Album Rating: 5.0

I always take 3.5 = very good...Great should be like 4.5. Great means like top-notch in my eyes

Album Rating: 4.0

This album is great - not a single bad song.

I lol'd at Rasputin's latest comment.

Album Rating: 4.0

How does one submit a review? I've written a few lengthy posts, which, I guess, have exceeded some kind of threshold for the amount of words used, and I get a prompt suggesting that I submit a review. But, I'm either led to the 'give your opinion' or 'sound off' section, but not the 'reviews'. When I do click on 'full reviews', it brings me to that section, but no hint on how to submit my own review. Can someone give me a clue, please.

Go to the band page you want to submit a review for, then on the left hand side theres a link that says 'submit a review'.

Album Rating: 4.0

Thank you. I'll use the feature at some other time. I realize that what follows is really just an oversized opinion/post and not an itemized review.

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These guys are doing a mighty fine job of maintenance. That is, maintaining a creative peak they achieved back on Blackwater Park. Probably even earlier. Most bands peak and have their one or two great records before the inevitable slide into mediocrity. But, Opeth proves to be the welcome abberation to the general rule. In fact, they've established a new standard of originality and consistency. And, their long-term success is probably owed to the fact that Akerfeldt knows not to tamper with a proven formula. After enduring a lenghty trial and error period, dedicated primarily to figuring out just how to meld all of these seemingly disparate/disjointed parts, the band hasn't strayed far from the intended course. Akerfeldt's focus is kept on honing and refining the core Opeth sound. So, we didn't get anything really new on Watershed. Not really. And, I'm so very cool with that. Mike knows what his strong suit is and is equally cognizant of what his fans desire in an Opeth recording. He's not looking to reinvent the wheel. And the cat is probably also aware by now that such reinvention could easily end in catastrophe and alienate fans (More bands should look towards Opeth as an instructive example).



Part II below

Album Rating: 4.0

But, there is one easily discernable alteration made on Watershed. There's more of a reliance on 'clean' vocals, even over some of the really heavy parts. This is actually a change I was hoping to see eventually. Mike has an awesome singing voice and it should surface more during some of the very heavy and progressive instrumental sections. I think we'll eventually get to hear an Akerfeldt-penned album that's as hard as nails, but which features Mike's 'clean' vocals throughout. I've recently read an article that speaks about a future collaboration between Akerfeldt, Steve Wilson (Porcupine Tree) and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater). Now, this will certainly be something to behold if it actually materializes. But, the first thing I thought about after reading the info was that Wilson and Portnoy will most definitely forbid the use of 'death' vocals on any recording they're a part of. So, this union might actually be the precise circumstance needed to prompt Mike into writing 'clean' vocal lines to accompany very heavy and progressive instrumental bits. But, whatever it is that this guy wishes to do next, I'll be eagerly awaiting its release. And, if Mike remains pretty close to the vision outlined in the Opeth playbook, I'm sure that this enthusiasm will remain strong for me and the bulk of the Opeth fanbase for a long time to come.



This Message Edited On 06.29.08

Album Rating: 3.5

But, the first thing I thought about after reading the info was that Wilson and Portnoy will most definitely forbid the use of 'death' vocals on any recording they're a part of.

Album Rating: 5.0

the first thing I thought about after reading the info was that Wilson and Portnoy will most definitely forbid the use of 'death' vocals on any recording they're a part of.

Album Rating: 3.5

Album is good not amazing.

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

^^

Seconds. I mean I love a lot of it, but don't get your nickers in a twist over it.

Album Rating: 4.0

That was purely speculation on my part with the denial of death vocals. And, 'The Human Equation', while having a tiny dose of it, isn't anyone's baby but Lucassen's. On a record that features Akerfeldt/Wilson/Portnoy in some type of group setting, I can't really see it being used. But, then again, I have no idea what they'll be aiming for with this one.

Album Rating: 3.5

Something really sexy, thats for sure!

Album Rating: 4.0

I'm sure that 'sex appeal' will be the prime motivating factor in a Akerfeldt/Wilson/Portnoy collaboration. I heard that they're already considering bringing in Miley Cyrus to front the band. Claiming that this will cultivate a level of style and cerebral sophistication unattainable without her writing, vocal chops and cute underage ass. lol.

Molten, I love your essayesqe comments.

Album Rating: 4.0

Thanks....I think. 'Essayesque' conjures up images of being cold, intellectual and academic. I'll have to work on being more 'fun'. lol.

Album Rating: 3.5

Please do hahaha.

Album Rating: 4.0

How 'bout now? Am I more funner now? I can dance the Pine Marten's Jig with an electric octagonal turnip in my asz if that's gunna make folks smile. I'll push the proverbial envelope, ya know. But, what am I, some kinda flippin' clown to you?

you remind me of this kid i once knew moltenlava

Album Rating: 4.5

But, what am I, some kinda flippin' clown to you?