This album is amazing and definitely worth checking out if you haven't heard it or buying if you haven't got it. It incorporates all kinds of musical influences in one flowing journey through each track. The only way to listen to this album is at once in order, doing this will manifest the true magnificence of this album. For first time Opeth buyers this is the one, it is not necessarily the best but perhaps the most accessible. Åkerfeldt excels himself, his vocals are spot on. From enraged, satanic war cries to choir like harmonies at the drop of a hat (something he achieves live with similar mood altering effect) he really seems to set the bar for himself higher with every release. Here is the first peth album in which you start to see the band reaping the benefits of Per, on keyboards, the ambiance he helps create adds a completely new dimension to their sound. Lopez provides some kick ass drumming (good luck with future projects!) with nice fills and complex rhythms. Despite all… more »

This album is amazing and definitely worth checking out if you haven't heard it or buying if you haven't got it. It incorporates all kinds of musical influences in one flowing journey through each track. The only way to listen to this album is at once in order, doing this will manifest the true magnificence of this album. For first time Opeth buyers this is the one, it is not necessarily the best but perhaps the most accessible. Åkerfeldt excels himself, his vocals are spot on. From enraged, satanic war cries to choir like harmonies at the drop of a hat (something he achieves live with similar mood altering effect) he really seems to set the bar for himself higher with every release. Here is the first peth album in which you start to see the band reaping the benefits of Per, on keyboards, the ambiance he helps create adds a completely new dimension to their sound. Lopez provides some kick ass drumming (good luck with future projects!) with nice fills and complex rhythms. Despite all the great things about this album it is not without flaws. Track 4 'Atonement' after three stunning tracks appears fairly weak. This particular copy also includes a cover of Deep Purple's 'Soldier of Fortune' that is good in its own right but doesn't really belong at the end of such an original and awe inspiring album. In hindsight I would buy the original version. Can't wait to see these guys on their next tour and bring on the next album \m/