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.
It's an album that succeeds on its own terms but if it really does mark the effective end of Opeth as a metal band, that will remain our loss. [Sept 17 2011, p.50]
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.
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.…Expand
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 isI 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.…Expand
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.…Expand
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, evenI 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
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.…Expand
This is an apparent departure from previous works, but not in the same sense as "Damnation" was. It showcases the progressive/folky side ofThis 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
When we are thinking about Opeth, one of the best prog metal bands of this generation, "Heritage", is not what comes to mind. This album isn'tWhen we are thinking about Opeth, one of the best prog metal bands of this generation, "Heritage", is not what comes to mind. This album isn't bad per say. There is nothing fundamentally wrong with it. But it is not the Opeth that I know. The title track "Heritage" and track 2, "The Devil's Orchard" are a good start. But stop there. Everything after is just plain boring. I love Opeth and I love the progressive attitude they use to write their music, but Heritage just doesn't make the cut as a good album. Bottom line: Wait a year so the price drops, then buy it.…Expand
