Opeth – Still Life

Much better than the 2024 pressing, even though these are freaking picture discs. The mastering is rich and dynamic, and there's very little surface noise. None of the distortion and crackling which is rampant on the 2024 version. This is the best sounding picture disc I've ever heard, beating plenty of regular black or coloured vinyl.

In of playback, the only clue that it's a picture disc is the characteristic "wooshing" in the silent grooves between songs etc, but this is inaudible when there's any kind of music. In fact, even using headphones during the quiet acoustic moments, this is essentially inaudible.

Pretty good sound for a picture disc. On sound alone, I'd give this pressing a 3/5. But the presentation here is absolutely gorgeous. Certainly one of the best looking records in my collection. The cover, lyric sleeves, and picture disc art are stunning. Plus, there's a neat anecdote from Akerfeldt about the album's production in the gatefold.

Side 1 sounds awful, but the remaining three sides are completely fine.

This version just sounds horrible. Don't buy this if you need to actually listen to the music.

Sounds pretty good for a picture disc, nothing extraordinary though. The 5.1 mix from a few years ago is my go to version but is worth it for the artwork and package.