No offense, but I reckon you're fooling yourself. It's a good album, but if it took you this long to "appreciate" it like other Opeth albums, then your feelings over the album are most probably faked.
it took more time because I rarely listened to it. it's more of a subtle album, I guess.
plus, I didn't say I like it as much as the other Opeth albums.
I liked it from the start, as I used to prefer cleaner songs over ones with more growling vocals; but I now find myself not liking it as much since I've been listening to heavier songs.
Damnation is a beautiful masterpiece. It took a bit of getting used to, but the more I played it the more hooked I got. Its very soothing. I love "Death Whispered A Lullaby."
damnation STILL grows on me every time I hear it - even though I must have listened to it hundreds of times by now. I wasn't sure at first, then it grew on me - the songs are just great.... maybe could have done with being a little longer perhaps, but I love it all the same.
I love it. It took me a while to get into every song, but not long. Even so, I think it'll end up being my least-listened Opeth album. But I guess if you combine Deliverance and Damnation, they'll beat the rest.