DAMNATION

I used to consider this album a masterpiece. It is, without a doubt, absolutely beautiful, mellow art rock, one of its kind. With this release Opeth proved that without growling and distorted guitars their music is still compelling and captivating. Damnation, along with Deliverance make up a complete portrait of the band, band which creates music full of contradictions, both emotional and musical, but always beautiful.

The album is like a dream about the lonely house on the old forgotten, cobbled street. The house's walls are ravaged by passing time, its windows and shutters are closed. Apart from one, with a blank face in the windowpane. This view doesn't cause fear though. It just makes you feel melancholy. And calmness.

This album is completely devoided of any kind of aggression or brutality. It flows like a well told, yet at times a little bit disturbing, story. Jazzy sounding electric guitars and acoustic guitars are used to play understated, captivating melodies. Naturally sounding voice of Mikael Akerfeldt harmonizes with Steven Wilson's backing vocals. Highly atmospheric keyboards completes the task: enchanting, naturally sounding art/prog rock album makes my ears happy.

This album is not a 100% masterpiece though. Most of the songs deserve strong 4 stars. Still, there are two pieces which are masterpieces on their own rights: Closure and To Rid the Disease. The first one is the heaviest and most intriguing song in the album. It is fresh, complex and disturbing piece with oriental sounding end. The other one is the most beautiful song in the album, very dark and with fantastic parts of piano.

Well, I really love this album. It's great and even if it is not a masterpiece, I would recommend it to everyone.