DAMNATION

Opeth's Damnation record is one of a kind. In Mike's own words, they are never going to release another album like this one, in terms of non-heaviness. This is purely a prog rock record coming from a prog metal band. It is a very good album to get an idea of Opeth's musical prowess if you are not into metal or growling. The diehard Opeth fans tend to consider this album secondary. While it is not their usual kind of release, I really think this album is great. Experimentation is the key to progressive music.

1. Windowpane: Starting in 3/4 time, the intro is extremely mellow and atmospheric. Switching to 4/4, we are immediately treated to Mike's melodic vocals, which fade out to let in the synthesizer. This in turn leads to the first solo of the song, a very melodic and bluesy one. The drumming is soft and jazzy throughout. The first major change occurs at 2:24, leading to a spaced out section with echoing lead guitar and solid bass. A very prog sounding change occurs at around 3:45, with the tune going into a chromatic scale that is magically made to sound melodic. Then comes a very sad interlude before the second solo. The solo is one of the most soulful that has yet come from Opeth. The song closes with the beautiful arpeggios from the beginning. [8+]

2. In My Time of Need: A very wide sounding intro, with the bass playing an interesting note off the root and Mike's vocals changing from a telephone type of effect to the normal voice. The stereo imaging sounds very wide, with the guitar arpeggios seeming to bounce around your head with some beautiful reverb. The change at around 2:45 sounds very evil compared to the rest of the music. The lyrics and overall feel is quite despairing. Good song, but not spectacular. [7+]

3. Death Whispered a Lullaby: Co-written with Steve Wilson, a foreboding arpeggio introduces us to the song along with Mike's vocals. The acoustic and bass sound very full, giving an almost trance-like quality to the music. Along with the words, "sleep my child", this might very well lead you to sleep! At around 3:00 we are treated to a very Porcupine Treeish solo, right out of Steve Wilson's universe. Very well done. Another Porcupine Treeish solo sounds at around 5:00, this time even more spaced out and modulated. Amazing. Though the basic structure is not very dynamic, the interest level is kept high by the complex harmonies and layering. Great song. [8]

4. Closure: We are immediately treated to a layered vocal intro with two Mikaels singing, one a fifth above the other. The guitar strumming is very dynamic. At 1:08 we get a very intriguing guitar section, with an almost clocklike quality. I don't know the reason, but the guitar tune always reminds me of a grandfather clock gone awry. The song builds up beautifully with distorted strums and a haunting synth. It quietens all down and leads back to the singing. A particularly depressing line catches the eye, or rather the ear: "In the rays of the sun, I am longing for the darkness." Great songwiting. The song leads out with an almost tribal sounding percussion track and distant lead that cuts right out without warning. [8+]

5. Hope Leaves: A pretty straightforward arpeggio starts the song. Quite atmospheric and laidback, especially at around 1:10, when the guitar fills the stereo image and the drums kick in. A relaxed bass line anchors the song. A distant low quality type of sound bit at around 2:30 sounds a bit out place. I do not find this song to be very exciting, especially since its quite static and repetitive. [7]

6. To Rid the Disease: A very evil yet calm song. The change at around 1:15 is a very welcome and refreshing transition. The words "This failure has made the Creator, so would you tell him what to do" always hit me as evil beyond first impressions. The song is very depressing and fatalist. The mellotron in the background keeps things interesting and atmospheric. A solo at 3:35 leads to a different section, with piano playing melancholically. 4:40 sees a Camel-esque section with all instruments, very beautifully done and prog sounding. The song fades out on the ambient piano chords. [8]

7. Ending Credits: This is what I consider the 'last' song of the album. Like everybody else said, Mike himself attested to the similarity to Camel's music here. This is a very warm instrumental track, the kind that reminds me of warm easy going islands. There is an almost flamencoish or South American feel to the main melody line. A great track to chill out to. [7+]

8. Weakness: I don't really like this song. It sounds too spaced out and psychadelic for my likes, with a few vocals , organs, and washed out guitar. What's more, it's pretty much static throughout its four minute entirety. Nah, this is too narcotic for me. [5+]

Definitely a good album, bar the last track. Perhaps not for the death metal fans, but for the in-between people like me. OVERALL, 7.6