Opeth – Pale Communion (2014)

The band continues their tradition of not repeating themselves but in a much better, more accessible way than they have in the past. The melodies and riffs from each song are instantly identifiable as that particular song, the new elements incorporated into the music fit extremely well and it seems like the record was written with each separate song in mind.

As in it doesn’t sound like any particular song revolves around one singular instrument or riff, but has everything beautifully play off each other. Where Heritage and Watershed may have been a little unfocused at time or lost in their own adventure of a new song, this record knows exactly what it’s doing and nails it through and through. I’ll even go as far as saying this record conveys the widest range of emotions I think I’ve ever heard Opeth convey, and with unbelievable grace and style. Absolutely none of the writing is heavy-handed in trying to get a point across.

1. Eternal Rains Will Come
2. Cusp of Eternity
3. Moon Above, Sun Below
4. Elysian Woes
5. Goblin
6. River
7. Voice of Treason
8. Faith in Others

Mikael Åkerfeldt – vocals, guitars
Martin Mendez – bass
Martin Axenrot – drums
Fredrik Åkesson – guitars
Joakim Svalberg – keys

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