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All Music and Lyrics written by Mikael Åkerfeldt Lyrical concept by Mikael Åkerfeldt, dramatic consultation by Klara Rönnqvist Fors Produced by Mikael Åkerfeldt Co-produced by Opeth and Stefan Boman Engineered by Stefan Boman, Joe Jones and Opeth Mixing by Stefan Boman and Mikael Åkerfeldt and Opeth at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe, Stockholm, Sweden Mastering and vinyl lacquer cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road studios, London, UK Strings conducted by Dave Stewart at Angel Studios, London, UK Strings arrangement by Mikael Åkerfeldt and Dave Stewart Drum technicalities by Kit Cunningham Artwork by Travis Smith with directions from Mikael Åkerfeldt OPETH is: Mikael Åkerfeldt – Vocals, guitars Fredrik Åkessson – Guitars, backing vocals Martin Mendez – Bass guitar Waltteri Vayrynen – Drums and percussion Joakim Svalberg – Keyboards, backing vocals Lyrics: All was still (When) I broke the seal In dwindling Winter morning shades I knew a ransom must be paid out Apostasy, a curse on me? The weaker vessel secure under (the) grace of God Matrimonial locks, skeleton key She (would) pursue my gaze on her A dance within a masquerade The servants ransom culled and laid out From hereditary cornucopia This dire desire for wealth The lure of a prosperous well ( I would vow) ”The disfigured child won’t die young The hearts of us all she has won But you must leave here…” Silent curtsy, tearful bliss ”God bless you” ”Carnal shame, a secret treaty The lovers bond”