Swedish progressive metal titans Opeth, often credited as being forward thinkers who are a genre of one, have announced \'Watershed\' as the title of their forthcoming album. The new release is due out on Roadrunner Records on June 2, 2008. The album was recorded in the band’s native Sweden.
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\'Watershed\', produced by frontman/guitarist Mikael Akerfeldt and Jens Bogren, follows the time-honored Opeth tradition: it’s modern yet timeless, progressive yet paying homage to the sounds of classic rock. According to a press release, \'Watershed\' is truly one of those special records that cycles through a variety of moods, speeds and textures, complete with lots of subtleties and nuances of sound.
Album opener Coil is an acoustic number, featuring local folk vocalist Nathalie Lorichs, while Heir Apparent will knock listeners unconscious with its blunt force metal. Always one to defy the rules, Opeth posits sung vocals over drummer Martin Axenrot\'s artillery-like blast beats on The Lotus Eater, cementing their reputation as innovators and redefiners.
\'Watershed\' combines 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. \'Watershed\' is the first Opeth release to feature new guitarist Fredrik Akesson and drummer Martin Axenrot and is the band’s second effort for Roadrunner Records. The album is the eagerly awaited follow up to 2005’s critically acclaimed \'Ghost Reveries\'.
Opeth will hit the road in the US in April with Dream Theater, 3 and Between The Buried And Me and will hit most major European Summer Festivals.