View source for The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation

{{short description|Album by Poison the Well}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox album
| name         = The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation
| type         = studio
| artist       = [[Poison the Well (band)|Poison the Well]]
| cover        = Ptw-theoppositeofdecember.JPG
| alt          =
| released     = {{Start date|1999|12|14}}
| recorded     = October 2–10, 1999
| studio       = Studio 13, [[Deerfield Beach, Florida]], United States
| genre        = <!-- Do not alter the genres without adding a source or discussing on the talk page first. The AllMusic sidebar is not a reliable source for genres. -->{{hlist|[[Metalcore]]|[[melodic metalcore]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Delia|first1=Anthony|title=CMJ Magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XY5HXiUDbskC&q=poison+the+well+%22melodic+metalcore%22&pg=PA24-IA2|access-date=27 April 2018|issue=821|publisher=[[CMJ]]|date=7 July 2003}}</ref>}}
| length       = 28:15
| label        = [[Trustkill Records|Trustkill]]
| producer     = {{hlist|Jeremy Staska|Poison the Well}}
| prev_title   = [[Distance Only Makes the Heart Grow Fonder]]
| prev_year    = 1998
| next_title   = [[Tear from the Red]]
| next_year    = 2002
| misc         = {{Extra album cover
| header  = Limited edition cover
| type    = album
| cover   = The Opposite of December A Season of Separation CD Release Show.jpg
| border  =
| alt     =
| caption = ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' limited edition CD Release Show cover.
}}
{{Extra album cover
| header  = 2012 Reissue cover
| type    = album
| cover   = The Opposite of December-Tear from the Red Reissue.jpg
| border  =
| alt     =
| caption = ''The Opposite of December / Tear from the Red'' 2012 reissue cover.
}}
{{Extra album cover
| header  = 20th Anniversary Reissue cover
| type    = album
| cover   = The Opposite of December A Season of Separation 20th Anniversary.jpg
| border  =
| alt     =
| caption = ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' 20th Anniversary reissue cover.
}}
}}
'''''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation''''' is the debut full-length album by American [[metalcore]] band [[Poison the Well (band)|Poison the Well]]. It was released on December 14, 1999. Influential in the early popularization of [[metalcore]] around the turn of the 21st century, the album was the band's first on [[Trustkill Records]] and is now recognized as a landmark album in the genre due to its quality and influence.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-08-20/this-is-hardcore-poison-the-well-the-opposite-of-december|title=This Is Hardcore: Poison The Well - The Opposite of December|date=August 20, 2015|work=TeamRock|access-date=September 28, 2017}}</ref> The album was the band's first release to appear on ''[[CMJ]]''<nowiki/>'s charts, reaching number nine on the Loud Rock chart in May 2000.<ref name=":9">{{Cite book|last=Inc|first=CMJ Network|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EoowCBYogmUC&q=poison|title=CMJ New Music Report|date=2000-05-22|publisher=CMJ Network, Inc.|language=en}}</ref> It had sold 30,000 copies by 2002.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2006 |title=Poison the Well Brace For Impact |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/poison_well_brace_for_impact |website=[[Exclaim!]]}}</ref> The release received numerous reissues on various formats over the years through such record labels as [[Good Life Recordings]], [[Roadrunner Records]], [[Shock Records]] and [[Rise Records]] and was digitally remastered in 2012.<ref name=":03" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":05" />
In promotion of the album, Poison the Well toured the United States several times between December 1999 and September 2001 and also performed a handful of shows in Canada and Belgium.<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=PTW, Martyr, God Forbid, Unearth tour|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/827/PTW-Martyr-God-Forbid-Unearth-tour|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref> The bands that accompanied Poison the Well on these tours include [[Stretch Arm Strong]], [[Twelve Tribes (band)|Twelve Tribes]], [[This Day Forward]], [[Brother's Keeper (band)|Brother's Keeper]], [[NORA (band)|NORA]], [[Martyr A.D.]], [[Candiria]], [[Origin (band)|Origin]], [[Cryptopsy]], [[Codeseven]], [[Love Lost But Not Forgotten|Love Lost but Not Forgotten]], [[Cataract (band)|Cataract]], [[Curl Up and Die]], [[Eighteen Visions]], [[Unearth]], [[God Forbid]] and [[From Autumn to Ashes]].<ref name=":22" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Search for setlists: tour:(The Pain Cometh Tour) {{!}} setlist.fm|url=https://www.setlist.fm/search?artist=bd681ca&query=tour:(The+Pain+Cometh+Tour)|access-date=2021-03-13|website=www.setlist.fm}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well & Candiria tour|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/589/Poison-The-Well-and-Candiria-tour|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref> Poison the Well also performed at notable festivals like [[CMJ|CMJ MusicFest Marathon]], in Manhattan, New York, [[Hellfest (American music festival)|Hellfest]] in Syracuse, New York (in both 2000 and 2001), [[Krazy Fest]] in Louisville, Kentucky, Gainesvillefest in Gainesville, Florida, Monster Fest in Burlington, Vermont, Mixed Messages in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Board Festival in Boston, Massachusetts, Fantasy Festival in Miami, Florida, and Good Life Summer Festival in Waregem, Belgium.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":13" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite web|last=Verhaeghe|first=Edward|date=June 27, 2001|title=Good Life Recordings Summer Fest|url=http://www.goodliferecordings.com/html/summerfest.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010627075323/http://www.goodliferecordings.com/html/summerfest.php|archive-date=June 27, 2001|access-date=March 17, 2001|website=[[Good Life Recordings]]}}</ref>
''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation''<nowiki/>'s recording session and following promotional tours featured a great deal of member changes for Poison the Well. The album was recorded with vocalist Jeffrey Moreira, bassist [[Alan Landsman]], drummer [[Chris Hornbrook|Christopher Hornbrook]] and guitarists [[Ryan Primack]] and Derek Miller. Former vocalists Duane Hosein and Aryeh Lehrer were both invited to provide backing vocals on a song. Primack quit immediately after the recording was completed and was briefly replaced by José Martinez. During the ensuing tours, Landsman was replaced by a slew of bassists including Michael Gordillo, Javier Van Huss, Albert and finally Iano Dovi, the last of which remained with the band to record their follow-up ''[[Tear from the Red]]''. Miller was unable to consistently tour due to school obligations and was periodically substituted by Michael Peters and Matthew Tackett. Moreira also suffered a [[pneumothorax]] on the final promotional tour, leading [[Francis Mark]] to sing at several shows.
