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Watershed
by
Watershed Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 95 Ratings

  • Summary: The Swedish metal band's ninth album is the first with Martin Axenrot and Fredrik Akesson, who replaced Martin Lopez and Peter Lindgren.

Top Track

Burden
I once upon a time Carried a burden inside Some will ask goodbye A broken line but underlined There's an ocean of sorrow in you Sorrow in me Saw... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. AllMusic
    90
    Watershed marks a new chapter for Opeth, one that promises infinitely more than its predecessors.
  2. Hartford Courant
    90
    If anything, the group's latest is another musical masterpiece from a band known for putting out musical masterpieces.
  3. PopMatters
    90
    It’s their most crucial album since 1999’s stunning "Still Life," and its title could not be more appropriate.
  4. Q Magazine
    80
    Patience, persistence and a good set of headphones will uncover fragile melodies here amid the maelstrom, though the guitar noodling can veer dangerously close to Mark Knopfler territory. [July 2008, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. The New York Times
    80
    Watershed, the new Opeth album, broad enough to encompass death-metal pummeling as well as cello and English horn, is typically engrossing--symphonic, and in a way organic.
  6. Pitchfork
    75
    Watershed has friction, and friction brings heat. Those left cold by metal's po-faced tendencies might well warm up to it.
  7. Uncut
    60
    Growls and blast-beats come decorated with guitar work that explores scale after scale of diabolical pleasures. [Aug 2008, p.101]
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See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. kyleb
    Jul 10, 2009
    10
    Breathtaking album.
  2. WesleyM
    Jun 12, 2008
    10
    Yes; complex and original -- though the clean vocals often fall a tad short of real innovation, Watershed is a proggy and diverse diamond in Yes; complex and original -- though the clean vocals often fall a tad short of real innovation, Watershed is a proggy and diverse diamond in the horrifically simplistic and derivative rough that is the metal genre.… Expand
  4. JoshuaH.
    Jun 25, 2008
    10
    I was disappointed the first time I listened through it, but the second time... Wow. Absolutely incredible. Akesson and Axe have definitely I was disappointed the first time I listened through it, but the second time... Wow. Absolutely incredible. Akesson and Axe have definitely earned my respect, and Mikael, or course, is still a god.… Expand
  5. JackO.
    Oct 5, 2008
    10
    Almost as good as Blackwater Park, Watershed is a great album! Opeth has never lost that amazing song-writing talent that they possess.
  6. Spaciak
    Jun 28, 2008
    9
    Besides Blackwater Park, Watershed is Opeths finest effort.
  7. EricL.
    Aug 8, 2008
    9
    Akerfeldt is incapable of making anything that doesn't rule, no matter which genres he's checking. Consistant, smart, ballsy.
  8. David
    Dec 5, 2008
    4
    Further proof Akerfeldt & Co. are incapable of interesting, fresh music. At least Ghost Reveries had some great songs. This one barely has Further proof Akerfeldt & Co. are incapable of interesting, fresh music. At least Ghost Reveries had some great songs. This one barely has any good ones; boring prog-lite at its worst.… Expand

See all 23 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Best Album of 2008
76
#76 Most Discussed Album of 2008
53
#53 Most Shared Album of 2008

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