Is Sorceress a good place to start with Opeth?

Yes, Sorceress is recommended as a starting point for new Opeth listeners. A blend of haunting melodies and intricate arrangements that traverse the boundaries between progressive rock and metal. 'Sorceress' is Opeth's twelfth studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'Pale Communion' released in 2014. At this point in their career, the band had fully embraced a more progressive rock sound, marking a significant departure from their earlier death metal roots. This album further solidified their evolution as they explored complex compositions and lyrical themes.

Who is Sorceress for?

Sorceress works well if you're into dynamic exploration with peaks, wave-like pacing for immersion and haunting vocals for deep reflection.

How many songs are on Sorceress?

Sorceress has 16 tracks, running approximately 90 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Sorceress

Opeth · 2016

90 min · 16 tracks · death metal

A blend of haunting melodies and intricate arrangements that traverse the boundaries between progressive rock and metal.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sorceress Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's enchanting atmosphere with its rich instrumentation and haunting vocals, representing the band's creative zenith during this period.
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Will o the Wisp — This track showcases a delicate balance between melodic beauty and intricate musicianship, revealing Opeth's ability to create immersive soundscapes.
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Chrysalis — With its dynamic shifts and emotional depth, 'Chrysalis' exemplifies the band's signature blend of heaviness and mellowness, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex arrangements and a mix of styles, but its cohesion is affected by the length and variety of tracks.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that blend clean vocals with heavy instrumentation, while the second half shifts towards more atmospheric and melodic elements.
Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts in tempo.
The album includes recurring motifs, such as the use of piano interludes that connect different songs thematically and sonically.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic exploration with peaks
wave-like pacing for immersion
haunting vocals for deep reflection
evocative atmospheres for solitude
intricate riffs for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, short tracks
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Showcases innovative composition within progressive metal, marking a high point in their evolution.
Themes: enchanted landscapes· mythical narratives
Career context: 'Sorceress' is Opeth's twelfth studio album, following the critically acclaimed 'Pale Communion' released in 2014. At this point in their career, the band had fully embraced a more progressive rock sound, marking a significant departure from their earlier death metal roots. This album further solidified their evolution as they explored complex compositions and lyrical themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Porcupine Tree· Gojira· Between the Buried and Me