== Recording ==
Poison the Well recorded the album from October 2–10, 1999, with producer Jeremy Staska at Studio 13 in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The album was recorded with vocalist Jeffrey Moreira, bassist [[Alan Landsman]], drummer [[Chris Hornbrook|Christopher Hornbrook]] and guitarists [[Ryan Primack]] and Derek Miller.<ref name="bookletTheOppositeofDecember" /> The band invited former vocalists Duane Hosein and Aryeh Lehrer to provide backing vocals on the song "Not Within Arms Length", the lyrics of which had been written by Hosein before he left the band in 1998. Immediately after the recording session, lead guitarist Primack quit the band (for the second time) and was replaced by José Martinez.
''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' was initially scheduled to be released solely by Good Life Recordings but the band gained the attention of New Jersey–based record label Trustkill Records, who quickly signed them to a three-release deal (two albums plus one extended play) less than a week after the record was completed.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grabelle|first=Josh|date=October 18, 1999|title=Poison The Well joins the Trustkill family|url=http://www.trustkill.com/newinfo.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991114063341/http://www.trustkill.com/newinfo.html|archive-date=November 14, 1999|access-date=March 4, 2021|website=[[Trustkill Records]]}}</ref> Good Life Recordings retained permission to release the 12" vinyl version of the album, while Trustkill Records released the compact disc version on December 14, 1999.
Primack returned in time for the album release show on December 11, 1999, at Club Q in Davie, Florida, where the band performed with [[Where Fear and Weapons Meet]], Brethren, Red Roses for a Blue Lady, 32/40 and Cho.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 3, 1999|title=South Florida Hardcore Show Dates|url=http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Ring/2872/showdates.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991104144031/http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Ring/2872/showdates.html|archive-date=November 4, 1999|access-date=March 9, 2021|website=South Florida Hardcore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=McHale|first=John|date=August 14, 2017|title=1999|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BXyKOFTA1g5W6nC6JlWx3YAG6WPUfXlyp94G-A0/|access-date=2021-03-09|website=Instagram}}</ref> The band had received the discs from Trustkill Records in time for the release show, but not the artwork or jewel cases. So the band photocopied a special insert labeled the "CD Release Show" edition which was limited to 50 copies.<ref>{{Citation|title=Poison The Well – The Opposite of December (1999, CD)|url=https://www.discogs.com/Poison-The-Well-The-Opposite-of-December/release/14431524|language=en|access-date=2021-03-09}}</ref>
== Release and packaging ==
Trustkill Records released the [[compact disc]] edition on December 14, 1999, under the catalog number TK27. The artwork and layout was designed by [[Converge (band)|Converge]] vocalist [[Jacob Bannon]] through his graphic design company Atomic! Information Design. The original compact disc release from December 1999 did not feature a barcode on the back cover. It was not until a March 2002 repress that Trustkill Records began adding a barcode to the upper left corner of the back artwork and also on a sealant sticker on the top spine of the jewel case.
