Opeth - Watershed

2008-02-04 by Foodforthegods | 112 Comments
‘Watershed’ has been revealed as the title of the forthcoming Opeth album, due for a mid year release.

New York, NY: Swedish progressive metal titans Opeth, often credited as being forward thinkers who are a genre of one, are proud to announce Watershed as the title of their forthcoming album, due out on Roadrunner Records on June 2, 2008.

The album, recorded in the band’s native Sweden and produced by frontman/guitarist Mikael Akerfeldt and Jens Bogren, is a masterwork that follows the time-honored Opeth tradition; it’s modern yet timeless, progressive yet paying homage to the sounds of classic rock. Watershed is truly one of those special records that cycles through a variety of moods, speeds and textures, complete with lots of subtleties and nuances of sound. Because of its expansive scope, Watershed is destined to land the album atop many “Best of 2008” lists. Album opener “Coil” is a gorgeous acoustic number, featuring local folk vocalist Nathalie Lorichs, while “Heir Apparent” will knock listeners unconscious with its blunt force metal. Always one to defy the rules, Opeth posits sung vocals over artillery-like blast beats on “The Lotus Eater,” cementing their reputation as innovators and redefiners.

Watershed combines elements of modern metal, prog rock, free jazz and hints of European folk music, all of which come together for a seamless, unique collection of songs that will leave an indelible mark upon all who listen. Watershed is the first Opeth release to feature new guitarist Fredrik Akesson and drummer Martin Axenrot and is the band’s second effort for Roadrunner Records. Watershed is the eagerly awaited follow up to 2005’s critically acclaimed Ghost Reveries.

The complete track listing is as follows: “Coil,” “Heir Apparent,” “The Lotus Eater,” “Burden,” “Porcelain Heart,” “Hessian Peel” and “Hex Omega.”

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com.au/page/News

Tagged: Opeth

Comments:Add a Comment 
Foodforthegods
February 5th 2008
425 Comments


I just cant wait! It'll be interesting. I didn't have that kind of hype since St. Anger...but St. Anger sucked so...I hope Watershed will be good.

beans
February 5th 2008
2328 Comments


it should be sick, but the name is...uhhhh

Tyler
Emeritus
February 5th 2008
7927 Comments


hahahahaahaha Watershed? HAHAHAHAHA

JumpTheF**kUp
February 5th 2008
2723 Comments


What a terrible album title.

Pluh
February 5th 2008
579 Comments


hopefully this will be good, seeing as it's Opeth, but yeah, that title is kinda... weird :/

Zoo
February 5th 2008
3759 Comments


Watershed? Why not something clever like... Waterhouse?

kmagnum
February 5th 2008
81 Comments


I like the name

Better than "Fortress"

Pluh
February 5th 2008
579 Comments


i like the title fortress

Tyler
Emeritus
February 5th 2008
7927 Comments


Um, Watershed is like the outhouse behind the Fortress. Not better! Also the only way to insult me is to mention Protest the Hero I get greatly offended when you dislike the album name I didnt come up with!!!!!!!11!This Message Edited On 02.04.08

Spectrum
February 5th 2008
347 Comments


I totally can't wait for this album, silly name or not.

Ire
February 5th 2008
41944 Comments


What's so bad? You all act like all the other titles are normal(Orchid,Mr,BWP).

edit:

I didnt come up with!!!!!!!11!

You'd think that somebody would mention Sigh.This Message Edited On 02.04.08

kmagnum
February 5th 2008
81 Comments


Cocaine pull the dicks out of your ass

Ire
February 5th 2008
41944 Comments


Ban stick

Foodforthegods
February 5th 2008
425 Comments


According to Wikipedia "Watershed" comes from an old term for shedding, meaning splitting or dividing.

Also Lotus Eater is a kind of tribe that live in africa during the greek era...the only thing that they could eat was this flower. And it had a kind of drug effect. Something like that.

The album seems to have a kind of concept. Maybe something about a man who was living in this tribe and being separated from the others...

Tyler
Emeritus
February 5th 2008
7927 Comments


Even yours kmagnum? With all the compensating you're doing it's pretty fucking big by now.
Seriously though, that's an insanely gay title. There was nothing wrong with Orchid, Blackwater Park, Still Life, etc. This is just silly.

McP3000
February 5th 2008
4121 Comments


horrible album name

horrid horrid horrid

cant fucking wait though

beans
February 5th 2008
2328 Comments


it is very hard to take seriously
maybe its a throwback to mikael's childhood...


Kage
February 5th 2008
1172 Comments


Dude, it's really not that bad. I kind of like it, actually.

