Damnation

About

"Damnation" is the seventh studio album by the Swedish progressive metal band Opeth. It was released on 22 April 2003, five months after the companion album "Deliverance", with both records having been written and recorded during the same sessions. The album was produced by Steven Wilson, marking his final production work with the band, although he later mixed Opeth releases such as "Heritage" and "Pale Communion". Frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt dedicated both "Damnation" and "Deliverance" to his grandmother, who died in a car accident during the recording period. The album represents a significant stylistic departure from Opeth’s earlier work. In contrast to their established death metal sound, "Damnation" features exclusively clean vocals, acoustic and clean electric guitars, and prominent use of Mellotron. Its musical direction draws heavily on 1970s progressive rock, particularly the influence of Camel, and avoids the heavy riffing and fast tempos associated with the band’s previous material. Recording for "Damnation" took place alongside "Deliverance" at Nacksving Studios and Studio Fredman in Sweden. While most of the instrumental work was completed during these sessions, the vocal recordings for "Damnation" were finalised later. Åkerfeldt travelled to Steven Wilson’s studio in the United Kingdom shortly after attending his grandmother’s funeral to complete the vocal tracks. "Damnation" received generally positive critical reception upon release. Reviewers noted its departure from extreme metal and its emphasis on melody and atmosphere. Critics from publications including AllMusic, Pitchfork, and Sputnikmusic highlighted the album’s progressive rock orientation and its focus on musicianship and composition. Some reviewers described it as a notable and unexpected entry in the band’s discography, demonstrating versatility and broadening Opeth’s appeal. In retrospective rankings, the album has continued to receive recognition. In 2014, it was included in a list of the 100 greatest progressive rock albums compiled by TeamRock. It has also been cited among the notable releases of 2003 by various publications, and was included in year-end lists by critics and musicians, including Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater.

via Last.fm

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