To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking album by OPETH of 2003, «Damnation«, a special vinyl reissue project has been meticulously crafted to pay tribute to a seminal and pioneering moment in the band’s illustrious history.
Originally recorded in the serenity of Sweden’s native Mikael Akerfeltwith additional production of Steve Wilson of Porcupine Treethe album acclaimed by fans and critics alike has since received a remix and mastering in 2015, pressed on vinyl on a double LP along with the dichotomous “Deliverance«.
The 20th Anniversary version features the 2015 remix and remaster pressed on standard black vinyl, as well as being available in deluxe and limited color finishes and, for the first time, on an exclusive picture disc that highlights and reflects the ethereal visual world. and somber of the album. Listen “Windowpane» (The Lost Tape) next.
Regarding the launch, Mikael Akerfeldtvocalist of the band, comments:
“Hello friends! Our former “partners in cryme” Music For Nations are planning a 20th anniversary reissue of one of our rare records, this time’Damnation‘. We want our records to always be available on vinyl, and it turns out we can’t keep stock! Our vinyl editions fly. I’ve seen it with my own eyes when I helped at a record store during the pandemic. Some customers did not know that they were buying it from one of those responsible for the music. Of course, I said: ‘Good album, good group!'”
So before there are any complaints about “another reissue, another money grab,” I want to emphasize that it really comes down to public demand. We will present the updated mix of Steve Wilson (first available in 2015 or thereabouts) in a limited edition on opaque and transparent vinyl, as well as on a picture disc, which I think is the first time ever (?).
‘»’Damnation‘»’ is a special album, although they all are for me. I remember listening to the first mix on headphones in a seedy hotel somewhere in the UK. I had a hard time believing it was us, peter, Lopez, Mendez and I (besides the old steve to the keys). It was completely different from anything we had done up to then and, frankly, since.
Of all our records, I think this one is the most suitable for the vinyl format, since it is not full of stuff. A fairly airy recording with 5 musicians and also made on 2-inch tapes. “It’s an album that I’m immensely proud of and I think it’s still a fan favorite.”
Steve Wilson Add:
«At that time I remember receiving death threats from metal fans for ‘ruining’ the band! As if the intention of someone other than Michael was to make a record like that. ‘Damnation‘ was the moment when everyone realized that they were not going to be trapped within the confines of any genre or label, and that the band’s importance and influence would reach far. “Damnation is rightly now considered a timeless masterpiece, and I am very proud to have had a hand in making it.”
It will go on sale on Friday, December 15 and you can pre-order it here and in Omerch.
Tracklisting:
“Windowpane”
«In My Time Of Need»
“Death Whispered A Lullaby”
«Closure»
“Hope Leaves”
«To Rid The Disease»
«Ending Credits»
«Weakness»