Good Life Recordings issued a 12" vinyl version in March 2000 under the catalog number GL052.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=July 14, 2001|title=POISON THE WELL - The opposite of december...a season of {{sic|sep|eration|nolink=y}}|url=http://www.goodliferecordings.com/html/disco_result.php?catalog_id=GL052|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010714060741/http://www.goodliferecordings.com/html/disco_result.php?catalog_id=GL052|archive-date=July 14, 2001|access-date=2021-03-11|website=[[Good Life Recordings]]}}</ref> The vinyl pressing was available on a choice of blue vinyl (limited to 300 copies) and black vinyl (limited to 1000 copies).<ref name=":1" /> The blue vinyl was repressed in late 2001 (also limited to 300 copies) at the same time as a repress of ''Distance Only Makes the Heart Grow Fonder''; the second pressing was slightly darker than the first.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 13, 2002|title=POISON THE WELL - The opposite of december...a season of {{sic|sep|eration|nolink=y}}|url=http://www.goodliferecordings.com/html/disco_result.php?catalog_id=GL052|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020113194848/http://www.goodliferecordings.com/html/disco_result.php?catalog_id=GL052|archive-date=January 13, 2002|access-date=2021-03-11|website=[[Good Life Recordings]]}}</ref>
In August 2004, Trustkill Records signed a deal with [[Roadrunner Records]] for a selection of their releases to be reissued in foreign markets such as the United Kingdom and Europe.<ref name=":05">{{Cite web|date=September 20, 2004|title=Poison the Well|url=http://roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/artists/PoisonTheWell/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041211215453/http://roadrunnerrecords.co.uk/artists/PoisonTheWell/|archive-date=December 11, 2004|access-date=February 17, 2021|website=[[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner Records UK]]}}</ref> Through this licensing deal, Poison the Well's ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' was finally made available locally for those regions. The album was re-released in France, Germany and the Netherlands on October 11, 2004<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 7, 2005|title=ROADRUNNER RECORDS FRANCE - NOUVELLES SORTIES|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.fr/sorties.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050107202100/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.fr/sorties.htm|archive-date=January 7, 2005|access-date=February 17, 2021|website=[[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner Records France]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2004-12-04|title=ROADRUNNER MUSIC|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.de/newreleases/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041204064944/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.de/newreleases/|archive-date=December 4, 2004|access-date=February 17, 2021|website=[[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner Records Germany]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2004-12-06|title=ROADRUNNER MUSIC|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.nl/newreleases/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041206065450/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.nl/newreleases/|archive-date=December 6, 2004|access-date=February 17, 2021|website=[[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner Records Netherlands]]}}</ref> and in the United Kingdom on October 25, 2004 under catalog number RR8222.<ref name=":05" />
In early 2007, Trustkill Records signed a deal with [[Shock Records]] for a selection of their past releases to be distributed in Australasia.<ref name=":04">{{Cite web|last=Janes|first=Tim|date=May 25, 2007|title=Trustkill Joins the Shock Family|url=http://www.shock.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=525|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724082929/http://www.shock.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=525|archive-date=July 24, 2008|access-date=March 11, 2021|website=[[Shock Records]]}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite web|last=Grabelle|first=Josh|date=June 18, 2007|title=Exclusive distribution deal with Shock Records|url=http://www.trustkill.com.au/label/news/index.php?page=5|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080816072348/http://www.trustkill.com.au/label/news/index.php?page=5|archive-date=August 16, 2008|access-date=March 11, 2021|website=[[Trustkill Records]]}}</ref> Through this distribution deal, ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' was finally made available locally in Australia and New Zealand. The distribution deal originally had Trustkill Records ship a container of already-pressed compact discs to Shock Records for retail marketing through their chain of stores. These American-made compact discs were released to the Australasia market on June 2, 2007 and were identical to the ones sold in the United States.<ref name=":04" /><ref name=":12" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=June 2, 2007|title=Poison The Well - The Opposite Of December|url=http://shock.com.au/default.aspx?s=releasedisplay&artistid=9903&releaseid=32381|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912053050/http://shock.com.au/default.aspx?s=releasedisplay&artistid=9903&releaseid=32381|archive-date=September 12, 2007|access-date=March 11, 2021|website=[[Shock Records]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=June 2, 2007|title=Poison The Well - Tear From The Red|url=http://shock.com.au/default.aspx?s=releasedisplay&artistid=9903&releaseid=32371|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912052821/http://shock.com.au/default.aspx?s=releasedisplay&artistid=9903&releaseid=32371|archive-date=September 12, 2007|access-date=March 11, 2021|website=[[Shock Records]]}}</ref> After quickly selling out of the American-made discs, Shock Records began repressing the release directly in Australia as part of the label's series ''2 CDs For The Price Of 1''. ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' and ''Tear from the Red'' were each pressed in separate jewel cases, baring no barcodes on their back covers and both using the same catalog number TK24103. The two jewel cases were packaged together in a slipcase which contained the barcode for retail stores and the catalog number TK24103. The double-disc release was sold as a single unit starting on February 16, 2008. Shock Records simultaneously released seven other packages as part of their ''2 CDs For The Price Of 1'' series, for Trustkill Records' [[Terror (band)|Terror]], [[Hopesfall]], Throwdown, Walls of Jericho, [[Most Precious Blood (band)|Most Precious Blood]] and [[Bleeding Through]].
