Yes! The growl being back is definitely a return to form, half expected a ‘demon of the fall’ in some places. It’s a bit emotionless - that’s my struggle with it.
Pre-prog Opeth had a hungry vibe, like they had something to prove; melodies, riffs, vocals. This didn’t have that for me. Once I thought they feel bored, it stuck and I havnt been able to shake it.
Absolutely, it was a fresh sound. Åkerfeldt’s love of the 70s just got more and more obvious. Don’t get me wrong, I love bands progressing into a different sound, Ulver being a perfect example of that. It’s a lack of emotion in the later stuff that doesn’t allow me to attach to it.
Thing is with Opeth, I don’t know about you but I don’t want them without the death metal element, I don’t want them just a 1970s inspired prog band. This album is definitely a step in the right direction.
I'm in two minds. I like the proggy, spaced out, goblinesque compositions. I want to like them more. And yet. And yet, it's the duality.
I'm glad the return to growls feels organic and not like something the felt compelled to do.
I like the record and will like it even more with subsequent listens. However THE progressive metal album of the year for me is the Blood Incantation album. It’s the sort of album that only comes out once every 5-10 years
Comments
I'm glad the return to growls feels organic and not like something the felt compelled to do.