Review: Opeth - Pale Communion
By Eric Perzanowski, Contributor
[Roadrunner; 2014]
Rating: 8.5/10
Key Tracks: “Cusp of Eternity,” “Moon Above, Sun Below,” “Voice of Treason”
For years, Swedish band Opeth was at the forefront of the metal scene. With a unique sound that featured dynamic changes between death metal, acoustic guitar and clean vocals, Opeth gained both popularity and acclaim.
Opeth proved it was a band capable of success without relying on death metal through both 2003’s Damnation and 2011's Heritage. Mixed by Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson, Pale Communion is an album that solidifies Opeth as a great progressive rock band.
Wilson and Opeth's Mikael Akerfeldt are two men who have great knowledge of what it takes to produce high quality progressive rock, both with Akerfeldt's composition as well as in the careful way the audio is layered.
Pale Communion's flow is fantastic. There is never a single moment that feels like it drags on, endless material on this album ripe for the ear to pick apart and enjoy. The songs drift together and progress organically.
Opening track “Eternal Rains Will Come” utilizes the organ heavily, as do many of Communion's other songs. Many will joke that this album sounds like it was written in the ’70s, and songs like this only add fuel to the fire. That throwback sound is less of a negative than merely what Opeth were aiming for.
Akerfeldt shines on this album, especially with his hard, expressive and clean vocals. The listener can hear the emotion coming from Akerfeldt in the delivery of the lyrics. Nowhere is this more apparent than the track “Moon Above, Sun Below,” where Akerfeldt delivers, “A winding road is taking me home / And home is my grave,” with stunning intensity.
Opeth’s death metal days are in the past but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the band has stopped “being heavy.” “Voice of Treason” brings the heaviness simply through the use of deep, ominous string instrumentals.
“Cusp of Eternity” is stands out beyond anything else on Pale Communion. It’s Akerfeldt’s strongest vocal performance on the record, boasting a beautifully melodic chorus. The song also features an extremely prominent (and astounding) guitar solo.
“Faith in Others” brings Pale Communion to a melancholy end. The tune builds to a fantastic climax over the course of its seven-minute duration and features a satisfying conclusion.
Opeth’s third progressive rock album is filled with beautiful melodies, masterful musicianship and a variety of intriguing song structures and styles. Some fans may be disappointed by yet another album devoid of death metal. However, the album undoubtedly brings quality work to the table. It wouldn’t be surprising to see it go down as one of the best albums of the year.
