While I like their sound with Lopez better (I feel his unique style as a 'metal' drummer
really had a lot to do with their style and sound), I'm not one of those Axe haters - he's a helluva proficient drummer, much more technical than Lopez (try to listen to just the drum track on The Lotus Eater -amazing stuff), but IMO lacks that groove, tastefulness, and feeling that makes Lopez the drummer he is.
Wow, Camel - a somewhat obscure early prog band - but i'm familiar with em'.

Yes, I can definitely see the comparison.
Damnation is an amazing album and stands on it's own. Other than that, it sounds like you're more a fan of their earlier Black metal-ish sound? Although Still Life doesn't really fit that classification and is a great album in it's own right.