DAMNATION

"Damnation" was the second album I heard from Opeth, after "Deliverance"... At this time, I was a fan of the "Deliverance" sound, growls and strong guitars, so when I bought "Damnation" and listned it for the first time, I was a little dissapointed... Too soft, too slow, too boring... Before hearing it, I was aware of the difference with "Deliverance", the ambition of the band of releasing two completely different albums... But the surprise wasn't smaller.

Nevertheless, with a deeper listening, my vision of "Damnation" changed completely... This is the most special Opeth's album, and a true masterpiece for itself... "Deliverance" is the evil and anger, "Damnation" is the melancholy and sadness. The predominant acoustic guitars's sound is maybe the best I've never heard, along with the warm bass, the great jazzy drums (I will miss Martin López so much in this band...), and the precious work of keyboards and mellotron by Steve Wilson. After the first Steve Wilson's production with Opeth in "Blackwater Park", he made a work even better with "Deliverance", but the real impressive work of production is "Damnation"... The details and deepness of this music is marvellous, and really really catchy after a few listenings... When you hear this album, the 70's years come to your mind, with all their magic.

Before "Damantion", Opeth made great acoustic tracks like Face of Melinda, Benighted, Harvest, To bid you Farewell... But nothing really comparable to the greatness, personality and melancholy of "Damantion". With "Blackwater Park" they learned how to get a great sound in acoustics, and with "Damantion" the learned how to use this sound to make the most impressive collection of acoustic songs of the last years...

Conclusion: the most special Opeth album, a great exception in their career... But really really enjoyable. If you don't like Opeth because their growls and very heavy guitars, then try "Damantion", because you will be surprised... Strongly recommended for Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree and the 70's melancholic progressive rock lovers. A beautiful masterpiece...

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