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Opeth - Lamenations: Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire
Opeth - Lamenations: Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire
Released: 2004
Label: Koch Entertainment
Cat. No.: KOC-DV-9540
Total Time: 188:00


Reviewed by: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck, April 2004

On the DVD Lamenations: Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire. Opeth explores their contrasting sister albums Deliverance (2002), which is their trademark black/death metal and the major departure from that style, Damnation (2003), an album that showed how versatile and talented they were regardless if they changed direction entirely. You get the best of both worlds including a documentary “The Making of Deliverance & Damnation.” The documentary sheds some light on all the frustrations the band went through before finally finding the right person and location to work in while recording the albums.

My personal tastes do not encompass the black/death metal realm hence I appreciated the progressive metal-rock segment much more. I must comment that I do admire this band for taking the necessary steps to broaden their scope and sound. Most bands, particularly those that have a large following as Opeth, would never venture off into another style of music in fear of losing their fan base. As it turned out, it never hurt them one bit, it just brought onboard more listeners that they would have never reached, and that is a good thing.

This was a good DVD for capturing the essence of the band live and how each style of music is so much different. Interestingly enough the audience’s reaction was one of appreciation regardless of what material they presented. What I found jaw dropping was how well they performed each style of music without missing a step. There is no question that this band is one of the more talented units in the world today.

If you like prog-metal or black/death metal, one of the two styles or both, this DVD will be a welcome addition to your collection.

Rating: 3.75/5

[See also Dave's review -ed.]

More about Lamenations: Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire:

Track Listing: Windowpane / In My Name of Need / Death Whispered a Lullaby / Closure / Hope Leaves / To Rid the Disease / Ending Credits / Harvest / Weakness / Master's Apprentices / The Drapery Falls / Deliverance / The Leper Affinity / A Fair Judgment

Documentary: The Making of Deliverance and Damnation

Musicians:
Mikael Akerfeldt - vocals, guitars
Peter Lindgren - guitars
Martin Mendez - bass
Martin Lopez - drums

Guest musician:
Per Wiberg – keyboards, backing vocals

Contact:

Website: www.opeth.com
Note: will open new browser window

Discography

  • Orchid (1995)
  • Morningrise (1996)
  • My Arms Your Hearse (1998)
  • Still Life (1999)
  • Blackwater Park (2001)
  • Deliverance (2002)
  • Damnation (2003)

  • Lamenations: Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire (2004)


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