Opeth form a genre of their own. With unique ease, the Swedish progressive metal heroes have been merging death metal, classic rock, prog rock, folk and even influences from free jazz into an ever new whole since their formation. "Watershed", is the second album on Roadrunner Records and the ninth in the band's history overall. It was produced by Jens Bogren (Symphony X, Amon Amarth, Katatonia, Soilwork) and is also the first release with new guitarist, Fredrik Akesson (Ex-Arch Enemy), and drummer Martin Axenrot (Witchery, Bloodbath). It picks up where 2005's immaculate "Ghost Reveries" left off - with gentle acoustic contemplations that sooner or later culminate in the beauty of chaos. Opeth once again prove how masterfully they can balance the extremes of raw violence and enchanting melodies. As an almost religious rock fanatic and record collector who needs new listening material every day, band head Mikael Åkerfeldt let himself be inspired by some obscure albums in the run-up to "Watershed": "I listened to a lot of music from the 1960s - the psychedelic from that time with its crazy sound effects appeals to me a lot. But I've also discovered US songwriters and crooners like Bill Withers and Scott Walker for myself." Opeth show no fear of contact, but still all the band's trademarks remain on board - from Åkerfeldt's eerie vocals to guitar riffs that can only spring from Opeth's pen. Says Åkerfeldt, "Leonhard Cohen once said that the longer you're a musician, the bigger your inner canvas becomes and the better your songwriting. I believe that too. I need finely crafted works of art."
Tracklisting
1. Coil
2. Heir Apparent
3. The Lotus Eater
4. Burden
5. Porcelain Heart
6. Hessian Peel
7. Hex Omega
