Opeth – The Roundhouse Tapes
Peaceville – DVDVILE11 – 2008
By Russell Garwood
The lights drop inside the Prince Charles Cinema, in the heart of London as Opeth enter the room. The excitement is palpable in a room rammed with the band’s fans, the lucky few who snapped up the tickets for this preview screening before they sold out. "We are Opeth, and this is our DVD" comes the introduction, followed by a cheeky grin, a roar of applause and then the screening. The Roundhouse Tapes DVD documents the same live show as the Swedes’ similarly titled CD. The well-published set list contains tracks from throughout the band’s history, from Orchid’s ’Under The Weeping Moon’ through to Ghost Reveries’ ’Ghost Of Perdition’. The range is welcome, and makes for an enjoyable show, carried through by excellent performances from all members involved. Between the songs is the typical Mikael Åkerfeldt bullshittery, adding some humour, and making for a memorable concert. The DVD is well shot, although the added camera effects can feel forced at times (grain and sepia tones during some quieter moments, for example). The entire package is beautifully presented in a digibook with art-cards, cool liner notes, and a Travis Smith cover. As well as the 108 minute set it includes an interview with the band, some very entertaining-to-cringe-worthy fan interviews, footage of the soundcheck and a photo gallery. This all makes for an enjoyable and well-thought out release. Those that remain equivocal about Opeth are unlikely to be swayed by The Roundhouse Tapes. For fans of the band, however, it is definitely worth checking out, being the first DVD to feature tracks from throughout their career, and serves as a decent introduction for those who haven’t previously checked them out.
Official Opeth website
Official Opeth myspace
Official Peaceville website
Peaceville – DVDVILE11 – 2008
By Russell Garwood
The lights drop inside the Prince Charles Cinema, in the heart of London as Opeth enter the room. The excitement is palpable in a room rammed with the band’s fans, the lucky few who snapped up the tickets for this preview screening before they sold out. "We are Opeth, and this is our DVD" comes the introduction, followed by a cheeky grin, a roar of applause and then the screening. The Roundhouse Tapes DVD documents the same live show as the Swedes’ similarly titled CD. The well-published set list contains tracks from throughout the band’s history, from Orchid’s ’Under The Weeping Moon’ through to Ghost Reveries’ ’Ghost Of Perdition’. The range is welcome, and makes for an enjoyable show, carried through by excellent performances from all members involved. Between the songs is the typical Mikael Åkerfeldt bullshittery, adding some humour, and making for a memorable concert. The DVD is well shot, although the added camera effects can feel forced at times (grain and sepia tones during some quieter moments, for example). The entire package is beautifully presented in a digibook with art-cards, cool liner notes, and a Travis Smith cover. As well as the 108 minute set it includes an interview with the band, some very entertaining-to-cringe-worthy fan interviews, footage of the soundcheck and a photo gallery. This all makes for an enjoyable and well-thought out release. Those that remain equivocal about Opeth are unlikely to be swayed by The Roundhouse Tapes. For fans of the band, however, it is definitely worth checking out, being the first DVD to feature tracks from throughout their career, and serves as a decent introduction for those who haven’t previously checked them out.
Official Opeth website
Official Opeth myspace
Official Peaceville website
