Damnation by Opeth

Pros: Relaxing, moving, emotional, tranquil music topped with Mikael Akerfeldt's outstanding voice
Cons: The thick emotion might overwhelm you and make you cry many tears *shrug*

Like many others, I can be stubborn with my music. I like trying new things, but it's hard -- at times nearly impossible -- to sway me from my absolute favorites. But sometimes, it is necessary for one to branch out their musical tastes. We can ...

Pros: This is a soft progressive rock album realized by a complex progressive death metal band!
Cons: For clarification purposes...this is a non-metal album by a progressive death metal band!

Over the years, I have always considered Opeth’s music different from the norm. They have always been considered as one of the most creative and innovative death metal bands in the world. But with Damnation, the listener is introduce ...

Pros: Beautiful, mellow, and very different from Opeth's other work.
Cons: Lags in a few key areas, some songs aren't as great as they could be.

I really wish I could still appreciate Opeth’s style of music. As you’ve probably noticed, I’ve moved on in a big way from my metal phase, and I just can’t listen to really any of their other music without flinching or cracking up anymore. ...

Pros: An all mellow album by the prog-death masters.
Cons: It's so bloody short!

Well, they finally did it. They polarized their sound. First came the furious assault of Deliverance. Then, six months later there appeared on the shelves something that Opeth fans had probably been looking forward to for quite some time (I know I ...

Pros: Their strongest release to date, clearly showing their progression and maturity.
Cons: Not out yet "officially"

After wrapping up my review of Still Life (go check it out now! I'm here all week and please, try the fish...) I figured I'd stop the "retro-reviewing" of albums that've been released for years and do a little "pre-reviewing" for one that isn't...

Pros: Refreshingly different. Great when you went something soft but still dark and alternative.
Cons: Just don't use this album to introduce yourself to Opeth.

Opeth have always been determined that their music would never become predictable. With that in mind, and the fact that Sweden churns out metal bands all the time, Damnation was an attempt to do something slightly different. It is an entirely mellow ...

Pros: Production, musicianship, songwriting
Cons: not death metal. Hard to go through the whole album on one listen

This album was originally considered by the band to be included with "Deliverance", thus having the two sides clean vs heavier interplay and create a whole. Their record company did not let them do it...
That is why you have an mainly acoustic guitar album by a progressive death metal band.
With that aside the music is definitely good even if it might be too Pink Floyd influenced. As a matter of fact this album picks up pretty much where "Dark Side of the Moon" left off.
The songwriting is definitely inspiring, the production is good, the guitar playing and vocals are definitely superb.
The mood of the album is very haunting/depressed so any goth fan should feel at ease with this release.
For the hardcore metal fan this album is a definite "NO", but for Opeth fans that love everything by the group this is definitely an interesting new side they can discover.

Pros: Everything!
Cons: Not for the 'Only Heavy' Opeth fans

Although Opeth have quiet songs on a lot of their previous albums, this album is only quiet, and that is not a bad thing. Amazing songs such as Patters in Ivy, To bid you Farewell, and Harvest are to fill an entire CD. All the songs, every one of them is unique, all bringing something from the musicans, and adding to the aesthetic of the album.

Martin Lopez (Drums & Percussion) doesn't double kick in this album, but the China cymbals are still very clear on most tracks, and fills the album with well suited rhythmic flams, rolls and ghost notes. Mikael Åkerfeldt's trademark acoustic is the centre of the album, along with only clean vocals.

This album is a great addition to Opeths already very diverse and accomplished discography, and leaves the listener wanting to have more, or needing to press 'repeat' of the CD player.