On March 25, 2008, Trustkill Records re-released ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' and ''Tear from the Red'' in a special double-LP gatefold packaging under catalog number TK110.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Grabelle|first=Josh|date=March 25, 2008|title=Poison The Well "Opposite Of December / Tear From The Red" 12" LPx2|url=http://www.trustkill.com/webstore/music.php?id=927|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218041808/http://www.trustkill.com/webstore/music.php?id=927|archive-date=December 18, 2008|access-date=March 10, 2021|website=[[Trustkill Records]]}}</ref> Each side of the gatefold cover featured the front artwork of each album (''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' on the front and ''Tear from the Red'' on the back). The release was pressed on a choice of blue and red vinyl (limited to 331 copies), white and yellow vinyl (limited to 336 copies), and white and pink vinyl (limited to 661 copies).<ref name=":0" /> Trustkill Records simultaneously re-released two other double-LP packages from its past roster: [[Throwdown (band)|Throwdown]]'s ''Haymaker / Vendetta'' and [[Walls of Jericho (band)|Walls of Jericho]]'s ''With Devils Amongst Us All / All Hail the Dead''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-04-19|title=Trustkill Records - Complete Discography|url=http://www.trustkill.com.au/discography/|access-date=2021-03-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080419053234/http://www.trustkill.com.au/discography/|archive-date=April 19, 2008}}</ref>
In 2011, [[Sumerian Records]] attempted to purchase a license to reissue ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' and ''Tear from the Red'' from Trustkill Records but was unsuccessful.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ash Avildsen (Sumerian Records) interview {{!}} Lambgoat|url=https://lambgoat.com/features/interviews/153/Ash-Avildsen-Sumerian-Records-interview|access-date=2021-03-10|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well teases news|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/18200/Poison-The-Well-teases-news|access-date=2021-03-10|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref> On May 4, 2012, it was revealed that [[Rise Records]] had secured the rights to the reissues and would be releasing them in the summer of 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well re-releases officially announced|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/18258/Poison-The-Well-re-releases-officially-announced|access-date=2021-03-10|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref><ref name=":03">{{Cite web|date=May 4, 2012|title=Rise Records and Poison the Well are proud to announce the re-release of The Opposite of December and Tear From The Red.|url=http://www.riserecords.com/index3.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414003135/http://www.riserecords.com/index3.htm|archive-date=April 14, 2012|access-date=March 10, 2021|website=[[Rise Records]]}}</ref> Unlike Trustkill Records' 2008 gatefold vinyl repress, Rise Records went to the extent of having all of the audio content remastered and designing a new artwork and layout.<ref name=":03" /> The two albums were digitally remastered by Will Putney at The Machine Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey, while the artwork was adapted by merging the two releases' original artworks together. After some delay, Rise Records reissued the 19-song, double-release compilation ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation / Tear from the Red'' on November 20, 2012 as catalog number RR176.<ref>{{cite web|last=Yancey|first=Bryne|date=May 4, 2012|title=Rise Records to reissue two Poison The Well albums|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/rise_records_to_reissue_two_poison_the_well_albums|access-date=May 4, 2012|work=[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well reissues set for release|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/19170/Poison-The-Well-reissues-set-for-release|access-date=2021-03-10|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref> The set was offered in a single compact disc edition packaged in a digipak, a double-LP edition packaged in a gatefold sleeve and digitally through streaming and downloading.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well Re-issue Opposite of December and Tear From The Red through Rise Records – Heavy Blog Is Heavy|url=https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2012/11/20/poison-the-well-re-issue-opposite-of-december-and-tear-from-the-red-through-rise-records/|access-date=2021-03-07|website=www.heavyblogisheavy.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Kraus|first=Brian|date=2012-11-25|title=Poison The Well remastered reissues streaming|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/poison_the_well_remastered_reissues_streaming/|access-date=2021-03-07|website=Alternative Press|language=en-US}}</ref> The double LP was originally offered on a choice of transparent blue swirl and transparent red swirl (limited to 500 copies), or clear (limited to 1500 copies) vinyl color. A second pressing was done on blue and red starburst colored vinyl (limited to 1000 copies). Rise Records also printed limited edition t-shirts, hoodies and posters in promotion of the reissue.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 22, 2012|title=Poison the Well|url=http://www.riserecords.merchnow.com/catalogs/poison-the-well|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022222637/riserecords.merchnow.com/catalogs/poison-the-well|archive-date=October 22, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2021|website=[[Rise Records]]}}</ref>
