Description
To mark the 20th anniversary of Opeth’s ground-breaking 2003 album Damnation, a special vinyl re-issue project has been meticulously crafted to pay homage to a pivotal and trailblazing moment in the bands illustrious history. Originally recorded in the serenity of Åkerfelts native Sweden, with additional production from Porcupine Trees Steven Wilson, the album acclaimed by fans and critics alike has since received a re-mix and master in 2015, pressed to vinyl on a double LP together with the dichotomous Deliverance.
This release marks the first time exclusive and deluxe vinyl pressings have been given to Damnation. A record that represents a paradigm shift in the bands approach to composition, seeing them side-line their metal roots from the forefront of their arsenal. Instead replacing it with an additional insight into ambience, atmospherics, and progressive rock, this together with Åkerfeldts signature lyricality and musicianship creates a unique record of ethereal beauty and longing, and one which remains top of mind for many Opeth fans.
The 20th Anniversary version of Opeth’s ‘Damnation’ sees the 2015 re-mix and remaster pressed to standard black vinyl.
Speaking on the release, the bands lead vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt comments Hello folks! Our old “partners in cryme Music For Nations are planning a 20th-anniversary re-release of one of our odd records, this time Damnation. We want our records available on vinyl at all times, and it turns out we cant keep stock! Our vinyl editions are flying out. Ive seen it with my own eyes when I helped out in a record shop during the pandemic. Some customers didnt know theyre buying it from one of the people responsible for the music. Of course I went: Good record, good band!. So before theres any moaning about another reissue, another cash grab I want to stress out that it really comes down to public demand. Damnation is a special record, even if theyre all special to me. I remember hearing the first mix on headphones in a crummy hotel somewhere in the UK. I had trouble believing it was us, myself, Peter, Lopez, Mendez (as well as ol Steve on keys). It was completely different from anything wed done up to that point, and quite frankly, since. Out of all of our records, I think this one is most suitable for the vinyl format due to the fact that it is not really cluttered with stuff. A pretty airy recording with 5 musicians and done on 2 inch tapes as well. Its a record Im immensely proud over and it also remains a fan-favourite I believe.
Commenting further Steven Wilson adds At the time I remember getting death threats from metal fans for ruining the band! As if it could be anyones intention but Mikaels to do a record like that anyway. Damnation was when everyone understood that he was not going be trapped within the confines of any genre or label, and that the bands importance and influence would be far reaching. Rightly so Damnation is now seen as a timeless masterpiece, and Im very proud to have had my part in making it.
Limited picture disc vinyl pressing
*Please note – image is a mock up – actual contents may vary on finished product*
Tracklisting
Side A:
1. Windowpane
2. In My Time Of Need
3. Death Whispered A Lullaby
Side B:
1. Closure
2. Hope Leaves
3. To Rid The Disease
4. Ending Credits
5. Weakness
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