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Opeth: Ghost Reveries (Special Edition)

From the instant it was released Ghost Reveries by Opeth received a large amount of critical acclaim that was very richly deserved based on how high the group aims to raise the bar. Tracks like "The Grand Conjuration" and "The Baying Of The Hounds" are among the most special on the release and each one showcase just how intricate and interesting Metal can be when a group strives to be among the different. Given there are reviews for this release elsewhere on the site, I will keep that commentary brief and instead focus on the special editions features to avoid repetition.

Simply put, this is a must have for ones music collection and if for some reason you don't already own the initial pressing of Ghost Reveries then now is the perfect time for you to rectify the error of your ways and purchase this ultimate version. You get the full CD with the addition of a cover of Deep Purple's "Soldier Of Fortune", which Akerfeldt cites as one of his favorite songs to play and something he could not resist recording for the listener. The edition comes with a bonus DVD as well, and that truly adds to the appeal of the album for on it there are a couple of cool features. The first is a 40 minute documentary on the making of the album. You travel with Mikael and company to the recording studio and get their perceptions and thoughts as this release was being put together. He takes you to one of the bands first rehearsal spaces as well as gives a deeper detail in the departure of drummer Martin Lopez from the touring lineup for the time being. It's a very interesting film, as Akerfeldt is an intelligent speaker who offers up his reasoning why on what the band does what they do and how they hope to be received by the listener. He is also at moments quite amusing and quick with a humorous anecdote. Great footage of the band rehearsing and recording this album was a lot of fun to watch I have to admit. One also finds the complete video for "The Grand Conjuration", and that's a pretty cool thing as Opeth are not your typical "video" band. The listener also will find a 5.1 audio mix of the album that can be played and as it runs the cool artwork from the album shows on your screen. The booklet is enhanced in a foldout, embossed case now and includes additional liner notes from Akerfeldt. The whole thing works with the level of dramatics being showcased and it gave me a new appreciation for the album. I guess you could buy this even if you already own the original and simply give it to someone who could use a lesson in musical education. Opeth really are one of the most unique groups to come about in some time and the more people that are aware of this, the easier it will be for them to affect us all the more.


Track Listing
1. Ghost Of Perdition
2. The Baying Of The Hounds
3. Beneath The Mire
4. Atonement
5. Reverie/Harlequin Forest
6. Hours Of Wealth
7. The Grand Conjuration
8. Isolation Years
9. Soldier Of Fortune - bonus

Added: November 22nd 2006
Reviewer: Ken Pierce
Score:
Related Link: Opeth Website
Hits: 3132
Language: english

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Opeth: Ghost Reveries (Special Edition)
Posted by Pete Pardo, SoT Staff Writer on 2006-11-22 14:44:04
My Score:

If you didn't think the already classic Ghost Reveries from Opeth could get any better, well guess again cause it just did. This deluxe special edition of their 2005 debut for Roadrunner Records contains the original album with a bonus track, a cover of the Deep Purple classic "Soldier of Fortune", complete with stunning lead vocals from Mikael Akerfeldt and plenty of mood soaking Mellotron from Per Wiberg. If having this extra bonus track isn't enough, the band included a DVD here with a 30+ minute ducumentary on the making of the album, with plenty of studio footage and some live snippets, that is a must see for fans of the band as you get plenty of insight directly from the band. The video of "The Grand Conjuration" is also included, as well as a 5.1 mix of the entire album, so you can play the album through your DVD player and listen through your TV's speaker system. Needless to say it sounds kick ass.

Add in a gorgeous digipack with a beefed up booklet (including all the artwork) and you have all the reason in the world to purchase this great album once again.



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