 The Guardian reviewed Pale Communion positively , calling it " strange , intricate prog @-@ metal genius " somewhat flawed by Åkerfeldt 's indulgent vocal stylings . The album saw Opeth 's highest chart positions in the history of the band with Pale Communion debuting at number 19 in the US , number 3 in Sweden , and number 14 in the United Kingdom . It sold 13 @,@ 000 copies in its first week of release in the US . 
