In their place is – get this – 1970s style jazz-fusion. Seriously. But that’s not a bad thing. Opeth have rarely sounded so energised, and the material here is obviously a labour of love, a literal tribute to their musical inspirations, especially those of front man and principal songwriter Mikael Åkerfeldt. The bone-dry guitars and Deep Purple-esque organs used throughout feel completely at home, as if this was the way Opeth always sounded. It’s certainly going to divide fans, but I’m sure the vast majority of those who really love Opeth for their daringness and creativity will totally get it. Fair weather fans who are only in it for the heavy stuff will probably scratch their heads until they’re raw and bloody as they try to comprehend this new direction, but this album isn’t for them anyway. It simply feels like it was made to impress nobody but Opeth.
It’s not all fusion – Slither is a tribute to Ronnie James Dio and Rainbow – but there are definite moments that recall the work of John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra, early King Crimson and more modern acts like former Zappa cohort Mike Keneally. There’s also plenty of acoustic guitar and world music influences. But the heart of Heritage is that same spirit of musical adventurous that bands used to have 40 years ago.
BY PETER HODGSON
