Perfect pressing with perfect sound. I had the grey edition before, which had weird pressing errors in the last track, but this black one is great.

My copy also has defects on both sides, as previously reported by other collectors, particularly persistent pops near the runouts. Despite being half-speed mastered, this pressing falls short of expectations. I own several half-speed cuts that sound noticeably superior; this one comes across as timid and restrained.

As for the music itself, Steven Wilson delivers a solid effort, well-crafted and immersive in parts, but it doesn’t reach the level of depth and impact found in albums like The Raven That Refused to Sing.

Sounds decent, great dynamics, but a little on the quiet site overall. There is some audible noisefloor and pops at the end of side 1 on mine. Not impressed. The music grows on you. It's not an instant classic.

Mix and mastering is excellent, nice full sounds as well expansive sounding.
What I am getting on my copy is pressing defects at the end of sides, it’s the swishing sound of like something in the grooves.

Musically this will take some spins for me to connect with. I was hoping for more dynamic music rather than the atmospheric type music. Randy McStine is a shining star on this album, such a talented musician.
Overall a very fine album is my initial impression.
Just to note, the runout info on this does not seem right. I don’t believe this is an Optimal pressing, the numbers are not right.

No issue with my copy , very quiet vinyl , nice quality , tones are full and rich but … sound could have been more spatial (3D) and more open , especially on side one where the sound stage is very centered and tiny with respect to side two where it’s a bit larger .
A bit disappointing … when we know how Steve Wilson usually does magic in the studio and knows what sound and recording are about .
Maybe the experience is better with the cd… I don’t know …
Fantastic music anyway and brilliant Randy McStine solo on Cosmic Sons

Wow! What a beautiful pressing! Stunning music...one trip through and I already know this one will be seeing my turntable frequently. Complex, dynamic, amazing performances. Randy McStine's guitar solos are so perfect. The whole mix is classic SW. Optimal did good on this one. I wish all my PT/SW LP's sounded this good, with this quality pressing...sadly, a lot of my early PT are quite noisy. The deep darks of distant space are definitely present here. Just WOW!

Truly beautiful music. BUT. My pressing is quite noisy though, with a seriously large divot in the vinyl at the beginning of the last track, and noise throughout both sides. Very disappointing.

My copy came with a scratch at the start of side one. Almost invisible, but clearly audible. Ordered a replacement. Never had this problem with vinyl from Pallas or record industry. As for the album itself. Sounds great, some beautiful parts, but both titles run into nowhere towards the end.

Mr Wilson explores music and the Comos in this album. Content as you would expect is exemplary and very enjoyable as he goes back again to his more progressive roots. Very enjoyable. My copy has a "Made in " label and the pressing quality is excellent. Even a clean was not required.

Sounds fantastic, as you would expect from any Steven Wilson recording.