I was unimpressed with the release of The Roundhouse Tapes on CD only because of my apathy for audio live performances. I just don’t get it. I have the albums. There is no need for me to have a live version. At least Opeth. However, watching a live performance on DVD is a totally different stimulation for me, especially when it’s as good as this.
Opeth have never skimped on the DVD fraction of their catalog. In a time where just about any band puts out a DVD, quality or not, both 2003’s Lamentations and The Roundhouse Tapes are some of the most beautifully shot you can find, which goes with Opeths entire package. Filmed at The Roundhouse in London in 2006, a DVD like this will actually get the band more fans. Why? It shows first and foremost that Opeth is more than an extreme metal act. Everything from their somber stage presence to their masterful musicianship and progressive nature grabs you. Even one who doesn’t like metal can respect this. Gorgeous backdrops flow through the entire show with artwork variations from each album depending on which songs are being played. The stage is lit up pretty significantly as well. Most live shows have a dark setting but this one is very colorful and visible.
The set list is impressive. Everything is covered here from Orchid to Ghost Reveries. I was pretty surprised at the amount of old material considering this was in support of Ghost Reveries. To see songs like “Face of Melinda,” “Under the Weeping Moon,” and “The Night and Silent Water” being played is a treat. With Opeth’s extensive discography and song lengths they seem to do an excellent job of picking set lists. It was also a bonus to see Peter Lindgren with the band before his departure. Sorry new guy but Peter is the man.
The show itself isn’t the longest and they go from one song to the next fairly quick but in the middle Mikael Akerfeldt does his best at joking and introducing the band. That man is an anomaly. He is so somber and modest when he speaks, then Satan forges out of his lungs when he sings. At the top of my list of songwriters that man is amazing, weird, and funny all at the same time. One thing is for sure, he cannot be brutal and he probably won’t kick your ass. He is a very meek person until he performs.
Extras include interviews with the band and fans. Some fans actually flying in from all over the world. There’s also a gallery of photos from the show and footage of the sound check.
Obviously, everything is executed flawlessly and my jaw always drops at some point in amazement when this band plays. Though, Lamentations was better, The Roundhouse Tape is top notch and an essential piece for fans. I really didn’t expect this to be this good. Opeth will never sacrifice quality and this is proof. I can actually watch this numerous times. Addictive stuff.
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Haha, someone had to be the asshole and do it….. Peter Lindgren left the band, Per Wiberg is still playing keys. You are dead on though on this review, one of the best music DVDs I own.
on Jan 30th, 2009 at 12:37FUCK! Thats the second fuckin time I did that. Jesus, just fire me Erik.
on Jan 30th, 2009 at 13:13And fixed.
on Jan 30th, 2009 at 13:22Great DVD, I like it better than Lamentations but other than that spot on review.
on Jan 30th, 2009 at 14:43The oddest thing I encountered from the DVD is 4.0 channel sound; whut whut?
on Jan 30th, 2009 at 15:00Spot-on review stiffy. It’s a great testament to Peter putting out a second DVD with him in the band, I know I’ll miss him.
on Feb 3rd, 2009 at 07:43Glad I’m not the only one scratching my head over the odd omission of a sub audio track. Maybe something got lost. Still, a must-have DVD.
It’s too bad they didn’t do this with one of the three hour night with Opeth shows they did a few years back. I was at one and it was mindblowing.
on Feb 3rd, 2009 at 21:14