DAMNATION

Damnation is the softer side of Opeth. Seems like, at that time, Akerfeldt and company wanted to create much more mellow music, away from metal, and without cookie monster vocals, scary growls, that fit so well the music they do in the other albums. Not technical, not heavy, not 'complex', but very good songs are on this disc, deep and sad music can be found inside this album. The production is awesome, with deep bass sounds, and often this album is a relaxing experience to me. I also like very much Mikael's softer voice here, which suits perfectly the sadness of the music, as well as the guitar solos (I guess all played by him), with a lot of feeling, remarkable guitar work! Highly enjoyable and well done vocal melodies towards the album, too. While there are no bad tracks at all, the highlights to me are: "Windowpane" (which has very emotive guitar solos), the very catchy "In My Time Of Need", "Death Whispered A Lullaby", "Hope Leaves" and the emotive instrumental "Ending Credits".

Akerfeldt said there surely will not be any album like this from Opeth, but I hope they release in the future another album of this style, which they do very good, despite not being what they do best (Metal). I also believe, if this disc was playe on radio, it would be a major commercial succes, IMO, as it is VERY easy listening and pleasant to listen.

Overall, an excellent Opeth album, different to what they've done before (and after). A highly enjoyable and relaxing disc. I'd recommend it to anyone and specially those who don't like or can't stand metal.

Rating: 4.1/5