On January 18, 2020, Poison the Well performed a 20th Anniversary concert in celebration of their debut album ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation.''<ref>{{Cite web|title=POISON THE WELL to Perform 'The Opposite Of December' at January Show|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/32339/Poison-The-Well-announce-anniversary-show-for-debut-LP|access-date=2021-03-07|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref> The event took place at the [[El Rey Theatre (Los Angeles)|El Rey Theater]] in Los Angeles, California where the band performed a selection of eight songs from their past releases, followed by ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' in its entirety.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison the Well Setlist at El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/poison-the-well/2020/el-rey-theatre-los-angeles-ca-6b9b5e0a.html|access-date=2021-03-07|website=setlist.fm|language=en}}</ref> The band also re-pressed their debut album on limited edition transparent blue and marbled blue colored vinyl, featuring a revised layout, an expanded commemorative booklet and new liner notes designed by [[Touché Amoré]] guitarist Nick Steinhardt.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-14|title=Poison The Well To Release 20th Anniversary Edition Of 'The Opposite Of December"|url=https://www.theprp.com/2019/12/14/news/poison-the-well-to-release-20th-anniversary-edition-of-the-opposite-of-december/|access-date=2021-03-07|website=Theprp.com|language=en-US}}</ref> Several mistakes were made while designing the commemorative booklet, such as writing that the album had originally been released on December 14, 2000 (a whole year later than it actually was) and using low-resolution pictures and flyers directly from [[Instagram]] and [[Discogs]], at times from shows that were played on tours outside the promotion of the album (shows from before the album was released or from tours promoting later releases).<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 12, 2020|title=The Opposite of December|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B9pZniNq9lg/|access-date=2021-03-27|website=Instagram}}</ref> Steinhardt also designed exclusive t-shirts, long sleeve shirts and hoodies for sale at the 20th Anniversary show and as bundles for online orders.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|title=Facebook|url=https://www.facebook.com/poisonthewell/photos/a.753999354649167/2518586151523803/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/235454609836980/2518586151523803 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|access-date=2021-03-07|website=www.facebook.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The band had anticipated having the vinyl ready in time for their concert but due to pressing plant delays, it was only released on February 21, 2020.<ref name=":11" />
== Promotion ==
Poison the Well toured vigorously in 2000 to promote their debut album. The band embarked on a local Florida tour with Red Roses for a Blue Lady in late October 1999, followed by an East Coast United States tour with [[Stretch Arm Strong]] from December 1999 to January 2000. They also played at festivals like Fantasy Festival in Miami, Florida, Mixed Messages in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and [[Hellfest (American music festival)|Hellfest]] in Syracuse, New York<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|title=Poison the Well Setlist at Hellfest 2000|url=https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/poison-the-well/2000/club-mirage-east-syracuse-ny-bf76d6a.html|access-date=2021-02-22|website=setlist.fm|language=en}}</ref> The band's Hellfest 2K performance was professionally filmed and three songs ("Slice Paper Wrists", "Nerdy" and "Artist's Rendering of Me") were used on Trustkill Records' VHS and DVD ''[[Hellfest (American music festival)#Hellfest Syracuse, NY - Summer 2000: The Official Documentary|Hellfest Syracuse, NY - Summer 2000: The Official Documentary]]'', released on June 12, 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grabelle|first=Josh|date=June 26, 2001|title=Hellfest 2000 VHS/DVD is in stores now.|url=http://www.trustkill.com/home/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010628215723/http://www.trustkill.com/home/|archive-date=June 28, 2001|access-date=September 23, 2020|website=[[Trustkill Records]]}}</ref> The home video also included interviews with Poison the Well and a live performance by metalcore band [[NORA (band)|NORA]] with whom Primack had played in place of their absent guitarist.<ref>{{Citation|title=Hellfest 2000 The Official DVD Documentary (2001)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbi4_iHts-w |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/tbi4_iHts-w |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-03-15}}{{cbignore}}</ref> ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation'' was sent in to ''[[CMJ]]'' in February 2000 and was added to the Loud Rock chart in late April 2000.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Inc|first=CMJ Network|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4gMQjQ5CbgcC&q=poison|title=CMJ New Music Report|date=2000-03-06|publisher=CMJ Network, Inc.|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Inc|first=CMJ Network|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dYpE74wlZyoC&q=poison|title=CMJ New Music Report|date=2000-04-24|publisher=CMJ Network, Inc.|language=en}}</ref> It reached number 9 on the Loud Rock chart in May 2000.<ref name=":9" />
The band also toured with Twelve Tribes, who was promoting its new extended play ''Instruments'', which featured guest vocals from Moreira on the song "Milk And Mice Pocketknife". The Broken Hearts and Broken Vans – Summer Tour 2000 trip took them across the entire United States, from the Southeast, up the Northeast through the Midwest, covering Central and Southern America, and finally the Westcoast, from June to August 2000.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Search for setlists: tour:(Broken Hearts and Broken Vans - Summer Tour 2000) {{!}} setlist.fm|url=https://www.setlist.fm/search?artist=33d7dca5&query=tour:(Broken+Hearts+and+Broken+Vans+-+Summer+Tour+2000)|access-date=2021-03-10|website=www.setlist.fm}}</ref> [[This Day Forward]] briefly joined the tour for one of the legs.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2000-06-05|title=Shows|url=http://www.breakeven.org/network/listings.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-27|website=Break Even Records|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000605131657/http://www.breakeven.org/network/listings.html|archive-date=June 5, 2000}}</ref> During this tour, Poison the Well opened their shows by performing a snippet of a Metallica cover of "...And Justice for All". Poison the Well and Twelve Tribes were scheduled to play a few Canadian dates as part of the tour at the end of June 2000 but due to lack of paperwork, they were denied entry.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Derek|date=January 11, 2001|title=Blame Canada|url=http://poisonthewell.wavez.net/news/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010124051600/http://poisonthewell.wavez.net/news/|archive-date=January 24, 2001|access-date=March 9, 2021|website=Poison the Well}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web|last=Chico Mak|first=Andy|date=August 20, 2019|title=Montreal Hardcore Shows|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BwejoODA9GR/|access-date=2021-03-09|website=Instagram}}</ref> Rhythm guitarist Miller was unable to participate in the summer tour so former Twelve Tribes bassist Matthew Tackett filled in during those three months. One highlight event, a radio show performed on June 26 in Boston, Massachusetts, was recorded; two songs from that broadcast were later used as bonus tracks on [[Undecided Records]]' re-issue of ''[[Distance Only Makes the Heart Grow Fonder]]'' in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UNDECIDED RECORDS NEWS|url=http://www.undecidedrecords.com/news.html|access-date=2021-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010128120500/http://www.undecidedrecords.com/news.html|archive-date=January 28, 2001}}</ref>
