Welcome to you, numen (what a fitting name, eh?)!
Here's a little breakdown of each song and some of my impressions (I actually posted this on another forum):
1. Ghost of Perdition
Most of us have heard this one, and it's a damn fine song -- my favorite so far. This is the most "classic" Opeth sounding song.
2. Baying of the Hounds
Starts off pretty heavy and with some badass riffs, then Mike does some major key clean singing and there's a spacey/prog breakdown that is unlike anything Opeth have done before. The last riff in this song is EXTREMELY good, very triumphant sounding.
3. Beneath the Mire
Starts off with a dueling guitar riff/ keyboards, which is also very different from anything Opeth have done. Some great clean parts in this song, and another prog breakdown with some paino and classic guitar playing. This prog breakdown just oozes that oldschool prog feeling, and Mike's clean singing is superb.
4. Atonement
This song could have been Porcupine Tree. To me, it sounds like... Hallogallow meets Four Chords that Made a Million. Mike even sounds like he's channeling Steven during certain parts, especially his "aaaaaaaaaah"s. I think this is my second least favorite song on the album, right after TGC. This song actually has a really uplifting sound to it, which is something new for Opeth indeed.
5. Reverie/Harlequin Forest
Probably my second favorite song on the album. It starts off with a heavy riff and Mike clean singing over it, which continues for a while. I'm actually reminded a little of Dream Theater (in a good way) here. Some very good riffs. More proggy breakdown stuff, too, and an EXCELLENT acoustic part with some kickass atmosphere (they areeeeeeee the treeeeeeeees). Again, Mike delivers the goods with his clean singing, some of his best ever.
6. Hours of Wealth
This is one of the most different things Opeth have ever done. It's almost straight-up jazz. I get this mental picture of them playing in a smokey little club. And holy sh*t does Mike do some singing on this. One of the best mellow Opeth songs ever.
7. The Grand Conjuration
I still don't like this song, but it's defintily a lot better in a good quality rip. There's acoustic guitars playing with the distorted guitars in places that I didn't hear previously. Who knows, maybe it'll still grow on me?
8. Isolation Years
Sounds like it could have been on Damnation, but not quite. It's pretty good, but I can't seem to remember much about it other than Mike does more great singing.
Overall, the album is very good and a definite step forward. Anyone who thought Opeth would sell out by signing to RoadRunner has got to be crazy. The songs are a lot more accessable than they have ever been, but the prog influence the highest its ever been. I've only listened to it twice the whole way through, but right now I'd say it's their best since Still Life.
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