Peaceville UK
2007
The Roundhouse Tapes
About This Album
Though Opeth have officially signed with Roadrunner, this double-live disc was released by former label Peaceville. This is welcome, because the band's first live offering, the DVD-only Lamentations: Live at Shepherd's Bush, was not able to focus on the first four recordings due to contractual problems. Apparently, this is worked out here, because all of the band's recordings are represented. That said, the Roundhouse Tapes, recorded at Camden Roundhouse, London, U.K., on November 9, 2006, is a double-disc set that captures this mighty band at their very best. The tour that Opeth undertook in support of Ghost Reveries was 18 months long; it began in June of 2005, and ended December 2006. They played 210 shows during that time. Given that this gig was near the end of the tour, it showcases the band at the zenith of their live powers. They run through not only GR material but across their entire career, digging deep into their history -- that includes a 19-minute version of "Blackwater Park" on disc two. The sound is tremendous; guitarist and lead vocalist Mikael Äkerfeldt is in excellent voice throughout. His engagement with the crowd and his sense of humor are wonderfully dry and welcoming.
Track List

Disc 1 (try tracks 4 and 5)

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Disc 2 (try track 1)

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