Bassist Landsman was kicked out of the band in September 2000 and was replaced by Michael Gordillo who continued to tour with the band in promotion of ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation''. On October 20, 2000, Poison the Well performed at the Downtime in Manhattan, New York.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well's new bassist|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/222/Poison-The-Wells-new-bassist|access-date=2021-03-08|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web|date=October 19, 2000|title=CMJ Music Marathon Schedule|url=http://www.cmj.com/marathon/mmvenues.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001109022000/http://www.cmj.com/marathon/mmvenues.php|archive-date=November 9, 2000|access-date=March 8, 2021|website=[[CMJ]]}}</ref> The performance was part of [[CMJ|CMJ MusicFest Marathon]] and also featured [[E.Town Concrete]], [[Diecast (band)|Diecast]], [[Drowningman]], [[Vision of Disorder]], [[Embodyment]], [[Boiler Room (band)|Boiler Room]], Colepitz and Lyna.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well to play festival|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/159/Poison-The-Well-to-play-festival|access-date=2021-03-08|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref><ref name=":13" /> Prior to playing the CMJ event, the band conducted an exclusive live interview on [[Seton Hall University]]'s radio station [[WSOU]] in South Orange, New Jersey.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well live interview|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/239/Poison-The-Well-live-interview|access-date=2021-03-08|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref>
In November 2000, Poison the Well toured the East Coast with fellow Trustkill Records roster artists [[Brother's Keeper (band)|Brother's Keeper]] and [[NORA (band)|NORA]]. As rhythm guitarist Miller was obligated to finish his school semester, guitarist Michael Peters took his place for the first leg of the tour. The tour passed through Florida for a show at Gainesvillefest in December 2000, where Miller returned, and picked up again with [[Martyr A.D.|Martyr]] joining for Southern, Midwest and Canadian dates through January 2001. Poison the Well was however denied entry into Canada, for the second time, again to due lack of necessary paperwork; the band quickly booked replacement shows in the Midwest.<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":17" />
Poison the Well continued touring for most of 2001 in promotion of ''The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation''. They performed at the Board Festival in Boston, Massachusetts, Hellfest in East Syracuse, New York, Monster Fest in Burlington, Vermont, and [[Krazy Fest|Krazy Fest 4]] in Louisville, Kentucky,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Festival w/ Glassjaw, Poison The Well, etc.|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/382/Festival-w--Glassjaw-Poison-The-Well-etc|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well news & notes|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/727/Poison-The-Well-news-and-notes|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well summer tour|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/757/Poison-The-Well-summer-tour|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref> They were also scheduled to play the [[New England Metal and Hardcore Festival]] in Worcester, Massachusetts, but had to cancel due to touring conflicts as the band was due to be on the west coast at that time<ref>{{Cite web|title=PTW to miss NE Metal Festival|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/594/PTW-to-miss-NE-Metal-Festival|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref> Poison the Well had also booked an Asian tour for March 2001, with dates in China and Japan, but due to trouble with the booking agency, the entire trip was cancelled.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well album & tours|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/309/Poison-The-Well-album-and-tours|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well news & notes|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/525/Poison-The-Well-news-and-notes|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref>
In February 2001, Gordillo departed; a month later he was replaced by California-based bassist Javier Van Huss, formerly of the bands [[Enewetak (band)|Enewetak]], [[Eighteen Visions]], [[Throwdown (band)|Throwdown]], Breakneck, [[Bleeding Through]] and Wrench. From mid-March to mid-April 2001, Poison the Well toured with [[Candiria]], [[Origin (band)|Origin]] and [[Cryptopsy]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well & Candiria tour|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/589/Poison-The-Well-and-Candiria-tour|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref>  The month-long The Pain Cometh Tour took the bands across the entire United States from the Northeast, through the Midwest, the South, Central, the Westcoast and the Northwest.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 19, 2001|title=The Pain Cometh Tour|url=http://www.trustkill.com/thewell/news/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011220152607/http://www.trustkill.com/thewell/news/index.html|archive-date=December 20, 2001|access-date=March 13, 2021|website=Poison the Well}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Search for setlists: tour:(The Pain Cometh Tour) {{!}} setlist.fm|url=https://www.setlist.fm/search?artist=bd681ca&query=tour:(The+Pain+Cometh+Tour)|access-date=2021-03-13|website=www.setlist.fm}}</ref> Van Huss left Poison the Well immediately after the tour and the band dropped him off in Orange County, California before making their way back home to Florida. Van Huss went on to play in the bands The Mistake, Black Knot, Extricate, Forwarned and Hurricanrana. Albert joined as Poison the Well's new bassist.
