Sputnik Music Forums - View Single Post - (Progressive Rock) Opeth

RideTheSpiral · 11-18-2003, 10:10 PM

Reviewed Damnation by Opeth

Opeth are a four piece from Sweden and in my option one of the most talented group of guys in metal today. They have their roots in Death Metal but this album is an experimentation with their mellow alter ego.

Drummer Martin Lopez and Singer Mikael Akerfeldt are the glue that hold the band together and in this album it is especially obvious, they blend perfectly and the guitar, drums and vocals are a treat to listen to.

Track by track

Windowpane 7:44
What a song! This song is definitely in my top five Opeth songs of all time which is saying a lot. The most progressive song on the album and it is simply brilliant. Martin Lopez displays his versatility as a drummer with this jazzy beat. One minute into the song it lapses into a completely unexpected guitar solo and the song finishes to some of the best guitar and vocal work Opeth have produced.

In My Time Of Need 5:49
The first song I heard from the album and it’s another amazing track. Very haunting vocals displayed by Mikael Akerfeldt and the talent of the band is on show again.

Death Whispered a Lullaby 5:49
Another brilliant track. Written by Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree it is the darkest song on the album. Very interesting guitar work and Mikael’s vocals again are the highlights.

Closure 5:15
The Middle Eastern, almost Kashmir-like feel to Closure adds another dimension to the album. A very sad song, which is the trend of the album.

Hope Leaves 4:30
Very nice song. Mikael’s vocals shine again.

To Rid The Disease 6:21
Incredible song, my second favourite. This is Opeth’s piece de resistance, breathtaking song and perfect structure.

Ending Credits 3:39
Nice instrumental piece with excellent Spanish guitar, another very different track.

Weakness 4:08
My least favourite song on the album. Muted vocals and piano are the order of the day here. Still a very good song however.

This album is simply stunning and when compared to Opeth’s other work even more so. Opeth have managed to produce the most sad and beautiful album possible. For those who dislike Opeth they should give this album a listen, not just the songs but the album in its entirety. It flows through every emotion and captures them perfectly. The structure and sequencing is perfect and every song is art. If I had to pick one flaw with the album it would be its length but that is more or less irrelevant.

I will this much, if Opeth decided to call it quits this would be the perfect farewell album.

Highly recommended.

5/5

11-18-2003, 10:10 PM	#1
RideTheSpiral RideTheSpiral Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Adelaide, SA Posts: 13,808	*(Progressive Rock) Opeth - Dmnation** Reviewed Damnation by Opeth Opeth are a four piece from Sweden and in my option one of the most talented group of guys in metal today. They have their roots in Death Metal but this album is an experimentation with their mellow alter ego. Drummer Martin Lopez and Singer Mikael Akerfeldt are the glue that hold the band together and in this album it is especially obvious, they blend perfectly and the guitar, drums and vocals are a treat to listen to. Track by track Windowpane 7:44 What a song! This song is definitely in my top five Opeth songs of all time which is saying a lot. The most progressive song on the album and it is simply brilliant. Martin Lopez displays his versatility as a drummer with this jazzy beat. One minute into the song it lapses into a completely unexpected guitar solo and the song finishes to some of the best guitar and vocal work Opeth have produced. In My Time Of Need 5:49 The first song I heard from the album and it’s another amazing track. Very haunting vocals displayed by Mikael Akerfeldt and the talent of the band is on show again. Death Whispered a Lullaby 5:49 Another brilliant track. Written by Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree it is the darkest song on the album. Very interesting guitar work and Mikael’s vocals again are the highlights. Closure 5:15 The Middle Eastern, almost Kashmir-like feel to Closure adds another dimension to the album. A very sad song, which is the trend of the album. Hope Leaves 4:30 Very nice song. Mikael’s vocals shine again. To Rid The Disease 6:21 Incredible song, my second favourite. This is Opeth’s piece de resistance, breathtaking song and perfect structure. Ending Credits 3:39 Nice instrumental piece with excellent Spanish guitar, another very different track. Weakness 4:08 My least favourite song on the album. Muted vocals and piano are the order of the day here. Still a very good song however. This album is simply stunning and when compared to Opeth’s other work even more so. Opeth have managed to produce the most sad and beautiful album possible. For those who dislike Opeth they should give this album a listen, not just the songs but the album in its entirety. It flows through every emotion and captures them perfectly. The structure and sequencing is perfect and every song is art. If I had to pick one flaw with the album it would be its length but that is more or less irrelevant. I will this much, if Opeth decided to call it quits this would be the perfect farewell album. Highly recommended. 5/5