My least favorite Opeth album - very uninspired sounding.
There are some gems hidden within some of the songs but as a whole (after many listens over the years) it lacks what most Opeth albums have: a soul. The only elements that stick in my mind are negative ones, like boring, repedetive riffs, less-than-par production and songs that do not need to be as long as they are (*cough* 'Wreath...*cough* 'Deliverence'). Although, one said 'gem' lies in 'Delieverence'; the breakdown at the end is very, very cool.
'A Fair Judgement' is probably my favorite, which is ironic considering it is the softest song on a suposed-to-be hard album. There are many drawn-out riffs that seem to only be there to put a larger number in the time slot next to the song (thus being more progressive).

Apologies for the harsher tone but keep in mind I love Opeth and this honest review is for those who would seek to buy an Opeth album and want an honest critique. Advice: start somwhere else, like 'Still Life' or 'Ghost Riveries'.

Written by Regolith on 19.11.2011 at 23:57

My least favorite Opeth album - very uninspired sounding.
There are some gems hidden within some of the songs but as a whole (after many listens over the years) it lacks what most Opeth albums have: a soul. The only elements that stick in my mind are negative ones, like boring, repedetive riffs, less-than-par production and songs that do not need to be as long as they are (*cough* 'Wreath...*cough* 'Deliverence'). Although, one said 'gem' lies in 'Delieverence'; the breakdown at the end is very, very cool.
'A Fair Judgement' is probably my favorite, which is ironic considering it is the softest song on a suposed-to-be hard album. There are many drawn-out riffs that seem to only be there to put a larger number in the time slot next to the song (thus being more progressive).

Apologies for the harsher tone but keep in mind I love Opeth and this honest review is for those who would seek to buy an Opeth album and want an honest critique. Advice: start somwhere else, like 'Still Life' or 'Ghost Riveries'.

exactly what I think about this one. this album is more suitable for the death metal fans who want to try some opeth . very simplistic compared to every thing they have done except the damnation .

Perfect concept join with Damnation

A masterpiece! The drum part in Deliverance is amazing.

So heavy I love all of it!

Fantastic album and it joins with its companion album Damnation very nicely. By The Pain I See In Others is a song I constantly return to.

I bought this record two weeks ago after listening to it a few times online. I already knew this was Opeth's heaviest album, but I don't feel that it's boring or repetitive at all. In fact, I believe it is very precise and meticulous, and given that it is a different direction for the band, it goes great with Damnation, thus making it an awesome and interesting record.

Wow, I haven't listened to this album in literally almost 10 years! When I first bought it and listened, I remember being disappointed because I wanted another Blackwater Park. But with age, I have become more open minded, wiser and......more realistic haha.
Seriously though, while it may lack a certain dark feeling compared to earlier works, above all..... it's actually not bad as a whole.
So I give it an 8.

For me this is Opeth's most tedious album, whether it's more suited for death metal fans or not, it just sounds mundane in their discography.

Written by deadone on 03.02.2014 at 01:20

The problem is that Deliverance is a bit too tedious even for us more straight forward Death Metal fans.

True, but I didn't say that "it's suitable for death metal fans" and I agree with you. I see this album as a start for those who are primarily into death metal want to get into opeth. I'd much rather listening to Morbid Angel, for instance.

Written by deadone on 03.02.2014 at 11:31

I see what you mean.

I'd actually sooner recommend them Blackwater Park.

One of the Best ever

Their heaviest and most direct album to date, which is exactly what I was hoping for. When I'm in the mood for variation and constant mood changes, I'll listen to Blackwater Park. This is one I could get used to listening to frequently - it tones down everything I dislike about the band. Its softer moments seem to accentuate the more brutal ones rather than detracting from them, aside from the filler known as A Fair Judgement. I think it's safe to say this is my favorite Opeth release.

Haha A Fair Judgement is my most favorite track of this record.

Same as mz, wouldn't call it a filler. Very atmospheric track that works perfectly as a middle point for the album. I liked this album a lot when I first started listening to Opeth but nowdays it's not hot enough. It does have some brilliant moments though and tracks like By The Pain I See In Others are among the most underrated of their career.
Definitely their heaviest album but sometimes it gets monotonous. The first track being an obvious example of this. It should have been a shorter and tighter album.

I wouldn't be surprised if more people disagreed with my opinions regarding Opeth to be honest. I'm not exactly a fan of the band and the parts that I enjoy most about them seem to be the parts most of the fans find dull and boring. That's because I generally don't like prog on its own, but this heavier uptempo style is more suited to my personal taste.

Every time anyone calls ths one Opeth's heaviest album I am totally surpised. When you compare it to Damnation it is heavy. But it doesn't come close to Orchid, Morningrise and My Arms Your Hearse when talking about heaviness.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 22.08.2014 at 17:38

Every time anyone calls ths one Opeth's heaviest album I am totally surpised. When you compare it to Damnation it is heavy. But it doesn't come close to Orchid, Morningrise and My Arms Your Hearse when talking about heaviness.

I think it has to do with the production as well. The first albums (specially the first two) were a bit thinner so they came across as less heavy to me.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 22.08.2014 at 17:38

Every time anyone calls ths one Opeth's heaviest album I am totally surpised. When you compare it to Damnation it is heavy. But it doesn't come close to Orchid, Morningrise and My Arms Your Hearse when talking about heaviness.

I don't think the first two albums are as heavy as you say they are, but I've also never understood why Deliverance is called their heaviest. And it's not just the weaker production sound; musically, Blackwater Park was much more aggressive much more often than Deliverance was, and I feel like there's more soft moments in Deliverance than there was in BP overall. If anything, Opeth was at their heaviest on the three albums from My Arms, Your Hearse to Blackwater Park.

My second favorite Opeth album. Amazing work, and Mikael should be proud of the closer track (surprised he doesn't like it). Amazing song.

Probably my favorite Opeth album, only problem it's only 6 tracks but there so well writen it dosn't matter
Deliverance is awesome

Written by Toxik on 30.11.2014 at 20:03

Probably my favorite Opeth album, only problem it's only 5 tracks but there so well writen it dosn't matter
Deliverance is awesome

But there's 6 tracks. Or did you lose your extra finger, too.

Written by M C Vice on 01.12.2014 at 08:43

Written by Toxik on 30.11.2014 at 20:03

Probably my favorite Opeth album, only problem it's only 5 tracks but there so well writen it dosn't matter
Deliverance is awesome

But there's 6 tracks. Or did you lose your extra finger, too.

Sorry, fixed

I suffered from Metal Fatigue after listening to this album.

Not a bad album but a bit aimless and each track is too long, obviously they've shown a lot of deviation and distraction. Very much weaker than Black Water Park and Damnation.

Written by Marcel Hubregtse on 22.08.2014 at 17:38

Every time anyone calls ths one Opeth's heaviest album I am totally surpised. When you compare it to Damnation it is heavy. But it doesn't come close to Orchid, Morningrise and My Arms Your Hearse when talking about heaviness.

Totally agree whit you IMO its softest (if we don't count what follows up) so far....

This album remixed in 5.1 is awesome!!! so much better now

This album is proof that Opeth was perfectly capable of making boring music before getting rid of harsh vocals.

Clearly a step down from albums that preceded it, but still an excellent release.

Not Opeth's best album by any stretch, but damn, Master's Apprentices is their catchiest song ever, it's sooooo good.

I haven't listened to this album in a really long time. Not my to go album when it comes to death metal Opeth.

I should give it a listen soon.