From May through June 2001, Poison the Well mainly played local shows and weekend trips along the east coast with bands like Until the End (which had since then also kicked out vocalist Landsman) and Glasseater.<ref name=":22" /> From late June to early July 2001, the band embarked on a mini-tour with [[Codeseven]] and [[Love Lost But Not Forgotten|Love Lost but Not Forgotten]], followed by a few dates with [[Cataract (band)|Cataract]], [[Curl Up and Die]] and [[Eighteen Visions]] surrounding their appearance at [[Hellfest (American music festival)#July 6%E2%80%938, 2001: Hellfest 2001|Hellfest 2001]].<ref name=":22" />
In late July 2001, the band played three shows in Belgium, their first time performing in Europe.<ref name=":8" /> Poison the Well headlined both nights of the Good Life Summer Festival in [[Waregem]], Belgium, followed by a single show in [[Koksijde]], Belgium<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 10, 2019|title=Good Life Summer Fest 2001|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B0_HUMjA1MX/|access-date=March 12, 2021|website=Backside Records}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Grabelle|first=Josh|date=June 29, 2001|title=Poison the Well Tour|url=http://www.trustkill.com/bands/tours/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010629131214/http://www.trustkill.com/bands/tours/|archive-date=June 29, 2001|access-date=March 12, 2021|website=[[Trustkill Records]]}}</ref> The band had originally hopped to do a full European tour but due to previous engagements, notably playing [[Krazy Fest|Krazy Fest 4]] at the end of July, they were only able to commit to three dates, doing so as a personal favor to Good Life Recordings owner Edward Verhaeghe, who had already released two of their releases. Albert left Poison the Well at the end of July 2001 after performing at Krazy Fest.
Bassist Iano Dovi, formerly of the band Pintsize, joined in August 2001, just in time for a two-week tour with [[Unearth]], [[God Forbid]] and [[Martyr A.D.|Martyr AD]] across Canada, the Northeast and the Midwest.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well news and notes|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/894/Poison-The-Well-news-and-notes|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PTW, Martyr, God Forbid, Unearth tour|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/827/PTW-Martyr-God-Forbid-Unearth-tour|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PTW, Martyr, etc. tour taking shape|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/843/PTW-Martyr-etc.-tour-taking-shape|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref> The tour started out positively, with Trustkill Records ensuring that all of the bands had the proper paperwork to enter Canada legally. After playing their second show in Canada, at Salle X in Montreal, Quebec, Poison the Well's van was broken into and all of their guitars, basses and parts of the drums were stolen.<ref name=":242">{{Cite web|title=Poison The Well theft. Please help.|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/869/Poison-The-Well-theft.-Please-help|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref><ref name=":232">{{Cite web|last=Grabelle|first=Josh|date=August 29, 2001|title=Blame Canada|url=http://www.trustkill.com/news/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011102161641/http://www.trustkill.com/news/|archive-date=November 2, 2001|access-date=March 12, 2021|website=[[Trustkill Records]]}}</ref> Moreira was so distraught by the theft that he engaged in a screaming fit in the parking lot of Salle X, damaging his throat, which worsened into pneumonia over the next two weeks on the road.<ref name=":232" /><ref name=":252">{{Cite web|title=PTW singer sick w/ pneumonia|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/860/PTW-singer-sick-w--pneumonia|access-date=2021-03-12|website=lambgoat.com}}</ref> After regrouping, the band made arrangements with members of the other bands on the tour to borrow their equipment each night to play shows.<ref name=":242" />
Before the band could drive out of Montreal, their van's transmission died and Poison the Well was forced to stay behind while Unearth, God Forbid and Martyr AD played the rest of the Canadian dates.<ref name=":232" /> Poison the Well was only able to rejoin the tour four days later in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.<ref name=":232" /> Starting on September 2, 2001, [[From Autumn to Ashes]] joined the tour. That night, the bands performed at [[CBGB|CBGB's]] for From Autumn to Ashes' [[Too Bad You're Beautiful]] album-release show. By the end of the tour, Moreira's voice was nearly extinct so From Autumn to Ashes' [[Francis Mark]] filled in, supported by members from the touring bands and local opening acts like Ken Susi from Unearth, Joe Sudrovic from [[From a Second Story Window|From A Second Story Window]], Benjamin Perri from From Autumn to Ashes and Charles Johnson from Martyr AD.<ref>{{Citation|title=Poison The Well live September 5th 2001 Blind Lemon, Cleveland, OH (rear angle)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTR_o_YCuqc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/MTR_o_YCuqc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-03-14}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Poison The Well live September 5th 2001 Blind Lemon, Cleveland, OH|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTKwJqH_Syk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/NTKwJqH_Syk |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=2021-03-14}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Upon returning home on September 6, 2001, Moreira was rushed to the hospital where he was treated for a collapsed lung, motivating him to quit smoking cigarettes.<ref name=":232" /><ref name=":252" />
