This CD/DVD combo is excellent. I see others complain about the DVD, but I think it is fine at doing what it is supposed to do, give you the show on your screen. Not the most professional, but far from bad. It just shows the performance with some small enhancements at times. I don't believe this was supposed to be a well crafted DVD release, more of a concert CD with a little bonus. I love packages that give you the audio and visual, and this one one is no exception. And for under $20?? C'mon. They could have sold them separately.
The real thing here is the Audio CD. That's why I got it and I will say I love the revised, live versions of the older songs. They sound really crisp and energetic on here, and the band doesn't miss a beat. The sound mix is excellent and the CD cranks! The tracks from the older discs (Viva, Discouraged ones, Last Fair Deal etc..) just make me appreciate that stuff more. Those older discs were great, but the production always seemed to lack something and the Vocal wasn't nearly as good and defined as it has gotten. Seeing this came out after 'Long Cold Distance', it gives those older songs much more life. The band made major strides with that release (gaining many fans as well) and knocked it out of the park with 'Night is the New Day'.
That is what this CD is about. They were revitalized and wanted to give the fans a revamped, live version of the songs that didn't come across nearly as well on the studio discs. But its one live set. A good outdoor festival show from Germany, so its really a cool representation of the band on that tour. No frills and no BS. A great thing for American fans like myself who will probably never get to see them live, and a really great DVD for the price of this package. Don't know why people would expect something more for such a price. The DVD is a BONUS! Its the band playing live from a few different angles. Nothing more, nothing less.
So this is a must have package for newer fans, and for older fans like myself, a good souvenir. Katatonia fans in general should love it and its a great starting place for those looking to go back in the bands catalog.
