Ninth studio album from Sweden's Opeth. Watershed was originally released in 2008 and found the band exploring the freakier, almost goofy side of their sound. The prog metal masters, nearly virtuosic to a fault, planted some humorous moments amongst the barreling death metal and medieval bardism. Take the acoustic intro of "Coil" which takes a sudden turn into the aforementioned death metal, or the random piano of "Hessian Peel." The most astounding of these moments might be "The Lotus Eater," which places sunny vocal harmonies over grinding guitars before switching into a Stevie Wonder tinged funk vamp. You get the sense that for all of their musical ability Opeth do not take things too seriously. Eight tracks in all. Released by Music On Vinyl on limited edition, numbered gold double vinyl with a four page booklet and an insert.

• edition of 4000
• gold double vinyl pressing
• individually numbered
• four page booklet and insert
• music label: Music On Vinyl 2018

reviewed by Hessian Harry 11/2018