DAMNATION

This album is an absolute must for everyone who wants to find something lasting and creative on today's music scene. Created as a counterpiece to the aggressive, headbashing "Deliverance", "Damnation" succeeds in creating an atmosphere just the opposite of that while maintaining the old Opeth brilliance and not boring the listener too much. This album was my introduction to Opeth actually, because the first song I heard by them was "Windowpane" and that was enough to get me hooked forever. Lucky for me, my cousin was already into them and owned "Deliverance". When he played it to me however, I got put off, to say it mildly. After a careful consideration, I decided to give them one more chance. I bought "Damnation" and from then on, I never doubted Åkerfeldt songwriting genius and the band's incredible musicianship.

In contrast to all other records by the band, this one features acoustic guitars almost exclusively and thankfully, features no death growls whatsoever. As big a fan and appreciator of their music I am, I will never grow too accustomed to Mikael Åkerfeldt's growling and I can only hope that Opeth will continue in the footsteps of this masterpiece.

All songs are outstanding and it is hard to find the favorite here. From the gentle opening bars of "Windowpane" through the darkly seductive vibes of "Closure" and the melancholic sweetness of "Hope leaves" and finally to the quiet but powerful "Weakness", this album is impeccably crafted, played and produced. This one will shut up even the biggest Opeth sceptics forever. A work any prog fan must own and any listener with good taste will appreciate.