Damnation (2003)
Release date: 22 April 2003
Length: 43:20Tracklist:1. "Windowpane"
2. "In My Time of Need"
3. "Death Whispered a Lullaby"
4. "Closure"
5. "Hope Leaves"
6. "To Rid the Disease"
7. "Ending Credits"
8. "Weakness"
Personnel:Mikael Åkerfeldt – vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar
Peter Lindgren – guitar
Martín Méndez – bass
Martin Lopez – drums
Steven Wilson - backing vocals, additional guitars, Mellotron, piano, keyboards, production, engineering
Recorded: 22 July – 4 September 2002
Maestro Musik, Studio FredmanGenre: Progressive rockLabel: KochProducer: Opeth, Steven Wilson
History / BackgroundDamnation is the seventh full-length studio album by heavy metal band Opeth. It was released on 22 April 2003, five months after Deliverance, which was recorded at the same time. Damnation was produced by Steven Wilson. Mikael Åkerfeldt dedicated both albums to his grandmother, who died in a car accident during the time the albums were being recorded.
The album was a radical departure from Opeth's typical death metal sound, and the first Opeth album to use all clean vocals, clean guitars, and prominent mellotron, as well as being inspired by 1970s progressive rock, which typically features no heavy riffs or extended fast tempos. Despite the change in style from Opeth's previous albums, Damnation was critically acclaimed and boosted their popularity, leading to the release of Lamentations on DVD in late 2003.
MusicThis album is the first album without any traces of death metal vocals. This is all Mikael's clean vocals as well as being acoustic for most of the album. This album is a real depressing album and mostly talk about regret, sadness, and being alone.
The first song "Windowpane", is a wonder to behold. The longest song in this album, clocking at 7 minutes, this song starts off with an acoustic intro. There are some really cool Lindgren/Akerfeldt guitar duets in this piece as well as Wilson's really haunting mellotron. I really love the outro when Mikael fades off at: "Given dreams all ridden with pain. And projected unto the last." The song ends with the mellotron and acoustic guitar.
The next song "In My Time of Need" was first disliked by me, but over time, I began to really love and appreciate this song. One reason why this song is a real hit for me is because of Wilson's mellotron and his vocal contributions. He has a distinct high pitched voice and man, I love Wilson so much. This song begins with an acoustic introduction, as does most of the songs (so I won't be writing this every time), and has a vocal phrasing that turns people off. He sings one word at a time, putting a pause between each word. Anyways, the outro of this song brings me to literal tears every single time.
The third song, "Death Whispered a Lullaby" was written by Steven Wilson and he contributes vocally here also. This song's chorus is sung by death itself........I mean, Mikael sings it, but as the lyrics say, it is death speaking to its victim. This is such a sweet song and the outro man....the guitar work and how it all goes from crazy to silently fading.
"Hope Leaves", "Closure", and "To Rid the Disease" follow a similar pattern to the song. Those three songs are amazing, as they have fantastic chorus', Mikael sings them fantastically, really haunting instrumental works, and these songs really set the mood.
"Ending Credits" is not the last song of the album, though judging from the title, it should be, but this song is filled with haunting guitar melodies, fantastic mellotron work, and the impeccable Martin Lopez and Mendez. Guitar harmonies will knock you off your feet as you wake up from an adventure you just had from listening to really depressing stuff.
"Weakness" is a really interesting song. There are no traces of drums or bass, only mellotron and the guitar. Devil cracked the earthly shell. Foretold she was the one. Blew hope into the room and said: "You have to live before you die young".. Anyways, this song is dedicated to Mikael's grandmother who tragically died in a car crash. The ending of the song is Mikael only as the song fades out. I once had Ghost Reveries after this song and after Damnation finished and the soft introduction from Ghost Reveries came in, I thought the album was still Damnation so I had my eyes closed, guard down. Then Mikael's brutal vocals from "Ghost of Perdition "comes in and I'm scared shiteless.
My reaction? Doesn't Damnation have no harsh vocals??? WTF.
My ThoughtsTo put it bluntly, I love everything about this album. I wouldn't say that this album is "metal," but that doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things. No other album I've ever listened to has connected with me in the same way. It is a truly sad and melancholy bunch of songs, and it is a great soundtrack to depression. I've recently gone through the worst depression of my life, as my relationship with the first woman I've ever truly loved came crashing down. When I listen to this music, I feel like Mikael and the rest of the band understand exactly what I'm feeling, and Akerfeldt's lyrics put into words the emotions I just can't fully express. Sure, the music is slow and has no elements of aggression whatsoever, but that is a good thing. This album wouldn't be as profound if it were heavy.
The vocals on this album are absolutely top notch. Mikael Akerfeldt truly shines here. As much as I adore his style of growled vocals, his clean singing is beautiful. The vocal melodies and harmonies are haunting, and I guarantee that after a few listens these songs will be stuck in your head. The lyrics are amazing as well, most dealing with loss and sorrow. My favorite lyrics on the album have to be "Hope Leaves." Although the song is about the bitter sorrow felt because of the death of a loved one, I can completely relate to the feeling of hopelessness after having the love of my life walk out on me.
The guitar work on this album is phenomenal. Lindgren and Akerfeldt are a perfect duo, complimenting each other all the time. There is no distortion on the guitars, which is another good thing. Because of the clean tones, the guitar feels fluid and natural. The chord choices and progressions are great, and the leads are tasteful and full of emotion.
Martin Mendez does a great job of holding down the low end on this album. His bass tone is warm, and his bass lines are tasteful and appropriate. He only adds to the music, and doesn't try to show off or take the spotlight (even though he is certainly skilled enough to.)
Martin Lopez is a great drummer and this album truly showcases his full abilities. There is no double bass here and the drums aren't as technical as a normal Opeth release. That's totally fine though, because his drumming is varied and impressive. He can do it all as he plays jazz-like parts or Latin styles with ease. The production of the drums is excellent as well, and Lopez is a great match for bass player Mendez.
One final note, the keyboards on this album are great. Handled by famed producer and musician Steven Wilson, the keys bring so much richness and atmosphere to the songs. The music greatly benefits from the use of keyboards and organ and wouldn't be the same without. I would love to give highlights, but I can't pick out any truly favorite parts. This whole thing is perfect from start to finish.
Personally, my ranking for this album is:
1. "Windowpane"
2. "To Rid the Disease"
3. "In My Time of Need"
4. "Closure"
5. "Death Whispered a Lullaby"
6. "Ending Credits"
7. "Hope Leaves"
8. "Weakness"