Opeth "s/t" 7"
[Robotic Empire]
I was blown away when I heard about this release, not only because I was psyched that it was coming out, but because I was stunned and impressed that it was Robotic Empire who was making it happen! Of course I ordered a copy immediately, and I'm damn glad I did, because these fuckers sold out faster than I could've imagined (and rightfully so). This 7" contains the two bonus tracks that came with the ripoff repressing of the "Blackwater Park" CD, which I refused to buy a second time for two more songs that could just as well have been on the original version of the CD. So until now, I had never even heard these excellent tracks. "Still Day Beneath the Sun" is a splendid acoustic track with just guitar and an exceptional vocal performance. I'm talking fucking gorgeous! The harmonies are amazing, the music is emotional and moving, and the track flows perfectly with a memorable chorus to boot. "Patterns in the Ivy II" is also made up mostly of acoustic guitars and vocals, along with some smooth electric lead playing (using sort of a jazz tone). The vocals are mixed farther out front, but an equally awesome performance with great harmonies and highly moving music makes this another keeper. I actually like both of these songs a lot better than most of the tracks that actually made it onto the original "Blackwater Park" release. These were recorded during those same sessions, so of course the production is fine. The record is pressed on marbled gray vinyl with a black and white layout that is very much in line visually with the "Blackwater Park" layout, except for the front cover which is largely black with the two song titles printed at the bottom in a light coat of varnish. Very nice. Fuck Koch Records and their high-priced scams, but huge props to Robotic Empire for getting permission to properly release this fucking incredible 7". (10/10)
Running time - 10:00 (approximately), Tracks: 2
[Notable tracks: both are superb]
Robotic Empire - http://www.roboticempire.com

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