A few days ago we stood amongst the fluorescent-haired, tattooed crowds gathering in the historic Gallowgate area of Glasgow next to a pair of large tourbuses, killing time with eager early-doors fans as we awaited our appointed time to talk to the guys from none other than Opeth!
These prog-metal behemoths have led the way in atmospheric, dramatic, melancholic music for nearly three decades now and they were in town this time to promote their newest album, The Sorceress. We are big Opeth fans here at guitarguitar and needed no convincing to brave the November Glaswegian elements in order to gain an audience with these Swedish game-changers.
Soon enough Steve, Opeth’s tour manager, opened a side door (still eating his apple crumble and custard!) and ushered us up the stairs towards the legendary ballroom arena of the Barrowlands. We passed through some side doors and entered the inner sanctum: a large mirrored dressing room complete with large canvasses of Opeth artwork for later sale at the bountiful merch area and non-other than vocalist-guitarist Mikael Akerfeldt lounging on a black leather couch, chilling and watching something on his phone.
We quickly set up our equipment in a vacant corner and were joined by Mikael and lead guitarist Fredrik Akesson. They both brought across a dazzling PRS guitar for good talking material and extra on-screen sparkle. We had our questions as usual but the guys were so relaxed, friendly and up for chatting that we just conversed and in the end we bagged a good forty minutes’ worth of footage!
It was a real pleasure to talk to such experienced and knowledgeable artists: Mikael and Fredrik gave us very frank and honest responses to everything we asked and shared lots of tips for other musicians out there.
The show that night was astonishing: Opeth appear very casual and laid back but sonically they really mean business! The songs, playing and dynamics were a masterclass in playing difficult-yet-accessible music and we were very glad to have witnessed such a spectacle.
We would like to thank Mikael and Fredrik for taking the time out of their pre-gig day to chat with us. We’d also like to thank Michelle from Cosa Nostra PR and Steve, Opeth’s tour manager for making this happen for us. Thanks guys, we had a blast!