And I can't figure out why, but I'm really eager to hear this.This Message Edited On 02.04.08

kmagnum
February 5th 2008
81 Comments


Morningrise was a pretty ridiculous album title

NOTINTHEFACE
February 5th 2008
2167 Comments


I think it's a great name. And I absolutely cannot wait.

Pebster49
February 5th 2008
3041 Comments


I don't understand why this is a bad name? and also why we care...since there are only 7 songs, I hope there are some really long ones, we need another 20 min song OPETH! woo

beans
February 5th 2008
2328 Comments


so am i kage, its just not as good as their other titles, so it threw me for a loop, but im still stoked as hell to hear it

Tyler
Emeritus
February 5th 2008
7927 Comments


another 20 minute one? Black Rose Immortal is easily the worst song they've ever written.

Ire
February 5th 2008
41944 Comments


That's shit, BRI is a-fucking-mazing.

beans
February 5th 2008
2328 Comments


i thought so as well, it had so many dynamics, loved every minute of it

penelope weird hands
February 5th 2008
11 Comments


The meaning implied with the album title is something like:
" A critical point that marks a division or a change of course; a turning point "

Which is kinda cool and conceptual.. but surely theres a better term that delivers the same meaning.

Title aside.. I can't fucking wait to hear this.

beans
February 5th 2008
2328 Comments


my sentiments exactly

skullcrusher149
February 5th 2008
560 Comments


Coal Chamber had a song named Watershed :lol:

So yeah, this title sux.


:chug:

beans
February 5th 2008
2328 Comments


like kage said, its not that bad

EyesWideShut
February 5th 2008
6123 Comments


this is gonna be the best record of 08 hands down. Totally hyped and on the title I think in time it will grow on alot of people myself included. Just about 4 months away, but hope it doesnt get pushed back.

skullcrusher149
February 5th 2008
560 Comments


Yeah dude i'm totally stoked to hear this, no doubt. The title is just a bit silly IMO

JumpTheF**kUp
February 5th 2008
2723 Comments


[quote="idiot"]this is gonna be the best record of 08 hands down.[/quote]
No.
It may well be, but not hands down.

skullcrusher149
February 5th 2008
560 Comments


Considering Opeth makes album-of-the-year CD's whenever they release them, it probably will be. What band do you think will/has put a better release this year?

TheGreatD17
February 5th 2008
1141 Comments


watershed - an event marking a unique or important historical change of course or one on which important developments depend

I like the title, hopefully it's appropriate.

AngelPhoenix
February 5th 2008
2761 Comments


^^^Yeah, I'm pretty sure it carried those kinds of definitions before it took on a more...layman...application. Anyway, Tool is my favorite band and they just make up words for album titles. I mean, what they hell is a Lateralus? Okay, yeah, lateral can mean living outside or away from the norm, plus "us" as in we, okay, yeah clever. At least Watershed is an actual word with a set of actual specific definitions, none of which include anything toilet related.

Edit: We've gotta wait till June? F**k man. I'm buying this album regardless, so i really hope it leaks before that so I can hear what new mastery Opeth has in store. Used to really not like these guys. Then I heard Still Life (my fav album from them) and it made me realize how their music works; I became immersed in the soundscape. I'm really looking forward to this.This Message Edited On 02.05.08

Altmer
February 5th 2008
5714 Comments


I like the title, fits squarely with the other Opeth titles.

rasputin
February 5th 2008
14968 Comments


omgomgomgomg
who gives a crap what's it called.
Cocaine, Black Rose Immortal is great.

Altmer
February 5th 2008
5714 Comments


Black Rose Immortal is good but it's really too long.

To Bid You Farewell however....

JumpTheF**kUp
February 5th 2008
2723 Comments


What band do you think will/has put a better release this year?

Volta, Protest the Hero, Sun Kil Moon, In Flames, Thrice, Keri Hilson, Propagandhi, Panic at the Disco, My Morning Jacket, Rise Against and Glassjaw, not to mention the fact that some bands may release a debut that will kick arse.
Plus, Opeth's albums aren't all album of the year material. I'd say only about 3 of their albums are even close to AOTY material and the most recent of those was '01.

AngelPhoenix
February 5th 2008
2761 Comments


[quote=reznor]omgomgomgomg

who gives a crap what's it called[/quote]

yeah, i'd have to say I'm with you man. Tool's next album could be called "My Left Testicle", I'll still buy it, and I'll probably still love it.
Same goes for these dudes.

