Rating: 
Summary: A must own for Opeth fans...
Review: Opeth never cease to amaze me; I love every record in their back catalogue of works, and obviously I jumped at the chance to purchase their DVD "Lamentations ~ Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire 2003" after missing the chance to see them live not long ago.The disc consists of two sets; the first focusing on their "Damnation" release, including all of its content. The second is focused on some of their heavier works from "Deliverance" and "Blackwater Park". Although it is unfortunate that they are limited to music released on the Koch label (I would have loved to have seen songs from "Morningrise" or "My Arms Your Hearse"), the performance is already so stunning it really is non-issue. Every song is performed beautifully; perhaps even besting the studio versions of the music. I especially enjoyed Lamentations' version of "Closure", which received an especially large dose energy. The disc also contains a (fairly lengthy) documentary detailing the making of "Deliverance" and "Damnation", with interviews of all of Opeth's members at the time of recording, and with the producer of the albums. It also depicts some in-studio scenes - all in all, very well put together. I've heard a lot of live performances before, and (especially) at this asking price, I wasn't expecting a lot from the audio or video quality, but they've really outdone themselves with this. The performance is mixed wonderfully: in Dolby Digital stereo, bass drums have a tight, solid kick to them, but bass guitar is never lost in the shuffle. Every guitar note comes through clearly, and all the vocals are treated with the same amount of care. Those of you who have DTS-capable hardware will be treated to even more spacious sound; considering that it's almost difficult to tell that this is a live performance at times is truly a testament to the care put into this work. Hats off to the sound crew. The video quality is equally notable, and is excellent across the board, though there are a few signs of graininess in high-motion sequences or with a lot of light. The performance, presented in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen, produces some very minor scaling artifacts on my standard-definition test hardware (an Xbox being used as the DVD player, and a 27" Sony Wega television), but still looked excellent. If you have a widescreen high-definition set however, you'll be treated to an incredibly crisp, rich picture that rivals (perhaps even exceeds) that of any live performance DVD I've seen thus far. All in all, this disc is a must own for any Opeth fan: a stunning performance and a superb technical presentation come together to create something that, to me, seems almost magical in its presentation. Next time Opeth comes around, I will definitely make it a point to go see them. Five stars.
Rating: 
Summary: just an honest appreciation
Review: sorry to all of the '5-star reviewers' out there, but i feel nothing but disappointment with this DVD. I ordered this with a tremendous amount of anticipation, having owned all of the cd recordings, yet not being able to see the band live. First bad sign... an absolutely ridiculous written introduction to the dvd which is the kind of puffery a band of this talent DOES NOT NEED!! now on to the performance.....BORING. Have live concerts changed this much since i last went to one in 1995? Sorry but i'm not talking about the acoustic set exclusively either, because the later performances seemed just as phoned in as the first. Seems to me the band needs to be not as hung up on getting every single note right(the look of disgust that was evident when a wrong note was played ... priceless), and to rather ENJOY performing their music....with Excitement, Emotion, Feeling. Maybe they ought to go back to playing cheaper equipment, instead of their Custom Shop Paul Reed Smith's too! perhaps then they would be inclined to taking some chances live. What a shame....
Rating:
Summary: Opeth - Lamentations
Review: First off, wow. This is an amazing DVD. If you like Opeth's older stuff, you may be a little disappointed, but other than that this is just a great live performance. Includes most of the Damnation album (my personal favorite), as well as a couple songs from both Deliverance and Blackwater Park. The sound quality and the band's performance are both amazing, it sounds as good as, or better than, the studio tracks. Also, the DVD includes a making of segment on Deliverance and Damnation, which is extremely interesting if you're a big fan of the band. You can find this DVD for pretty cheap, Opeth fans need to go and get this as soon as possible. It's also great for a person just getting into the band because they play a fairly wide selection of songs.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent live dvd and documentary
Review: Perhaps not essential, but, nonetheless, excellent dvd, good value as well (my copy cost me $12). If you're an Opeth fan, just buy it and enjoy; you won't regret it.
