DAMNATION

Opeth has always been a strange band for most rock listeners. Either it was listened by a death metal fan it shocked the person with the soft folk mellow parts, either it was played by a progressive rock addicted it certainly spattered his ears off with the guttural voice and death metal melody. Damnation satisfies only the second listener, just that I don't fit within any of the musical fans listed above. I agree with the change of attitude in music, diversity is always a proof of creativity and intelligence, but I feel that Opeth have lost their complexity on this album. I believe that Damnation doesn't have the musical oscillation found on other records, it's just the same melancholic progressive folk rock all over. Obviously, Steven Wilson had the last word when it came to finishing the album, no wonder similarities between the two bands are so visible.

At first, the disc is very touchy, I have to admit it impressed me a lot in a time when I practically had nothing to do with progressive rock, but soon after it lost it's value in my eyes (ears actually). This is why I came to the conclusion that Damnation is recommended for inexperienced progressive rock fans. For those who are in search of melodic, peaceful and melancholic progressive rock and have been into this genre for some while, there is always a 70s band that might suit their tastes or, if someone desires a contemporary band, Anathema's last two records are pretty fine.

I guess Opeth haven't made fools of themselves but things could have gone better. However, it's a good album and if don't particularly like it it doesn't mean that it has a low quality.