Opeth have developed a style of their own, but right now there is a certain lack of magic. If “Damnation” pointed out that circumstance, “Ghost Reveries” is the naked truth about the state of things. “Ghost Reveries” isn´t great for me, and it´s not because they´re softer; a whole album full of astounding tracks as mellow “To Bid You Farewell” or “Benighted” would be a killer. It´s the lack of spell, bewitching parts, highlights. Melodies are sometimes the easy kind, nothing special, in most of the album. I mean, they simply flow, without leaving an impact on me... But it gives me the impression that, trying to avoid predictable moves, the band has chosen a path consisting of 70´s rock influences based mainly in keys. The result is an album that can´t be pointed as a safe repetition of patterns, though it becomes somehow a stab of prog rock/death metal far from being stunning. Opeth have been brave enough to carry their music to different territories, so you can´t smell any stagnation here. I can´t whip “Ghost Reveries” for it´s not a bad album whatsoever. The fact they haven´t limited their performance to repeated old schemes and elements is worthwhile. Not to forget some parts here and there, which feature the emotionally crushing Opeth essence looming; the end of the second track, for example. The vocal work is cleaner than ever, Mikael is a fantastic singer and is always scaling new heights.

Yes, this album contains some memorable parts delicious to the ear (more than “Damnation”). Nevertheless, there are some really unpleasant moments, too. The silly arabesque melody on the first moments of “Beneath the Mire” spoil the subsequent passage and the whole song. Yes, the keyboards “discovered” in “Damnation” are used here but the vibes reached through their use aren´t quite moving. Definitely, I don´t like their role in some parts, instead of improving the atmosphere they become a filler in the songs, if not a simple pain in the ass with unnecessary notes. Sometimes the Deep Purple-esque feeling of the keys ruin the darkness of several moments; it´s quite hard to make a Hammond sound gloomy, really. Will they use a theremin on the next album, maybe? They don´t need synths to create ambiences; there are other Opeth albums which demonstrate it... Fifth track begins with a cheesy poppy vocal line (supported by those too light-hearted drums), and ends with a monotonous rhythm and melody which reminds us toooooo much that similar part in “Master´s Apprentices”... Some people could think this is a tantrum by a die hard fan or something wanting the band to release sort of a “Morningrise part. II”. Wrong. I enjoyed “Deliverance”, and in my opinion Opeth is a band capable to evolve in the best way, experimenting and blending elements from a wide range of styles. The problem is that after several albums, it´s really hard to keep up the standards of feeling and excellence. Of course one can´t complain about their technical performance, clean production and good taste in the song patterns. That´s in every way achieved.

I like “Ghost Reveries” more than “Damnation”, but it hasn´t left me shocked as other Opeth albums did. Anyway, it tries to be original and is professional as hell. It´s got its moments, but as a whole it´s nothing really impressive in my opinion. Surely Opeth will harvest more rave reviews than others like this. Time for you to decide.

written by Fjordi

Playing time: 66.51