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OPETH are proud to announce that their forthcoming album will be titled 'Watershed'. The opus is set for release through Roadrunner Records on 2nd June.
Destined to be an 'album of the year' contender for many in 2008 (as all OPETH releases are), 'Watershed' was recorded in the band's native Sweden and produced by frontman/guitarist Mikael Akerfeldt and Jens Bogren. It is a masterwork that follows the time-honoured OPETH tradition; it's modern yet timeless, ground-breaking and progressive yet paying homage to the sound of classic rock. 'Watershed' cycles through a variety of moods, speeds and textures, complete with subtleties and nuances of sound.
Album opener "Coil" is a lush acoustic track, featuring local folk singer Nathalie Lorichs, while "Heir Apparent" will knock you sideways with its elements of blunt force metal. Always one to defy the rules, OPETH places clear sung vocals over artillery-like blast beats on "The Lotus Eater," cementing their reputation as innovators and redefiners. OPETH occupy their place in a genre of one, with 'Watershed' combining 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 on 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 album for Roadrunner Records. The release is the eagerly awaited follow up to 2005's critically lauded 'Ghost Reveries', which sat atop many of the end-of-year album polls and critics pick's lists at UK press.
The complete track listing is as follows: "Coil," "Heir Apparent," "The Lotus Eater," "Burden," "Porcelain Heart," "Hessian Peel" and "Hex Omega."
OPETH are set for a string of UK dates this April. You can catch the band's unique sound at the following shows:
Wed 23rd April – Birmingham Academy
Thu 24th April – Glasgow Barrowlands
Fri 25th April – Manchester Academy
Sat 26th April – London Brixton Academy
