Opeth - Damnation
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Free Music Notes for Damnation
Free Music Review: I don't like Opeth. I love Damnation
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm not sure how many of you know the history of Damnation, so I'll tell you about it. It is my understanding that Opeth was putting out a traditional Opeth album, when 1 by 1 every piece of equipment broke down in their studio. The members of Opeth went to Steve Wilson for help. Steve had produced several Opeth albums in the past, and they seemed to be friends, so it was a logical move on Opeth's part.
I have a feeling Opeth made sort of a deal with Wilson. Opeth was going to use Wlson's studio to put out one traditional album, and one softer album. By softer I mean no "cookie monster vocals", etc. The tracks for the softer Opeth album and the harder Opeth album were done in the Wilson's studio. I'm not prepared to say that Wilson forced Opeth to go soft, but I feel some pressure was applied by Wilson to get Damnation put out. I don't think the members of Opeth minded that much. They respected Wilson, and most likely didn't think Damnation wasn't the worst idea in the world. I am prepared to say that had Opeth's studio hadn't gone into a complete meltdown, Damnation may never have been produced.
I do think when the DVD of the Damnation concert came out, the members of Opeth looked somewhat nervous. They were in a tight spot. There were the members of Opeth doing an evening of soft music, in front of fans that looked and acted like hard core metal fans. I honestly think the DVD concert of the Damnation tour was Wilson's idea. I also feel it was a long night for Opeth... not the most comfortable they have ever been on stage.
Anyway, that is roughly how I saw the history of Damnation.
Free Music Review: Waited so long for this...
Hit: 5 Stars
Accualy I had the cd over a month ago so don't hate me, you can have it now. I eagerly awaited its arrival since last year around this time. It was originally supposed to be a double album release wth Deliverance, but due to contractual BS this album has been ready for a while but waiting in the wings. This is a beautiful album and belongs in every rock fans collection. the death metal vocals and double bass drumming that filled Deliverance are completly gone, and instead contains all the feeling that it's companion piece missed. The music itself is new and does not sound like any of the "softer" Opeth songs like Benighted, or Still Day... They are a fresh new direction that leaves me awaiting to time travel and go to the release date for the next album. Having not heard Camel or Steve Hackett, I cant aspouse a connection between their music and Opeth's. However fans of the obscure late Nick Drake, can find a kindred soul in the compositions of Akerfeldt and Co.
While all the songs are great, tracks 2, 3 and five stand out in my mind most. Im disappointed because I heard there were 10 tracks recorded, but the eight that there are here are beautful. Opeth is on tour in the US again and Im wondering how different the show will be. The new direction also begs the question, where will they go next?
In addition to this album, I would recommed, Porcupine Tree's In Absenita, Nick Drake's Five Leaves Left and Buckethead's Colma and Electric Tears cd's.
Free Music Review: Another great (but different) Opeth Album
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm really glad to see that most people aren't bashing Opeth for this soft, NON-METAL CD that I find amazing. It shows how much talent they have. Some say they aren't doing anything new, but when culture is dominated by Limp Bisquicks, Not so Good Charlottes, and 'guest rappers', something like this is very refreshing. People mistakenly rate music on how 'new' or 'original' it sounds. While originality is a good quality to have, the overall rating should be about how good the music actually sounds and if the musicians producing it are actually talented people who care about making music first, and making the $$$ second. To me, the music sounds pretty damn good.Bottom Line:
An amazing album from a talented band, but NOT the kind of thing they usually do and don't expect too much of this kind of music from them in the future! It really goes to show you that they could just write stuff like this and forget their metal aspect, in doing so becoming very popular and *shudders* radio friendly, but they don't because they aren't just in it for the money. So, I reccomend Still Life or Blackwater Park to anyone who wants to know what Opeth is really all about.
Least Favorite Track: (they are all so good, it's just easier this way)
Death Whispered a Lullaby - This one just never got to me like the others did...I suppose it's because I don't like the lyrics so much but that's just my opinion and I'm sure it'l appeal to the right kind of person.
Free Music Review: Beyond words...
Hit: 5 Stars
The only regret I have about Damnation is the fact that I haden't listened to it earlier. Today, I went to the record store to buy another cd. I didn't find that cd. That's probably the best thing that has happened to me in a while. As I grazed the Opeth section, I decided to buy the only cd available - Damnation. (I am a big Opeth fan gradually building his collection)
I knew this was Opeth's lighter, more progressive, acoustic record. However, I did not expect it to be this incredible. I've already listened to it twice, once at my computer and the other while I was out for a walk. This album is touching yet chilling. The amount of talent this band has is unprecedented.
Deliverance, in general, was said to be my favourite Opeth cd, but I can't demote this one. The songs are beautifully orchestrated. The soft electric guitar solos complement the crisp acoustic tones. The keyboards set such an incredible atmosphere. The drums roll in complete unison.
If you're a fan of Opeth in any way, or if you're a fan of unique acoustic sounds, this record is for you. This is not simply an "experimental" record - it's not one of those in between records. This record is the real deal. Every song stands out. As soon as I began listening to "Windowpane," I knew it would escalate. I've only listened to it twice, but it is jaw-dropping across the board. I'll be listening to it again tonight.
I'm still beyond words.
Free Music Review: The Pleasently Mellow and Relaxing Side of Opeth Is Amazing
Hit: 5 Stars
The Opeth war machine has two sides, and they decided to release one album to show off each side. The heavy, intense, brooding side was shown on their December 2002 release, "Deliverance". Now, they show off their mellow and relaxing side on the quiet, blues-like "Damnation".All tracks are done on acoustic guitar for this album. Everything about it is relaxing, quiet, and something that both metalheads and maybe even some older people can get into. Opeth fans know of these two sides, and love both of them. "Damnation" shows off the musical side, with a slower, Dave Matthews-esque style on the drums of Martin Lopez, a much more obvious prescence (as well as some much better work) on bass of Martin Mendez, and light, slow guitars by Mikael Akerfeldt and Peter Lindgren. Akerfeldt's vocals also take center stage, with a sweet, John Wetton-esque croon throughout the entire album, rather than the demonic roar that he utilizes on "Deliverance".
Those who are new to Opeth don't want this just yet. If you are a blues fan, or know and love Opeth for their softer side, then this is for you. If you like their heavy side, get "Deliverance", and if you like both, start with "Blackwater Park" and then get "Damnation" and "Deliverance". Overall, I found this to be a superb album that almost anyone can enjoy. Get it, you won't be let down.