Heritage
by Opeth
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. The Quietus
    Oct 11, 2011
    70
    While the album is often indulgent, this isn't necessarily a downfall.
  2. Revolver
    Oct 5, 2011
    70
    Frontman Mikael Akerfeldt's material is sunnier than usual, but still has room for synapse-stimulating musicianship.
  3. PopMatters
    Sep 29, 2011
    80
    Heritage isn't the type of record to blow away one's mind upon first listen; it takes time to grow in its complexities.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Sep 28, 2011
    70
    They exhibit unexpected energy and rhythm.
  6. Pitchfork
    Sep 27, 2011
    69
    It's a pretty, well-thought out collection--but for all the ideas and layers, Heritage feels somewhat empty.
  7. BBC Music
    Sep 20, 2011
    80
    Heritage has some strong predecessors to live up to. But it will surely be seen as one of their most accomplished works in years to come.
  8. The Guardian
    Sep 20, 2011
    80
    The Swedes' 10th album, Heritage, is a brave, melancholic and often beautiful heavy rock record that revels in the warm, analogue tones and shimmering mellotrons of the pre-punk 70s while still exuding a sense of wonder at new ideas.
  9. AllMusic
    Sep 19, 2011
    80
    Heritage, for its many excesses--and stellar conception and execution--is a brave album. It opens the door for Opeth to pursue many new directions and reinvent themselves as a band.
  10. Rock Sound
    Sep 19, 2011
    80
    Heritage is an infinitely more audacious beast, full of jazzy noodling, serpentine guitar leads, folky introspection and general acid-drenched freakiness.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 46
  3. Negative: 2 out of 46
  1. Sydek93jm
    Feb 12, 2012
    10
    In my opinion, this is the best album they have in what refers to sound quality. Even the bass guitar, the keyboard and all its sound effectsIn my opinion, this is the best album they have in what refers to sound quality. Even the bass guitar, the keyboard and all its sound effects sound cleaner and and more powerful than ever. It's a masterpiece.… Full Review »
  2. flSuizidkommand
    Sep 27, 2011
    9
    Even though there's no death metal on here, this might easily become my favourite Opeth album! After the first listen, all the doubt I hadEven though there's no death metal on here, this might easily become my favourite Opeth album! After the first listen, all the doubt I had before was washed away and I loved it! Sure, there's some spots where a growl would have fitted perfectly, but the album is heavy as hell even without enormous distortion and death metal growls.… Full Review »
  3. Happymonk
    Dec 10, 2011
    8
    Opeth has tried something completely different here, and I commend them for it. No other metal band would be able to make such drastic changesOpeth has tried something completely different here, and I commend them for it. No other metal band would be able to make such drastic changes to their album. It's a good album, but it just isn't like their previous albums enough. There are moments in the album (plenty of the things) where death metal elements (especially the death growls Akerfeldt is so skilled at) would fit perfectly. I just hope that they don't carry on in this fashion, as I will eventually lose interest if they did. I was so close to giving it a 7/10, but a few of the tracks are great (just missing the death metal stuff). I'd only recommend to die hard Opeth fans, or people who are into more experimental music.… Full Review »
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