Heir Apparent could be straight out of My Arms, Your Hearse, and is definitely the hardest track on the album. Mikael's grows sound as harsh as ever, and made me grin when I first heard it. 9/10.

The Lotus Eater is probably my second favorite track on the album. The beginning of the song opens up with Mikael humming along with a mellotron, and a small bass line, and it gives me chills every time. From there, it goes into a blast beat, which I know Axe, the new drummer recruited halfway through the middle of the Ghost Reveries tour, can do in his sleep. Once again, Mikael's growls sound harsh and evil. 10/10.

Burden was my favorite song my first way through the album. The organ solo in the middle always makes me happy. 9/10.

Porcelain Heart is probably the only song I have a complaint with. The song follows typical Opeth structure, but most of it is completely unnecessary. The single version is much more fitting. 7/10.

Hessian Peel. Ah, my favorite song on this album. The beginning folk lick drives me crazy. The over all folk atmosphere is one of my favorite things about it. Then, halfway through, it takes a turn for the heavy. Mikael belts out more growls, and this hard section is probably one of my favorite Opeth moments. 10/10.

Hex Omega is a slightly forgettable track, but not forgotten to myself. There isn't much going on, but it's pleasant to listen to. 8/10.

Overall, Opeth's taken a turn, some will say for the worse, but I say it's just change. It still sounds like Opeth, and it's still good. 8.5/10 or 4/5.

by Morningrise-


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