Roadrunner Records [Release Date 25.08.14]
Mikael Akerfeldt – the debate rages…
Rather like Steven Wilson and Mike Portnoy, there are sections of the music press which are so sycophantic and so over the top in hyping up the Opeth frontman that it is difficult to be objective in evaluating his work – is he really a genius or do I just not see it?
There is no doubting that his body of work polarises opinion, but be in no doubt – when it comes to ‘Pale Communion’, Opeth’s eleventh studio album, the word genius is entirely apposite.
Since Akerfeldt began to turn his back on the thunderous metal rifferama and death growls of his early career with the albums ‘Watershed’ and particularly 2011’s ‘Heritage’ the path he has taken (much to the chagrin of Opeth’s core fan base) is that of progressive metal folk rock – a turn that has produced, in ‘Pale Communion’, a candidate for album of the year.
This seismic shift was more than hinted at on ‘Heritage’ with a number of outstanding tracks, not least the fabulous ‘I Feel The Dark’, but the envelope has been well and truly pushed to the max here producing an album so rooted in progressive rock’s traditions yet having a contemporary freshness about it that simply dazzles.
And it’s not just Akerfeldt either, this is truly a band effort with the musicianship, especially the keyboard work of Joakim Svalberg and fretmeistery of Fredrik Akesson, taking things to an ethereal plane.
Eight tracks to savour and it’s absolutely futile to try and pick highlights.
Every single track is a gem and it doesn’t matter if you’re not a fan of progressive rock or metal or folk – the interweaving of genres within every track ensures that all devotees of what is essentially just great rock music will find the whole album a cornucopia of treasures.
There’s plenty of raw meat for the metal fans to get their teeth into but this is juxtaposed with many beautiful (not a word usually associated with Opeth) acoustic moments, with both piano and guitar.
All this is topped off by Akerfeldt’s excellent vocals – apparently he’s been working hard at this aspect of his music, and it shows.
In summary ‘Pale Communion’ is simply a superb album. It sounds like nothing you’ve ever heard before and yet has that cosy glow of familiarity – all of which demands both your undivided attention and a pressing of the repeat button to confirm that yes, it really was that good.
Album of the year? I think so. *****
Review by Alan Jones
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 3 November 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 29 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 11 November 2024
ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)
Featured Albums w/c 11 November 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
