DAMNATION

No growling, no full distortion, no brutality, and still, profound darkness and aggressivity. I am personally a huge fan of opeth in their heaviest moods, and still loved this album. Enchanting arpeggios served by master Akerfeldt, marvelous subtile drumming by latin influenced Martin Lopez. If you didn't like Akerfeldt's growling, you'll love this one. If you're a fan of "death" opeth, you'll admire the perfect transition from Deliverance to Damnation.

A sort of paradoxe is to be noted here, as "Deliverance" is an extremely heavy opus, and "Damnation" is the calmer one.

Back to the album now, great complex melodies as usual, excellent progressions, "sweet violence". Drumming is particularly brilliant as Lopez excells in 6/8 rythms and softer beats, just as much as on the double bass. Only weak points: some easy chords, even if modulated. Bass is a bit absent in my opinion, in album where there's plenty of space for subtile bass lines. You also feel some void in a few songs, even if it's well placed in the others. Track-wise: "Widowpane" is fair opener, a bit too long for my taste, but with good consistency. "In My Time Of Need" is certainly very original, superb melodies. "Death Whispered A Lullaby" with lyrics by Master Steve Wilson, has brilliant progressions "To Rid The Disease" is the perfect example of apparent simplicity. Great track.

Check out the bonus tracks, "Still Day Beneath The Sun" fits this album perfectly, with great closure.

4,2 stars.

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