Rating: 
Summary: Could have been better
Review: The reason I bought this DVD was mainly because of the 'Damnation' set. I am not a Death Metal fan at all and prefer power or progressive when it comes to metal, bands like Overkill or Dream Theater respectively. Nevertheless I love the style of death metal of Opeth, particularly because of its complex progressive structures and the technical explosions of the heavier sections. Admittedly I'm not too keen on the grunting death vocals and I definitely prefer Mikael's melodic singing but in the context of their compositions I don't mind it that much at all. Overall I enjoy the entire set, starting with the fantastic quieter first part, and then the powerful second part, where the guys 'let loose'.
When I say that it could have been better, I mean the extremely long breaks between songs which in my opinion break the flow of the concert (just watch Overkill's 'wrecking everything' DVD and you know what I mean).
Also: no encore(?!). Was there a particular reason why they couldn't play at least one or even two more songs. If it was because of any sort of time restriction, then it would make even more sense to keep the breaks between songs short. Surely it's not absolutely neccessary to tune the guitars for every song. No other band I know does it.
It's a shame. This could have been a barnburner of a DVD instead of merely being very good.
PS: the making of... is ok. Nice to see the great Steven Wilson at work in the studio. Hey Steven, what about a Porcupine Tree concert DVD...!?
Rating:
Summary: Masterful
Review: For serious Opeth fans, this review will be unneeded, as I'm sure all of you (myself included) already own this beauty of a DVD. For the casual metal fan though, pay attention, and pull out your credit card.
This DVD includes a live performace of Opeth performing 2 sets; one is the entire Damnation record, the other is a handful of older, and harder material from Deliverance and Blackwater Park. Those of you who have, as I have had, the wonderful chance to see Opeth on this Damnation tour will see much the same show. But that is no reason to pass this up! Given the chance to view this in D.T.S. or Dolby 5.1 Surround, you may even get a better show this time around, minus the sweat and hairy fat guys that you have to endure so often at metal concerts. And not only because you will be in the comfort of your home will it be a good time: the DVD is professionally done, and it shows. The camera angles change often enough to keep the viewer interested, but not so much as to give a headache. On certain occasions the camera work and light makes for what can be some very eye-pleasing art, if you will. The sound is done just right, not giving preference to any one instrument at any time. When I first watched this, my roommate thought I was listening to an Opeth CD. That's a testament both to Opeth's incredible live show, as to the good recording on this DVD. If you have never seen Opeth live, this DVD places you in the audience, giving you an experience perhaps equal to that of the wild fans.
On a tangent, people complain that Opeth isn't as active on stage as some bands are. They don't jump around, or physically play with the crowd. But then again, they aren't a hardcore or nu-metal band. What they play is complex, beautiful metal, and if it requires them to focus and pay attention to their intruments, so be it. Yet the show is still totally engrossing, don't misunderstand. Not doing hardcore kung fu on stage doesn't make for a boring time. Opeth connects with the audience (and viewer, in your case) through a more mature medium: astoundingly talented musicianship. And besides, it's death metal, so there's still plenty of good headbanging and intense solos to get your horns up.
And, on top of that live section which warrants the price of the DVD on its own, there's an hour long documentary feature on the making of Damnation and Deliverance. We get a peek into the band's methodology and personality. And we get to see Steve Wilson at work, which is a delight as well. The documentary entertained me, and that much is to be expected for every serious Opeth fan. But, unlike most of the reviewers here, I must disagree that the documentary overshadows the live show. Sure we get to see the Gods we worship sitting in armchairs, talking in their thick Swedish accents about the music we can't get enough of, but talk is cheap; Opeth's music, from the studio, or from the stage, is priceless.
Four horns way up.
Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece!!!!!!! Opeth are gods!
