HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY: Damnation – Opeth
Swedish progressive metal pioneers OPETH have continued to reinvent themselves and stay at the top of their game for multiple decades. From their heavily death metal infused beginnings to the jazzier experimental rock of present, they have proven they are some of music’s greatest innovators. Today we are going to focus on 2003 and the spellbinding Damnation, an album that has just recently celebrated 20 years of existence and still sounds just as genre-defining and current as it did upon release.
It was one of two releases in a short timeframe. Closely following its heavier counterpart Deliverance (2002) both albums were produced by the iconic Steven Wilson (PORCUPINE TREE, NO-MAN, BLACKFIELD). A collaboration which kickstarted a long and fruitful companionship including the birth of project STORM CORROSION. Damnation arguably displayed OPETH‘s biggest shift in style, introducing clean vocals and instrumentation for the first time in their catalogue. Whilst still very much embedded in the progressive realm it, discarded the harsher, more aggressive assault for smooth melodies and captivating rhythms which still managed to become a firm favourite throughout their adoring fan base. Opening track Windowpane still remains lodged as a staple of their live performances.
Frontman and founder Mikael Åkerfeldt dedicated both albums to the passing of his grandmother which occurred during the recording of these releases. Though it remains to be seen whether this event influenced his creative process. He has admitted however, that it was one of the most difficult times in his career as he struggled for inspiration and spent many late nights conjuring ideas, which to any avid follower of his compositions must come as a significant shock.
Whether it is the melancholic tones of Death Whispered A Lullaby, the acoustic vulnerability of Closure or the haunting piano sequences of To Rid The Disease, this release is crammed with moments of beauty, grace and escapism that few have managed to capture. The perfect accompaniment for an evening when you require something to soothe your soul.
Damnation was welcomed with open arms, including those of DREAM THEATER‘s Mike Portnoy who went on record to call it his favourte album of 2003. Despite this, many were concerned for OPETH‘s future. Was Damnation a sign of the progressive metallers mellowing? Little did they know the crushing Ghost Reveries (2005) wasn’t that far away.
This was the release which springboarded their careet to new heights, further boosted by their addition to the stacked roster of Roadrunner Records. Damnation opened the door to the possibilty of a future unshackled from the expectations of metal. Something OPETH has continued to distance themselves from as time’s elapsed.
Damnation was originally released on April 22 2003 via Music For Nations.
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