The transition from "Time as Methodology" into "Time as Surrogate Religion" is UNBELIEVABLY intense. It just goes to show that contrast is a big factor in heaviness. Doing nothing but beating the listener with a shovel for 40-50 minutes loses its efficacy after a little while, but with some ebb and flow you can create wonders.
Didn't listen to Opeth for 2 weeks so when I did I could get the "wow" effect again, and I certainly did.
Probably the most important album for progressive music for me, sucks they had to go in a different direction with could of been good but I don't think that Mikaels voice/guitar playing fits that style. If I want to listen to a band doing classicish prog rock Porcupine Tree and Nightingale are much better.