Heritage
by Opeth
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
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  1. KyleJPie10
    Jun 29, 2013
    9
    This album definitely is intriguing to say the least. This is not the first time Akerfeldt has completely ignored most of the fans wishes and delivered something completely "not Opeth", he had also done this with Damnation back in the early 2000's and somehow got away with it. I am still not quite sure why some fans are going at his throat for this one. Some fans simply do not understandThis album definitely is intriguing to say the least. This is not the first time Akerfeldt has completely ignored most of the fans wishes and delivered something completely "not Opeth", he had also done this with Damnation back in the early 2000's and somehow got away with it. I am still not quite sure why some fans are going at his throat for this one. Some fans simply do not understand that Opeth has always pushed the boundaries of the norm, even with the albums that they listen to and enjoy. This album has a brilliant mixture of classic prog, elements of jazz, blues and rock. And best of all (just my opinion), no metal is present. One could argue that a few of the riffs are "heavy", but that is beside the point. This album is an artistic masterpiece that just is not everyone's cup of tea. Akerfeldt stated quite clearly in the making-of documentary in the special edition that he writes music that he likes and wants to listen to. It may sound selfish, but why question someone that has already proven their abilities over the last 20 years?… Expand
  2. kailip
    May 5, 2013
    10
    I always liked Opeth's songs where no guttural singing was present, as i'm not a big fan of it. This album was definitely great for me. It is essentially Opeth's great songwriting with clean vocals for the entire album.
  3. HarryNuggets
    Aug 31, 2012
    8
    I hope this doesn't blow up in Akerfeldt's face because it is an excellent album, but might turn off many fans of their usual sound, even though it has been evolving in this direction for some time. I don't find it drags at all and the playing is first rate. It's not flat out dark but instead eerie. Akerfeldt's album with Steve Wilson, Storm Corrosion, might be something people who likeI hope this doesn't blow up in Akerfeldt's face because it is an excellent album, but might turn off many fans of their usual sound, even though it has been evolving in this direction for some time. I don't find it drags at all and the playing is first rate. It's not flat out dark but instead eerie. Akerfeldt's album with Steve Wilson, Storm Corrosion, might be something people who like this album could check out...even more low key but just as eerie.… Expand
  4. 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 effects sound cleaner and and more powerful than ever. It's a masterpiece.
  5. 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 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. IOpeth 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.… Expand
  6. kfreed12
    Oct 3, 2011
    8
    This is an apparent departure from previous works, but not in the same sense as "Damnation" was. It showcases the progressive/folky side of Opeth that has always been interwoven into their songs, but instead it's a full album of it. I can't help but notice some of the strange, jarring transitions made in the middle of some songs however. Whereas in previous albums it seemed more of aThis is an apparent departure from previous works, but not in the same sense as "Damnation" was. It showcases the progressive/folky side of Opeth that has always been interwoven into their songs, but instead it's a full album of it. I can't help but notice some of the strange, jarring transitions made in the middle of some songs however. Whereas in previous albums it seemed more of a complex weave of various styles, it feels like an abrupt start and stop in many places on Heritage. Famine and The Devil's Orchard are fantastic though. Another solid entry, albiet a bit weak compared to previous albums.… Expand
  7. 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 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.

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. Sputnikmusic
    Jan 5, 2012
    40
    The record's ADD can be felt with every unbridged leap between ideas to its shocking lack of transitions, and the whole time there is this pervading sense that Heritage doesn't really have anything to say at all.
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  2. The Quietus
    Oct 11, 2011
    70
    While the album is often indulgent, this isn't necessarily a downfall.
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  3. Revolver
    Oct 5, 2011
    70
    Frontman Mikael Akerfeldt's material is sunnier than usual, but still has room for synapse-stimulating musicianship.
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