From death metal to prog rock elements. This was the kind of transition that only Opeth could do. When "Heritage" released, they prooved that they can. Heritage was maybe the weakest Opeth record but Opeth never released a bad album. After that we received "Pale Communion" and now "Sorceress". I think we should be agree that Opeth is the new progressive rock overlord.
After "Ghost Reveries" in 2005, Opeth went through some line up changes. Lead guitar player Peter Lindgren and drummer Martin Lopez left the band. Fredrik Akesson of Arch Enemy and Martin 'Axe' Axenrot of Bloodbath joined the band. Band released "Watershed" in 2008. For me, Watershed was one of the best of late Opeth. Transition signals had been given us when this album released. Songs like "Hessian Peel" and "The Lotus Eater" has strong progressive rock side combined with death growls and complex elements. Listen closely, you may hear some new era Opeth in that album.
Opeth's prog rock era ows so much to Steven Wilson. Some fans saying that Steven Wilson's producing destroyed Opeth. That's total bullshit. What he did with the band during the recordings of the Heritage was laying the foundations. Akerfeldt's and Wilson's leading ideas created Prog Opeth and that's why Pale Communion was a strong album. And that's why Sorceress is one of the best of 2016. Also, keep it in mind guys; Steven Wilson produced "Blackwater Park" too. 'Steven Wilson destroyed Opeth' kinda talks are just unreasonable because of this fact.
When you hear the opening track "Persephone", you will probably guess what will come. Persephone is like slow interlude section. Akerfeldt and boys trying to tell you that you got another prog rock record. Because everyone seems dying to get a death growl. With the title track, you also know that you will get heavy riffs too. Sorceress' opening riff after the keyboard and drum section is way too heavy. Title track gives you a proper sum up for the whole thing, just from the beginning. Heavy guitar tones and sudden transitions what we wanted from Opeth. They gave it to us. So, stop complaining, people.
Great thing about Opeth is, they can capable of doing everything musically. Songwriting for Akerfeldt is like a child's play. Band released a "making of" video series so we can witness the 'sorcery'. You can clearly see how Akerfeldt is effective on almost every instrument. They combined their influences and brought something original. I bet you can't find any sound like Opeth's sound, nowadays.
Watching Opeth's latest live videos sometimes would be painful. You can see that Akerfeldt's growls are not strong enough. Especially, Deliverance live in Wacken... Akerfeldt in pain, that's for sure. But, give this guy a break. That's not a easy way to sing. In my opinion he is the strongest guttural vocalist out there. It's been so many years, his voice and his age is not that young anymore. Despite all that, he still mesmerising us with his clean and beautiful vocals. We should be grateful.
Title track is one of the strongest songs on this record. I also want to mention "Will O The Wisp". That song, for me, pure relaxation. Relaxing opening riff and peaceful vocals by Akerfeldt combined and gave us another piece like "Harvest" and the entire "Damnation".
"Chrysalis" and "Era" are the two heaviest track on Sorceress record. Two total blast. Also, Akerfeldt stated that he is proud of writing a song like Era. Well, Mikael; you should be proud of so many thing. Truıth about peaceful pieces of Sorceress, there are many. "Spring MCMLXXIV", is just beautiful. Full of emotions, backed with strong opening and soft chorus. "The Ward" is one step up tempo song. Still powerfully emotional and incredibly relaxing. And the last highlight of the album is "Strange Brew". That prog elements! Sometimes it's heavy, sometimes it's slow. Great transitions and build ups entire song. It's almost nine minutes long and you will love every second.
From beginning to end, Sorceress is a near prog rock masterpiece. Yes, you will miss the old Opeth. Old Opeth is a different kind of journey. I still miss that Opeth but this doesn't mean that I can't enjoy the new one. They're doing a phenomenal job! And since their new album is on the way, it's time to dig up their entire discography, one more time! Enjoy this piece of art.
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