Setting aside layers upon layers of criticism, Opeth went from an obscure progressive-laden death metal band to a group you'd find headlining international tours regardless of area or scene. So in reflection of past years both rewarding and enduring, progressive death metal's entrepreneurs came to London's Camden Roundhouse with a special set composed of material spanning across their unpredictable career and a topnotch recording crew; the result being one killer live release entitled The Roundhouse Tapes. Sure we've enjoyed CDs like Still Birth, yet this here has more beef than anything else they've ever done; it might very well be the finest thing made by Sweden's progressive frontrunners.As one could expect, these guys stride straight into a whooping ninety minute set with stellar instrumentation and fantastic transition patterns between heavy and progressive atmospheres. Now considering how long most of these tunes are, it would seem difficult to sit through and nail out each note accordingly; however, our shape-shifting buddies do so from beginning to end. Quite straining it must be, but they pulled it off nicely. Anyone finding the show a bit vague will still enjoy Mikael Εkerfeldt's humorous commentary throughout; mainly because that profanity-based narration is carried by his arid, monotonous voice. Overall, Opeth's talented showcase relies solely on keeping musical composure throughout a sturdy presentation of tunes, yet they stay both tight and calm when needing to do so.
Production-wise, this is one fine establishment of digital bliss. The vocals are mixed slightly above all other instruments, yet you'll have no trouble fishing out the percussion, guitars, bass, or keyboards regardless of whatever is going on musically. The Roundhouse Tapes is like arriving in some mysterious place with air cleaner than an episode of 7th Heaven as the whole effort just comes off very organized and soothing. Every riff, growl, beat, bass line, keyboard note, and whatever else they use is captured without flaw; there really isn't a better quality product than what we got here.
Now Opeth's studio discography has been forever morphing since Orchid was released in 1995, and throughout their career, other full-length records demonstrated an emphasis on difference rather than a typical structure. Needless to say, The Roundhouse Tapes issues a compilation of these progressive monster's doing an incredible set featuring everything from "Under The Weeping Moon" to the relaxing "Face of Melinda," and that's really all one could ask for. When it all melts together, there's just a nice two-disc set featuring some of Opeth's best songs on both the brutal and progressive spectrums; it's really amazing to experience such a wide musical agenda all in one setting.
Live albums are seldom considered a group's finest effort, yet what we have here combines Opeth's finest material with great production and a wonderful overall performance on their behalf; excellence in all areas is what makes our two-disc set in question so solid. The Roundhouse Tapes gets two thumbs up for obvious reasons, but I like how it's just like a typical Opeth show as their entire spectacle remains natural to its core, even when doing such a huge show like so. In conclusion, loyal fans need to scoop this one up whenever the chance presents itself, but I also think this release is good enough for nearly everyone else to enjoy as well.