Review by Paddy Gallagher for MPM
Bands with a decades long career and substantial discographies often have that one album that is considered their pivotable, magnum opus.
Pink Floyd: “Dark Side of the Moon”, Pearl Jam: “Ten”, Led Zeppelin: “IV”, Jethro Tull: “Thick as a Brick”, Dream Theater: “Scenes from a Memory”, Queensrÿche: “Operation Mindcrime”. For Swedish Progressive Metal masters the album that is looked back on as a release that signified a change in their sound and a defining moment in their career / discography is “Blackwater Park”.
Just two of the line-up that recorded this masterpiece are still members of Opeth; vocalist and guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt and master of the low end on bass Martín Méndez. The four piece is rounded out by lead and rhythm guitarist Peter Lindgren, and Martin Lopez on Drums, Martin now of course behind the kit with the equally excellent Soen. The ivories were tinkled for the recording by Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree fame who also co-produced.
March 27th, 2026 sees the release of the 25th Anniversary edition; and it is a celebration of heavy music perfection!!
Listening to Opeth’s discography in chronological order you can hear the band develop their sound from the early overtures of Death Metal through a progression that encompasses Classic Prog and Rock, Melodic Death/Doom and even Jazz cinematically arranged and evolving into today’s Opethian sound. “Blackwater Park” is their fifth opus, released in March 2001 and what we are now treated to is a limited run released on vinyl and picture disc only with some variants in limited numbers.
8 tracks totalling just over 67 minutes run time “The Leper Affinity” kicks proceedings off. Instantly recognisable as a staple of Opeth set lists, intense, heavy riffs and growls give way to softer vibes and clean vocals. ”Bleak” contains vocal contributions from Steven Wilson before “Harvest” takes us on a soothing 6 minute journey resplendent with beautiful acoustic guitar complimented by a tasteful electric solo.
“The Drapery Falls” is the most played piece off this album in the live setting. Starting off with a gently strummed acoustic guitar with the heavy electrics swarming in, a beautiful 1 minute 50 second musical journey before the quiet, gentle acoustic returns and Mikael sings “Please remedy my confusion…”. A truly atmospheric example of Opeth’s songwriting that veers into a heavy, tumbling growl led passage that highlights the dexterity of Mikael’s voice. Then, just before the 8 minute mark the softer, acoustic led passages resume with alternating heavy as we head to fade out. Deservedly reproduced live on a regular basis.
“Dirge for November” kicks off the traditional second half but is actually the start of Side C of the two disc due to the length of the compositions. A quick pace soon settles in after the soothing acoustic start, the underlying melodies accompanying the growls before calm returns.
“The Funeral Portrait” turns on the heavy, quick tempo with growls so good they’re practically peerless. “Patterns in the Ivy” is a 2 minute acoustic guitar / piano instrumental leading to the closing studio title track, (this anniversary release closes with a live recording of “The Leper Affinity”), “Blackwater Park”, broodingly heavy and conjuring up perfectly the images on the album artwork.
The rhythm section of Martin Lopez and Martín Méndez play a blinder on this album with the bass clearly present in the mix, an instrument that can sometimes end up muffled or lost, but not here!.
25 years, certified silver, silver / half black vinyl and a picture disc displaying Travis Smith’s beautiful original cover art this is a must buy. A landmark album in the annals of heavy music.
Pre-order:
https://opeth.lnk.to/BlackwaterParkSilver
Opeth will also play their only UK tour date of 2026 at TK Maxx presents Live at The Piece Hall, Halifax on 1st August. Special guests Paradise Lost and Katatonia will also be joining the line up.
Tickets – http://www.thepiecehall.co.uk/event/opeth/
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