Geedrummer
February 5th 2008
607 Comments


cant wait. this will be amazing (hopefully)

Dis_Con_Nec_Ted
February 5th 2008
5098 Comments


Title is meh, but hey the music can only be better. Hopefully the majority of the songs are 10+ mins. Can't fuckin wait!!!






SynGates
February 5th 2008
2467 Comments


Title is weird, but it means something at least and isn't lol like "Blooddrunk" or anything. Album should at least be pretty good at the very least.

Doppelganger
February 5th 2008
3124 Comments


I'm foaming at the mouth with fanboyismThis Message Edited On 02.05.08

VicariousIntent
February 5th 2008
1649 Comments


Eh, don't care about the title, care about the music that's coming with it, which is sure to be ace. Damn man, it's too far away though.

McP3000
February 5th 2008
4121 Comments



another 20 minute one? Black Rose Immortal is easily the worst song they've ever written.

Oh no you didn't

Confessed2005
February 5th 2008
7623 Comments


To be honest, the album title has no reflection on how good the music is. I can think of tons of albums with crap titles that are still great.

Confessed2005
February 5th 2008
7623 Comments


Panic at the Disco


I absolutely cannot believe you said that an album by this band would be better than an Opeth record.

Seriously.

rasputin
February 5th 2008
14968 Comments


I'm so looking forward to this now. The song titles look wicked and the fact that Akerfeldt said that this album is by far the darkest and most technical makes me really wet in the panties.

Eakflanderyof
February 5th 2008
6639 Comments


Yet another terrible album title to add to the '08 list of terrible album titles. I'm excited for lots of albums, including this one, but many of them have such terrible titles. It's not that big of a deal, though, I guess. The song titles are pretty awesome, though.

On a side note, Black Rose Immortal is a good song, but definitely overrated. It's easily the worst off of Morningrise. Advent and To Bid You Farewell slay it. It was the song that made me want Morningrise, though. This Message Edited On 02.05.08

TheStarclassicTreatment
February 5th 2008
2910 Comments


No one likes album titles when they're released on here so why do people keep complaining???

Thor
February 5th 2008
10384 Comments


It's gonna be so good.

Dis_Con_Nec_Ted
February 5th 2008
5098 Comments


[quote=]Yet another terrible album title to add to the '08 list of terrible album titles.[/quote]
Yeah but still, nothing beats 'Blooddrunk' so far; man this has to be one of most retarded album titles ever. Cracks me up everytime I even think about it. Even had trouble typing this due to major lulz

Blooddrunk... Hahahaha





kmagnum
February 5th 2008
81 Comments


LOL Blooddrunk

Neoteric
February 5th 2008
3243 Comments


Opeth are pretty lame.

botb
February 5th 2008
19804 Comments


You guys are honestly judging the album by the title? that's the stupidest thing i've ever heard.

skullcrusher149
February 5th 2008
560 Comments


Blooddrunk


heh, I thought it was a cool title :chug:

BallsToTheWall
February 5th 2008
52578 Comments


Holy shit, first time seeing this, 60 comments, man the fanboys are out tonight. I'm looking for this.

Intransit
February 5th 2008
2797 Comments


Sputnik metal community just collectively filled the cup

kmagnum
February 5th 2008
81 Comments


I filled the cup twice on my own when I heard this news

skullcrusher149
February 5th 2008
560 Comments


gross

MediocreAtBest
February 5th 2008
1473 Comments


I don't care if this was called Pony Parties, I would still be hecka excited.

HoudiniLogic
February 5th 2008
19 Comments


I actually really like this album name
Opeth doesnt just pick random album titles for no reason and I think this one title will go fine along side of Orchid and Morningrise
Cant Wait!This Message Edited On 02.05.08

Wizard
February 5th 2008
20627 Comments


Are you guys fucking stupid, do you even know what watershed means?
Clever name for the album. This Message Edited On 02.05.08

Yazz_Flute
February 5th 2008
19174 Comments


It's a bit weird, but not bad. It's not much different than Blackwater Park, really. I suppose 08 will go down as the year of crappy album titles though...

I kinda like the song names, however, and I cant fucking wait for this release.

SCREAM!
February 5th 2008
15755 Comments


Main Entry: wa·ter·shed
Pronunciation: wt-r-shed, wät-
Function: noun
1 : a dividing ridge (as a mountain range) separating one drainage area from others
2 : the area that drains into a river or lake


Not as bad when you know what it means. :p Still kinda weird though

DWittisarockstar
February 5th 2008
1501 Comments


I've never heard Opeth.

That aside, Watershed is a fine name. Blackwater Park is an awesome name.