Review: Let me start by saying.. Opeth are F**king gods!!!.
Ok,
This dvd is amazing. At first I didnt think it would be as I wasn't quite into Damnation (which is the whole first set list). But my views have now changed.
The live concert contains 2 sets. The first set is the whole Damnation album and the second is some of there main heavier true Opeth tracks.
Sadly the gig doesn't contain any of the songs of the first 4 albums before Blackwater Park due to record label problems. But still the tracks on it are amazing!.
Opeth perform with such emotion and Mikael sings like he was born to do it. The first set is great and includes every single track of 'Damnation' with 'Harvest' of Blackwater park at the end.
The second set just blows my mind. They kick off with 'Masters Apprentice' and all hell breaks loose. Amazing songs including the masterpiece 'The Drapery Falls' which really got me going... such a amazing song live.. deffinately the best. Mikael performs flawlessly with his emotional solo's and vocals.
The other members keep up the pace with a special extra member on the keyboards.
Mikael is amazing with the fans and talks between each song which really makes it a intimate gig.
The other part of the DVD is a documentary about how Opeth started and the making of Damnation and Deliverance. Its about 30minutes long.
It is a great documentary which gets you up closer to the members and how the masterpieces are written. The great thing about it is it includes the great Steven Wilson of Porcupine tree who is helping Opeth out again with the vocals and piano/keyboards in Damnation and Deliverance. He talks about why he likes Opeth and you see some bits of him recording Damnation with Mikael.
This DVD is a must have!! the performance is simply gaah!! If that makes sence! Opeth are masters and they do it perfectly.
Rating:
Summary: a simply perfect concert dvd!!!
Review: When I first purchased this dvd I wasnt really aware of what Opeth was all about.Once this disc was in my machine it didnt leave for at least a week(straight)Every single person I have showed it too either has went out and bought it themselves or has borrowed it from me(only to return it immedietely!!)having large widescreen tv and the full surround sound only makes this disc a true delight to watch.Only if every other band would fallow the same directional path in their concert dvd's as this one..it would be a perfect world!I do have to say with the Dolby Digital settings you cant seem to hear the kick drum hardly at all..but switch to the DTS setting and your set!Highly recommended for anyone who loves live concert dvd's!!!
Rating:
Summary: Keep up the good work.
Review: I am not an Opeth fan, and I had only listened two of their albums "Deliverence" and "Damnation" before buying this DVD. Being a progressive rock fan, a professional musician and drummer,I really liked the music, the lyrics, the playing skills of the band members and the song writing. These guys can really play.
Itwas very nice to see that, Opeth are able to play their demanding songs live as good as the album versions. So to me,as a band, Opeth definetely deserves 5 stars. The DVD has very good sound and picture quality as well and successful in terms of production.
But there is only one thing that bothers me about their live performance: The very long breaks between the songs. These breaks can go up to 2-3 minutes, and this makes Opeth unable to sustain the tension and the energy they created during the songs.
Rating:
Summary: great live performance
Review: This DVD captures an excellent live performance by Opeth at Shepherd's Bush Empire. Still, although I like Damnation and Deliverance I was slightly disappointed that there is no material on here from my favourite Opeth albums; "Morningrise" and "Still Life". The farthest back they go here is stuff of Blakcwater Park.
Other slight problems is that the heaviness of some of the metal tracks doesn't really come across. I'm not sure if this is due to venue, just the DVD or the fact that they were setup to primarily play acoustic tracks. To be honest I haven't seen many concert recordings that genuinely transfer the intensity of a live performance to your living room.
Other than that, it does what it says on the tin; all the songs are performed immaculately on a minimalist stage (the band doesn't really seem to bother much about presentation). Not entirely sure what I think of this. For me the band's music is very visual but any kind of set would have to be done well in order to work so maybe the band just doesn't feel like opening that can of worms.
Also contains a nice documentary which gives a lot of insight into the band.
Definitely recommended to fans of the band.
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