SMPT:E (THE ROINE STOLT MIXES)

There are so few reviews of this album but should you know that this one is, so far, a better release of the supergroup.

One word...superb! This is far better than the more commercial-oriented mixes released earlier. What really change is the overall sound of the album; A bit less symphonic and a bit more prog rock, if you please. Since it's Stolt's mixes the guitar is getting a little bit upfront and more engaging. No doubt, Roine Stolt is one of the greatest prog guitarist and yet the official release successfully hide that fact behind the wall of keyboard and drums. I'm convinced that this mix is closer to the optimum, if not perfect, sound of this album. This is, evidently, how almost everyone thought that Bridge Across Forever far better than SMPTe, because the latter sounds almost identical to Morse's solo album! However, this mixes has proven otherwise.

This might sound a little bit silly If I would try to convince one who already has the classic version of SMPTe to buy this album because it's better mix. Let me put it this way, if you really wanna know that how mixing influence the overall sound of a certain album. This one if a perfect prove. Better in every aspects. 4.5 Stars. Highly recommend!