Riverpeth
February 5th 2008
150 Comments


Watershed is a great name! I'm sure that when still life came out, everyone thought the title was pretty boring, but it suits the album perfectly and is my favourite album by them.

I just hope that Opeth keeps some of their softness that makes them so great, seeing as they say it will be their heaviest, most technical album. Hopefully not too technical, don't want them turning into another Dream Theater, even though I love that band.

Mikesn
Emeritus
February 5th 2008
3707 Comments


Swedish progressive metal titans Opeth, often credited as being forward thinkers who are a genre of one. Always one to defy the rules, Opeth posits sung vocals over artillery-like blast beats on “The Lotus Eater,” cementing their reputation as innovators and redefiners.

unretrovertigofied
February 6th 2008
232 Comments


Watershed...sounded like an b-grade Kevin Costner movie when I first looked at it.
I'm really quite amped for this. According to another source, Opeth have covered 3 songs to go with a bonus version of the new album, with ONE of the songs being a cover of 'Would?' by AIC!

jrowa001
February 6th 2008
8752 Comments


absolutely cant wait for this. my most anticipated album coming from my favorite band

AngelPhoenix
February 6th 2008
2761 Comments


[quote=mediocreatbest]I don't care if this was called Pony Parties[/quote]

LOL nice.

C.O.A.
February 6th 2008
55 Comments


I'm really excited for this album. I don't understand what is so horrible about the title guys. I think Tyler just likes to piss me off sometimes...

Wizard
February 6th 2008
20627 Comments


Main Entry: wa·ter·shed

Pronunciation: wt-r-shed, wät-

Function: noun

1 : a dividing ridge (as a mountain range) separating one drainage area from others

2 : the area that drains into a river or lake


I'm not 100% sure on this, but I think Watershed can also mean 'a landmark'.
Such as, "Pink Floyd's Dark Side of Moon was a watershed album in the genre of rock".
If this is true, there is no doubt in the back of my mind that this album will blow peoples expectations away.

Altmer
February 6th 2008
5714 Comments


I'm with Chan.

Wizard
February 6th 2008
20627 Comments


I vote Chan!
To add to my last comment, Watershed could also mean all of their influences coming together into one. Like a river and its tributaries in a watershed, it makes sense how Mikael is talking about all of his influences coming together on this record.

rasputin
February 6th 2008
14968 Comments


geez wizard, you've really thought about this!

Thor
February 6th 2008
10384 Comments


You guys are honestly judging the album by the title? that's the stupidest thing i've ever heard.

Amen, brother.

Just after reading the song titles, I feel like Hex Omega will be epic as hell.

Intransit
February 6th 2008
2797 Comments


Or Watershed could mean "out house"

symbolic for the quality of Opeth's music? possibly.

Dis_Con_Nec_Ted
February 6th 2008
5098 Comments


[quote=]Opeth posits sung vocals over artillery-like blast beats on “The Lotus Eater,”[/quote]
This just sounds too good.






Verdammnis
February 6th 2008
16 Comments


I think the title is great, I think people are mis-interpreting as a "shed with water in it." I think it more refers to "shedding something" with the theme of water added. And seriously, their are way worse album titles they could have used. At least it isn't a cliche metal title.

The song titles are really intresting as well, I can't wait to hear this.

Edit was to add this link, wikipedia page for the meaning of the word "watershed"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WatershedThis Message Edited On 02.06.08

Wizard
February 6th 2008
20627 Comments


geez wizard, you've really thought about this!

I will defend Opeth until the day that I die. I just find it retarded that people make really quick judgements about an album without even looking into it deeper!

Dis_Con_Nec_Ted
February 6th 2008
5098 Comments


[quote=]I just find it retarded that people make really quick judgements about an album without even looking into it deeper![/quote]
That's because it's all we got - a title. Not that it is bad (I'm already liking it more) but one would expect more from a band like Opeth in terms of creativity. And Ghost Reveries had a little more edge on that subject. I'm sure this will turn out great, the music will be cool and people stop bitching about the title.



Wizard
February 6th 2008
20627 Comments


but one would expect more from a band like Opeth in terms of creativity.

I will admit this is true. The music is going to destroy! Its already my favourite album of 2008 hahahaha!

Worst case of fanboyism on this site?^^^^^This Message Edited On 02.06.08

Eakflanderyof
February 6th 2008
6639 Comments


You guys are honestly judging the album by the title? that's the stupidest thing i've ever heard.


