things that count here. Near the end of "Wreath" there's a brief break of tribal percussion and clean guitars prior to an incredibly shredding rock solo - like nothing I've ever heard from Opeth before. Another interesting solo comes towards the tail end of the title track that's very emotional and melodic, using lots of sustain and some emphatic note bends... not exactly Opeth's usual style. And check out the fucked up rhythmic choppiness at the very end!? "A Fair Judgement" is a complete epic. Easily the finest piece herein. Things start out with quiet piano that shifts quickly between all possible dynamics. I love the hard reverb on the clean guitars and the smoothness of the singing. Plus the acoustic passage in the middle is just incredible, as is the lead break that follows... just insane. This is what makes me fucking love this band so much. "Master's Apprentice" is slow and plodding with vicious lower vocals, damn near bringing "Covenant" era Morbid Angel to mind on some level, but the sound isn't as heavy and they start getting into some wacky riffing about two-and-a-half minutes in. And then, out of nowhere, the song takes an enormous turn and breaks into some acoustic progressive rock sounding stuff - very akin to Porcupine Tree's latest record. The changeup is as baffling as it is ingenious. In "By the Pain I See in Others" there are some completely fucking twisted distorted vocal manipulations over acoustic guitars and some flowing volume swells, as well as a lot of heavier, rhythmic riffing going. But again, there's a bizarre upbeat break with some unusual keyboards (I think?) that just seems to pop up out of nowhere. All of these minor spices show some growth and advancement - they basically show Opeth holding steady while growing and moving forward, and that's where I feel that "Blackwater Park" failed. The production is nearly flawless. My only complaint is the drum sound. Sort of... What I mean is that the drum sound seems to change throughout the record. At times the drums sound very full and resonant. Great. But then as the riffing gets faster and heavier, and the double bass kicks in, the drums are very obviously triggered and start to sound like complete shit - totally thin and powerless. There's absolutely no excuse for Opeth to sound like that. None whatsoever. And when the drum sounds shift during the same song it is incredibly frustrating. Thankfully everything else sounds brilliant. The guitars are controlled and clear, the vocals are well placed, the bass presence is there... I have no other complaints. Just never use triggered drums like that again! The CD comes in a sleek black and white digipack with a rather thick booklet and all of the photography looks incredible. I can't put my finger on it, but there's just something about these simple little photographs of bedrooms, tables, etc. (all of which contain mirrors) that looks superb. Especially the crisp texture of the front/inside cover shots. The lyrics aren't bad at all, though honestly I'm not particularly drawn to or interested in the content. "They have nothing on us, But we always knew, That nothing ever changes, Rise to submission, I'm still beneath the soil, This is ours alone, Feeding off the warmth, Lured out from the inside, Depending on the life blood, Silently, Whispering, Move in me and set me free." I can't wait to hear their next album now. I suspect it may very well top this one. But nonetheless, this is a keeper. I'd definitely have thrown this a 10/10 were it not for that inexcusably pesky issue with the drum tones.
[Music for Nations]
Running time - 61:48, Tracks: 6
[Notable tracks: Deliverance, A Fair Judgement, For Absent Friends]
Opeth - http://www.opeth.com
