DAMNATION

Over the years, I have always considered Opeth's music different from the norm. They have always been considered as one of the most creative and innovative death metal bands in the world. But with Damnation, the listener is introduced to the tenderhearted creative side of the band. Although Opeth have always included acoustic guitar interludes in their music, the band has chosen this time to take this approach a step further and have created a very mild and smooth album, poignant but never harsh or brutal. Standard song arrangements with progressive influences and very subtle orchestrations are used throughout the album.

In fact, the whole album is easy on the ears. Meandering lead guitar work, more prominent strong bass lines than ever before, subtle and interesting instruments such as a mellotron, a grand piano and other keys with 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars leading the way. Sometimes longing and occasionally haunting but Damnation is always interesting and a very enjoyable listen from beginning to end.

As always, Mikael Akerfeldt's lyrics are creative, unvaryingly deep emotional run of the mill stuff.

Sample Lyrics to WINDOWPANE:

"There is deep prejudice in me Outshines all reason inside Given dreams all ridden with pain And projected unto the last"

If you listen to this album and are expecting the heavy parts to kick in at some point and time, you will be greatly disappointed...for remember, this is a non-metal progressive album by a progressive death metal band!

It is a rare accomplishment for any band to perform very well from one extreme to the next - Damnation contains not one growl, not one heavy riff. Truly amazing work!

Don't take my word for it, just listen to this fine work of art for yourself and experience what I and many others have said and how truly wonderful it is to sit through this album from beginning to end.

One final thought. The band originally intended to release a double CD with both DELIVERANCE and DAMNATION being recorded at the same time. But, "someone" made a decision to release them separately; dividing what I believe could have been a masterpiece in progressive music. Instead, we got two very different albums. One could easily fathom that Opeth "delivered" us with their very heavy album DELIVERANCE and then in contrast offered the nations of the world a "damn" good mellow album...