Damnation (20th Anniversary Edition)

Damnation is the seventh full-length studio album by Opeth. Produced by Steven Wilson, it was released five months after Deliverance, which was recorded at the same time. Both albums were dedicated by Mikael Åkerfeldt to his grandmother, who died in a car accident during their recording. That was also the reason he did not write lyrics to "Death Whispered a Lullaby" because of how distraught he was because of the incident, distracting him from doing so. The album was a radical departure from their typical death metal sound and the first Opeth release to do so containing a much softer style of music with clean vocals and guitar sounds, prominent mellotron, 1970s inspired progressive rock genre which features no heavy riffs, extendedly fast tempos and shorter songs. Despite the sound change differenced from most Opeth albums, it was critically acclaimed and boosted their popularity, leading to the release of Lamentations on DVD in late 2003. Despite this album being devoid of the death metal sound, I think Damnation is very even though it's mellower than its predecessor Deliverance and other albums before that, and of course the quintessential 2005 album Ghost Reveries. For me, the best tracks on Damnation are the opener "Windowpane" (at 7 minutes and 45 seconds it is the longest track on this album but shorter than other pieces Opeth did in the past), "Hope Leaves" and the instrumental piece "Ending Credits" (some people would probably assume that this would be the final track on the album but that isn't so as "Weakness" follows it). Highly recommended.

This is a band I want to like. Great musicians with great chops and a fearsome sound. Problem is that I dont "get" all the death metal vocals and just dont respond to it. Tom Araya is as far as I'm prepared to go down that path whilst still saying that I'm enjoying myself. I bought Backwater Park and loved bits of it but the growling just pisses me off. So I didnt kid myself and didnt keep it. Akerfeldt is hardly some black metal demon and the gutteral stuff just isnt a natural sound for a human voice to make. The fact that he can (and you can hear what he's saying) doesnt make it anymore worthwhile to my ear. Others will disagree. Just my take. Saw the beginning of thier set at the High Voltage Festival in London and loved the opening track Windowpane so decided to try again with this album especially when I read that it was "clean" and "sung" and to my pleasure found that this really cuts the mustard. 100%. A dark vibe throughput and the band at no time really crank up the power. But mellow this aint. So that makes it interesting ....if Opeth are gonna mix it like this I suspect I'll dip my toe in again.

Those who appreciate the softer, more melodic side of Swedish death metal legends Opeth will absolutely adore this innovative, 8-track offering from Mikael Akerfeldt's Crew. Released in 2003, 'Damnation' marked a radical departure from the band's signature sound, with the extreme metal elements being jettisoned entirely in favour of acoustic based prog songs with clean vocals. The level of musicianship and composition, however, remains exemplary with highlights including 'Windowpane', 'In My Time Of Need', 'Death Whispered A Lullaby' and the awesome 'Hope Leaves'. While it may stick out like a sore thumb in Opeth's discography, 'Damnation' is a superb album that is an essential purchase for all fans of the band, but is also highly recommended to anyone who loves beautifully atmospheric acoustic guitar music.

One of the GOAT albums of all time.

Mid career offering from the Swedish rockers, i prefer this more 'proggy' sound which they would later go on to feature more regularily in more recent years!

I am a huge fan of Opeth's music, including both the death metal and the progressive rock material, but I must admit I am delighted with Opeth's incursion into deep prog territory over the most recent years (prog being one of my favourite music genres). Before the great Mikael Akerfeldt abandoned death growls (at least in studio), Opeth issued "Damnation", as a twin album with "Deliverance". Purposefully, "Damnation" was the first album not to feature any death growls (while "Deliverance" had its fair share). Nothing goes to waste in this masterpiece. I particularly love the King Crimson bits and the lovely combination of guitars with mellotron. Bass and drums impeccable as usual. Akerfeldt's voice stirring. Good lyrics. What else can I say? If you like progressive rock, this album is a must have.

I always loved this album since first released, just wish they would repress deliverance too, my vinyl copy is flawless, not a single tick and sounds fantastic, i would heartily recommend this vinyl to all opeth fans

Damnation is another perfect album. it’s a nice break from their heavier stuff and it’s still amazing

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Perfection. Absolutely top notch. Great pressing and packaging.

Good item. Fast Ship.

This is part 2 of the double Opeth release Damnation/Deliverance. Damnation being the acoustic album,where Deliverance was brutally heavy,this is the mellow end of the spectrum. Firstly the mixing is perfect,all their instruments are equally audible and clear. The fact that Mikael can pull off the clean singing after all the brutal death growls, but he did. This album has so much beauty,a true gem. Sure Opeth had albums with a mellow track or so,or even an interlude that would shift tempo on a dime,going from heavy and fast to mellow and melodic. This is all melodic & 95% acoustic. That's not a bad thing,just a change of pace from Deliverance, so it's a full circle type thing. The beauty of the first track Windowpane is just great,and sets the pace for the album. In my Time of Need is beautiful and flawless,as is Death Whispers a Lullaby . Hope Leaves,To Rid the Disease,Ending Credits & Weakness,the 2nd half of the album,are my favorite tracks (altho all are great) The order these songs go is seamlessly perfect, flowing elegance and pure melodic genius. From start to finish the album is great ! If you like Opeths later works,cuz they've been going on the more mellow side (Heritage,Pale Communion & Sorceress) then you'll be pleased with this. Or if you've heard about Opeth,but aren't into their heavier side of the spectrum...then Get this. This album is perfect for any mood, people who like their music with a side of heart and melody. This is a change of pace from the growls,this is acoustic & clean harmonies from start to finish. The bass is nice & audible as are the drums,the guitar work is beautiful and smooth,so pretty. All in all this album has the mellowness,with heart and emotion,spoken with clarity and clean vox. This is the perfect album for anyone to hear,even non metalhead will dig it,it's simply beautiful. All acoustic,some nice keyboard & piano adds extra depth to it. Buy it !

Pra mim melhor disco do Opeth! Muito boa essa prensagem