After the release of the beautiful acoustic Damnation, one could have expected anything from Mikael Akerfeldt. Further experiments in the vein of the soft and melancholic Damnation, possibly creating a dangerous competitor for Anathema, or a return to the old, signature sound. The latter proved more likely, and on Ghost Reveries you will once again hear superb deep growls and rich guitar riffs. The ear is also pleased by the presence of lyrical acoustic passages; the truly masterful command each band member has of their instrument adds unique and varied twists to every song.
The album is rich with all manner of transitions and shifts in sound in virtually every composition -- no surprise when four of the eight tracks exceed ten minutes in length.
The album reflects the darkest shades and reveals the hidden, shadowy corners of the human soul: fear, pain, hatred, regret -- all of this can be found on the Swedes' latest record.
This masterpiece could also be described as progressive doom/death.
Verdict: the album is dedicated to and recommended for connoisseurs of fresh ideas, experimental albums, and for those unafraid to plunge into the depths of sorrow.