Name: Damnation: 20th Anniversary Edition
Brand: Opeth

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

19658861181

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-12-15

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Sony

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0196588611810

Total Cap

Black LP

Artist

Opeth

Genre GB

Metal

Label GB

Opeth is a Swedish progressive metal band formed in Stockholm in 1990. Led by singer, guitarist, and songwriter Mikael Åkerfeldt, Opeth has consistently incorporated diverse influences into their music, including progressive rock, folk, blues, classical, jazz, black metal and death metal. Their compositions often feature acoustic guitar passages and dynamic shifts between death growls and clean vocals. Since their first world tour in 2001, Opeth has become known for their captivating live performances.

In 2011, Opeth released "Heritage," which marked a significant change in style with a focus on progressive rock sound and clean singing. According to Åkerfeldt himself: "It would be impossible for us to play just death metal; that is our roots but we are now a mishmash of everything." Opeth's willingness to experiment and explore different musical styles keeps them constantly evolving.

Opeth's eleventh studio album "Pale Communion" was released in 2014. The band expressed an interest in creating a heavy album but with a fresh approach. They strive to move forward rather than looking back at their past achievements. In 2016, Opeth established their own label called Moderbolaget Records and released their twelfth studio album "Sorceress."

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 band’s illustrious history. Originally recorded in the serenity of Åkerfelt’s native Sweden, with additional production from Porcupine Tree’s 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 band’s 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 versions sees the 2015 re-mix and remaster pressed to standard black vinyl.

Speaking on the release, the band’s 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 can’t keep stock! Our vinyl editions are flying out. I’ve seen it with my own eyes when I helped out in a record shop during the pandemic. Some customers didn’t know they’re buying it from one of the people responsible for the music. Of course I went: ”Good record, good band!”. So before there’s any moaning about ”another reissue, another cash grab” I want to stress out that it really comes down to public demand. Damnation&nbsp;is a special record, even if they’re 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 we’d 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. It’s a record I’m 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 anyone’s intention but Mikael’s 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 band’s importance and influence would be far reaching. Rightly so Damnation is now seen as a timeless masterpiece, and I’m very proud to have had my part in making it.”

Damnation: 20th Anniversary Edition

Music GB

Discover Damnation: 20th Anniversary Edition by Opeth. Meticulously crafted vinyl re-issue of the ground-breaking album. Limited color finishes available. Sony label.