After 3 passes, I dare to express a first statement: The violent songs are even more complex than before, the quiet songs yet simple and catchy than before. The mood is slightly less gloomy than the last 3 albums (perhaps is due to the absence of Steven Wilson), most likely I'd's here with Still Life compare. A short track-by-track review: Ghost Of Perdition: Heavy, very heavy! And complex! Many breaks and tempo changes, and in the quiet phase some beautiful vocal performances from Mike (I say only: Higher - hiiiiiiigher - hiiiiiiiiiiiiigher). Baying of the Hounds: Per Wiberg makes here much more noticeable than in the first track and the skin at the beginning sometimes quite violently in the Hammond-key - I find very strong! Reminds me of this ancient Purple or Heep songs (-> Look at yourself, if that who knows). Also pretty heavy, but more loosened and acoustic passages. Beneath the Mire: Strong oriental impact! Very unusual Opeth, something I've never heard of them! But I like it very well. Not quite as heavy as the first two songs, and also a bit shorter, but very original. Atonement: On Summer Breeze Mike said that he is a huge fan of Krautrock. And this is probably his tribute to this genre. Very psychedelic, sometimes reminds me strongly of Amon Düül II - you also? Also what totally unexpected from the house of Opeth, I also like it very much. Reverie / Harlequin Forest: So far my favorite track. Incredibly many changes of mood in this song, grandiose vocals (both growls and clean), fascinating bass work with some very groovy guitars that remind a little of tool. And with a fantastic guitar solo in the middle! Really great! Hours of Wealth: Very quietly, without any drums comes this deeply sad song quite enchanting from the speakers. Kind of like "Weakness", but fewer keys, but more guitar. Would have been to Damnation a highlight! The Grand Conjuration: As has already been said the mother of Forrest Gump: "If you have nothing nice to say, they say most anything." So in a nutshell: I like this song not particularly. I think he's on to Opeth straight and for viiieeel too long. Only the instrumental part in the middle of song is really cool. Isolation Years After "Harvest" and "In My Time of Need" again a ballad in verse / chorus schema! However, shorter and a bit quieter. Also very sad but with perhaps the best clean vocal performance from Mike at all. , A really, really good album (nona, est is an Opeth album!), But whether it's at my previous albums Morningrise and Blackwater Park (Damnation's going on for me in a different league) pass, time will tell .. ,
