Storm Corrosion [Steven Wilson & Mikael Åkerfeldt] blu-ray audio

Steven Wilson Dolby Atmos Mix • Steven Wilson 5.1 Mix • Instrumentals • Video Content • Release date: 27 September 2024

Steven Wilson and Mikael Åkerfeldt have been two of the most influential and revered artists of the past 30 years. Responsible for inspiring an entire generation of songwriters and musicians, between them Wilson and Åkerfeldt redefined the prog metal genre in the early 21st century, chiefly with Opeth’s 2001 magnum opus Blackwater Park, which Wilson produced, and Porcupine Tree’s 2002 classic In Absentia (the follow up album Deadwing album also featured guest guitar/vocals from
Åkerfeldt). With a shared passion for experimenting, the pair have created some of rock’s most genre bending music of recent years.

Amongst that list is their 2012 eponymous debut collaboration Storm Corrosion. A passion project recorded at Wilson’s No Man’s Land studio in Hertfordshire in the UK, Storm Corrosion surprised fans by serving as a vehicle for the pair to explore their shared love of experimental folk, soundtrack music and the avant-garde, not to mention a nod to their love of artists like Scott Walker, Talk Talk and Ennio Morricone.

Over Storm Corrosion’s 6-track, 48-minute odyssey, listeners are taken through a beautifully sparse, contemplative universe. Åkerfeldt’s deft guitar work embellishes Wilson’s keyboards and hand percussion, Ben Castle’s earthy woodwinds, the occasional drumming of Porcupine Tree’s Gavin Harrison, and strings from the London Session Orchestra, whilst the duo share vocal duties.

Since the release of Storm Corrosion in 2012, both Wilson and Åkerfeldt have gone onto reach new heights. Wilson has released a string of acclaimed solo albums, the last three all reaching the UK top 5 album chart, with 2021’s The Future Bites additionally being nominated for two Grammys. He has also amassed an extensive list of production and remixing credits for the likes of Tears For Fears, The Who, Van Morrison, Black Sabbath and King Crimson among many others.

Similarly, Åkerfeldt sits amongst the highest cohorts of progressive rock and metal royalty, his work with Opeth, Katatonia and Bloodbath alongside appearances on Candlemass, and Ghost records, to name a few, have been instrumental in shaping modern metal.

This new 2024 Blu-ray edition of Storm Corrosion includes high-resolution stereo, Dolby Atmos and 5.1 DTS-HD surround audio mixes (courtesy of Steven Wilson) and instrumental mixes of each track. It also includes a mini album documentary, the promo video for the track ‘Drag Ropes’, alongside two demo versions and an 8-page printed booklet. Additionally a 2015 live recording of ‘Drag Ropes’ from The Royal Albert Hall when Mikael guested at one of Steven’s solo concerts has been newly mixed for this edition.

TECHNICAL NOTES:

This blu-ray audio requires a blu-ray player. Decoding the Dolby Atmos mix requires a Dolby Atmos-certified soundbar or a Dolby Atmos-compatible AV Receiver/Amp. The Dolby Atmos mix will 'fold down' to 5.1 or stereo if a Dolby Atmos decoder is not detected.

Dolby Atmos • 5.1 • Hi-res Stereo • Instrumental Mix

1. Drag Ropes [09:53]
2. Storm Corrosion [10:12]
3. Hag [06:28]
4. Happy [04:53]
5. Lock Howl[06:09]
6. Ljudet Innan [10:20]

HD Video

18. Drag Ropes (promo video) [09:57]
19. Mini Documentary (video) [16:19]

Bonus Stereo Audio

20. Drag Ropes (live at the Royal Albert Hall 28th September 2015) [10:19]
21. Drag Ropes (demo) [09:50]
22. Hag (demo) [08:32]