Mikael Åkerfeldt on the New Opeth Album

Opeth started working on music for their next album back in the Spring, and promise something “sinister” and “heavy” is indeed coming. Just don’t expect a 2014 version of Ghosts of Perdition. You might recall Åkerfeldt commented on his future death metal vocals and his lack of enthusiasm, saying he was “completely over it”. He went on to say a lot of contemporary heavy music was boring to him. I would have to agree. It’s hard to list all the bands that would be amazing without their standard issue werewolf-in-heat vocals. They’re uninspired to me and I don’t mind Åkerfeldt allowing his music to evolve and flourish. I actually prefer it.

Mikael had this to say in the newest issue of Decibel Magazine:

“I have about six songs done and another two or three just started,” he said, “plus a million ideas that I haven’t processed yet. Some songs are simple and stripped-down, while others are epic in the true sense of the word. Business as usual, hopefully with unusual music.”

On their sound:

“Some of these things could easily be done with synthetic sounds or effects, but recording the Storm Corrosion LP with Steven Wilson made me realize what a massive difference it can mean to incorporate the real shit. I’m semi-pretentious in my songwriting and sometimes I go all in. I think it’s time for ‘all in’ with strings and the full monty. Hopefully it won’t be a mess.”

No release date is available, but we could see new Opeth by the end of the year.