Opeth complete recordings for "Damnation"

Sweden's OPETH have completed the recording process for their new CD, "Damnation", at No Man's Land studios in London, England under the watchful eye of PORCUPINE TREE frontman Steven Wilson. The CD, which will be mixed by Wilson for a March 2003 worldwide release, has a "strong '70s vibe both in material and production," according to the band, and will feature material that sounds "nothing like anything we've ever done before."

In other news, OPETH have confirmed two gigs during December. They will be sharing the stage with AKERCOCKE at Mean Fiddler/Astoria 2 in London, England on Dec. 4, and will be traveling to Athens, Greece for a one-off concert there on Dec. 6. Proper worldwide touring will take place in 2003, with tentative plans to do one full tour concentrating on the group's heavier material, particularly the songs featured on the new "Deliverance" album. As for "Damnation", there will be fewer and more exclusive gigs where OPETH will concentrate on the new "mellow" album as well as their older, more laid-back material. Keyboardist Per Wiberg of SPIRITUAL BEGGARS will be acting as a guest musician on this tour. Also on the OPETH front, plans exist for the group to issue an ultra-limited 7" single containing the two bonus cuts from the "Black Waterpark" sessions, "Still Day Beneath The Sun" and "Patterns In The Ivy". A mere 1,250 copies will reportedly be pressed.

More recently, Opeth has announced North American tour plans with Lacuna Coil. The tour is to begin in mid January 2003.