What's stupid is the fact that you seem to think that we're saying the album is going to suck just because we're saying the title sucks. Notice how most people that said the title sucks also added that they were still eager to hear this. The song names are quite badass, though. This Message Edited On 02.06.08

jimay333
February 6th 2008
433 Comments


Well this news is out way too early. This album is going to get way too over hyped, then everyone is going to hate it when it actually comes out, even if it is good.

Wizard
February 6th 2008
20627 Comments


Opeth never get over hyped! hahahaha

thesystemisdown
February 6th 2008
416 Comments


FINALLY an Opeth album with something other than 8 tracks. "Ghost Reveries" was kind of a "Blackwater Park" replica, I hope this will be good.

Yazz_Flute
February 6th 2008
19174 Comments


Ghost Reveries had a much different atmosphere than BwP I thought...but I see what you mean. 4 songs were 10 minutes on both albums (or approaching 10 mins) which were definately the highlights on the album...allthough I would have to say BwP owns GR, though I've been listening to GR alot lately.

I'm extremely psyched for this now...I want to see an album cover.

Ire
February 6th 2008
41944 Comments


gtfo, I will defend my beloved Ghost Reveries. Bwp is too hard to get into.This Message Edited On 02.06.08

BallsToTheWall
February 7th 2008
52578 Comments


This album is going to be dark and brutal and filled with hatred, with no sense of humor.

Dis_Con_Nec_Ted
February 7th 2008
5098 Comments


yeah Opeth really must get rid of all the humorous bits :rolleyes:

1drummer
February 7th 2008
330 Comments


it will be very interesting, the "artillary-like blast beats" make me a little leary about the drummer and im not a big arch enemy fan so Fredrik better not fuck it up

Shattered_Future
February 7th 2008
1641 Comments


The name is...eh, who gives a crap? I'm more worried about Axe's use of blast beats...if he overuses them, I'm gonna be severely pissed.

FlawedPerfection
Emeritus
February 7th 2008
2807 Comments


I'll be cool with this as long as they don't repeat every riff 16 times before moving onto the next one.

EyesWideShut
February 7th 2008
6123 Comments


Ghost Reveries had an extremely different atmosphere than Blackwater Park. and since my first post, the only album I think could rival this for best of the year is the new Mirrorthrone !

Yazz_Flute
February 7th 2008
19174 Comments


I would add Fortress and Wintersun's new album...if it comes out.

FR33L0RD
February 7th 2008
6400 Comments


Who care for the album name, the music will be outstanding like only Opeth can do.

Blanka Flip
February 7th 2008
7 Comments


Don't get me wrong, I'm super excited for the new album, and the Title doesn't bother me... But are they actually doing the typical female guest vocals on Coil? I'm asking because I don't know for sure, but it sounds like a feminine name... That just doesn't sound like Opeth...

Epilogue
February 10th 2008
1841 Comments


Mikael mentioned that he was influenced by the new Scott Walker album. If this is true, this is gonna be sick

Apathy78
February 22nd 2008
4 Comments


Looking forward to this, still a few months away though.
Opeth Kills

zulop
February 23rd 2008
174 Comments


When I first saw the title I thought of water-being-shed rather than what seeming everyone else here thought it meant, but the idea of the watershed behind a fortress made me choke on my shreddies, I just imagine a huge fuckoff fortress and a tiny metallic rusty shed like an outhouse xD

Ghearufu
March 31st 2008
87 Comments


I have to agree, the name for whatever reason catches me and I imagine water being shed off not an outhouse although a watershed is in fact that.

Mmaster83
April 2nd 2008
1 Comments


Watershed is a cool name, it goes with Opeth's flavor. I like the idea of it meaning all
of their albums and influences flowing or shedding into one. Cool track names too. I
loved the haunting environment of Ghost Reveries, and I believe Watershed will take
me to another similar realm.

Anyways, heres the album art -
http://milesbrady.googlepages.com/01AwcAX2cThRQArfQBAAAABHLH2dg-.jpg

Very dope.This Message Edited On 04.02.08

destructiveyouth
April 26th 2008
1 Comments


i just downloaded it. its f***ing sick

ZeroTolerance
March 4th 2010
435 Comments


Thought it'd be fun to look back at this.

Puzzles
December 11th 2010
3065 Comments


OMG can't wait. This is going to be awesome.

Piglet
December 11th 2010
8559 Comments


lolwut Puzzles

FilthyBorgir
December 11th 2010
1334 Comments


@Puzzles the album has been out for over 2 years.

Maniac!
December 11th 2010
28551 Comments


album will suck






because it does

FilthyBorgir
December 11th 2010
1334 Comments


Watershed wasn't that bad.

Maniac!
December 11th 2010
28551 Comments


agree to disagree



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