== Reception ==
{{Album ratings
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r459890}}</ref>
| noprose = yes
}}
=== Accolades ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Year
!'''Nominator'''
!Accolade
!Result
|-
|2002
|[[Revolver (magazine)|''Revolver'']]
|"Top 69 Hard Rock Albums of All Time"
|'''#50'''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Revolver Magazine|url=http://www.trustkill.com/news/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-18|website=[[Trustkill Records]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031224082935/http://www.trustkill.com/news/|archive-date=December 24, 2003}}</ref>
|-
|2018
|[[Kerrang!|''Kerrang! Magazine'']]
|"The 21 Best US Metalcore Albums of All Time"
|'''#4'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/the-21-best-us-metalcore-albums-of-all-time/|title=The 21 Best U.S. Metalcore Albums Of All Time|website=Kerrang!|access-date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>
|-
|2018
|''[[Loudwire]]''
|"25 Best Metalcore Albums of All Time"
|'''#2'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/best-metalcore-albums-all-time/|title=25 Best Metalcore Albums of All Time|last=Hill|first=John|website=Loudwire|language=en|access-date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>
|-
|2019
|[[BrooklynVegan|''Brooklyn Vegan'']]
|"15 '90s Metalcore Albums That Still Resonate Today"
|'''#15'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/15-90s-metalcore-albums-that-still-resonate-today/|title=15 '90s metalcore albums that still resonate today|website=BrooklynVegan|language=en-US|access-date=April 8, 2020}}</ref>
|}
* [[Noise Creep]] Poison the Well's Ryan Primack Flattered by ''The Opposite of December'' being considered a landmark album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noisecreep.com/poison-the-wells-ryan-primack-is-flattered-by-the-opposite-of/The|title=The 10 Years Interview — "Creep Show'|website=Noisecreep|access-date=October 9, 2018}}</ref>
* Punktastic "Back on Deck: Poison the Well – 'The Opposite of December'".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.punktastic.com/radar/back-on-the-deck-poison-the-well-the-opposite-of-december/|title=Back on the Deck: Poison The Well – 'The Opposite Of December'|website=www.punktastic.com|access-date=October 9, 2018}}</ref>
* Kill The Music "Retrospective: Poison The Well - The Opposite of December".<ref>{{cite web|title=Back on the Deck: Retrospective: Poison The Well - The Opposite of December|url=https://killthemusic.net/blog/retrospective-poison-the-well-the-opposite-of-december/|access-date=April 22, 2019|website=Kill the Music}}</ref>
==Track listing==
Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.<ref name="bookletTheOppositeofDecember">{{cite book|title=The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation ''liner notes''|year=1999|publisher=[[Trustkill Records]]}}</ref>
{{tracklist
| title1       = 12/23/93
| lyrics1      = {{hlist|[[Jeffrey Moreira|Moreira]]}}
| music1       = {{hlist|[[Ryan Primack|Primack]]|[[Chris Hornbrook|Hornbrook]]|Derek Miller}}
| length1      = 3:07
| title2       = A Wish for Wings That Work
| lyrics2      = {{hlist|Moreira}}
| music2       = {{hlist|Primack|Hornbrook|Miller}}
| length2      = 3:33
| title3       = Artist's Rendering of Me
| lyrics3      = {{hlist|Moreira}}
| music3       = {{hlist|Primack|Hornbrook}}
| length3      = 3:20
| title4       = Slice Paper Wrists
| lyrics4      = {{hlist|Moreira}}
| music4       = {{hlist|Primack|Hornbrook|Miller}}
| length4      = 3:56
| title5       = Nerdy
| lyrics5      = {{hlist|Moreira}}
| music5       = {{hlist|Primack|Hornbrook|Miller}}
| length5      = 2:44
| title6       = To Mandate Heaven
| lyrics6      = {{hlist|Moreira}}
| music6       = {{hlist|Primack|Hornbrook|Miller}}
| length6      = 2:40
| title7       = Not Within Arms Length
| lyrics7      = {{hlist|[[Duane Hosein|Hosein]]}}
| music7       = {{hlist|Primack|Hornbrook|Miller}}
| length7      = 2:27
| title8       = Mid Air Love Message
| lyrics8      = {{hlist|Moreira}}
| music8       = {{hlist|Primack|Hornbrook|Miller}}
| length8      = 3:09
| title9       = My Mirror No Longer Reflects
| lyrics9      = {{hlist|Moreira}}
| music9       = {{hlist|Primack|Hornbrook|Miller}}
| length9      = 3:19
| total_length = 28:15
}}
==Personnel==
Credits are adapted from the album's liner notes.<ref name="bookletTheOppositeofDecember">{{cite book|title=The Opposite of December... A Season of Separation ''liner notes''|year=1999|publisher=[[Trustkill Records]]}}</ref>
;Poison the Well
*Jeffrey Moreira – lead vocals
*[[Ryan Primack]] – lead guitar
*Derek Miller – rhythm guitar
*[[Alan Landsman]] – bass guitar
*[[Chris Hornbrook|Christopher Hornbrook]] – drums
;Guest musicians
*Duane Hosein – backing vocals on "Not Within Arms Length"
*Aryeh Lehrer – backing vocals on "Not Within Arms Length"
;Production
*Poison the Well – co-producer
*[[Jeremy Staska]] – recording engineer, mixer and producer at Studio 13
*[[Jacob Bannon]] – art direction and design at Atomic! Information Design
*Nick Steinhardt – art direction and design at Smog Design (20th Anniversary reissue)
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Poison the Well}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Opposite Of December... A Season of Separation, The}}
[[Category:1999 debut albums]]
[[Category:Albums produced by Jeremy Staska]]
[[Category:Albums with cover art by Jacob Bannon]]
[[Category:Good Life Recordings albums]]
[[Category:Poison the Well (band) albums]]
[[Category:Roadrunner Records albums]]
[[Category:Rise Records albums]]
[[Category:Trustkill Records albums]]