Opeth's Mikael Åkerfeldt - 'In Cauda Venenum' A Study of Language - Interview
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- Опубліковано 29 жов 2019
- In this interview, shortly before debuting their brand new 'In Cauda Venenum' material for the first time. I spoke to Mikael Akerfeldt about perfection, Opeth and language. Subscribe : bit.ly/SubscribeTMT
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These guys wrote an album with Shakespearean lyrics in their mother tongue, and then rewrote it in their second language, and it’s just as poetic and lyrically flawless.
I like when smart people play music.
"We have no peers....there's no competition for Opeth. We are unique, if we stop playing there will be a void". Somehow he manage to sound humble saying this haha
Yet it is completely true. No band is like them, a progmetal/jazz/folk whatever band that always makes songs nobody can expect.
@@lehtokurppa7824 Yep. Opeth is Opeth just like King Crimson is King Crimson. There will never be another (although they have a lot of clones).
I know right! I think that is just a testament to just how humble Mikael is as a person and how he truly just loves music you know? Thanks for checking the video out and I hope you enjoyed the interview! What did you think of ICV? Thanks again for checking it out!
Mikael is one of the best musicians on the planet
Also couldn't agree more haha!
Delete "one of" from your comment and then it will be accurate.
If all we had was the last 10 years of output to go on, I would not agree.
Sadly I agree..@@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers
Although I'm swedish I just recently discovered Opeth! Been backtracking and listening to everything since the first impact on me was just so complete! I have never felt this way about a band since I disovered Bob Hund in the late 90s, Thin Lizzy and Frank Zappa in the 80s. I just can't stop listening to them!
Opeth IS unique! And they seem to surprise you everytime they release new material!
I can enjoy most of the music from the growl era but I definately prefer the newer stuff and more proggy rock. In cauda venenum is nothing less than a masterpiece in my opinion!
Can't believe Opeth isn't more famous in Sweden! They should sell out everything and anything here, but very few of my friends even know about them!
Jepp, agree so much! They should be far more well known, especially in Scandinavia.
I had the same experience a couple of years ago when I discovered them. I think they aren't as popular as other bands because a lot of their catalogue requires a specific type of listener to appreciate the artistry. In short, they don't really cater to the vast majority of music listeners. That's what I love about them.
That blows my mind
Excellent interview. In Cauda Venenum has become my favourite album this year and I think his vocals are the best they've ever been.It's a stunning record that gets better every time you hear it.
It really does keep getting better...every time they put out a record, on first listen, i dont quite care for it....by the 10th some songs bring tears to my eyes...like im so happy that i was born in an era where i get to hear this...like ir was written specifically for me.... And.thats the most important thing that ive learned as an Opeth fan...never judge a song or band by your first listen..especially technically able bands...and listen alone, with no distractions.
You should check out Wills Dissolve´s The heavens are not on fire. Might change your mind. Really inspired in Opeth and a little bit of Post-Rock
Hey Chirpy! I couldn’t agree more my friend. It took a while for it to really dig its claws in as there’s just so much going on at first but now I can’t stop listening to it. I can’t wait to receive my Swedish version on vinyl. Absolutely astounding and definitely in my AOTY list. Thanks for the kind words as well! Have you been a fan of Opeth for a number of years? Cheers my friend!
Take a listen to new Alcest album also.
@@stargazer8225 Hey buddy! I've actually reviewed that record over on my channel - though not sure if that was meant to me or another one of the comments :) Thanks ever so much for checking out the video!
Ever since the album came out, I haven't heard anything but the Swedish version.
And I'm Mexican.
It's great.
RevenantRoad Records Hey man! Ah that’s awesome, I love the way music just transcends language you know? What do you think of ICV? Are you a big fan? Thanks ever so much for watching the video!
@@TheMetalTris I'm a massive fan. Love everything from Orchid until now.
Never really got the bad heat they got from changing direction and abandoning death metal. It's all great to me.
I thought In Cauda was brilliant. In my opinion Opeth have never really put out a bad album. Cheers my dude!
“Unique and Alone”
Mikael Akerfeldt
'lonely swede' xDD
Underdogs
Just bc music is heavy on the ears doesn't mean the music is heavy on the mind.
A lot of modern Metal bands these days “sound” super heavy, and yet feel soulless... So not that “heavy” at all.
Yeah. The whole metalcore scene is just dick measuring who can make their guitar sound the heaviest, and in the process every song sounds like an copy of each other, and boring.
Exactly dude! I couldn’t agree more. I find some of the heaviest material at times the softest. Converge is a perfect example of that! The Dusk In Us for example or on You Fail Me. Doesn’t need to be earth shattering but has that emotion. That’s what it’s all about for me! Are you a fan of Opeth mate? Also hope things are going well for you my friend! Let me know how you’re doing pal. Been a while!
@@TheMetalTris I agree completely with the converge reference. I've been well just been busy so I'm behind on vids and supporting my favs. Hope your doing good too. I'm sure you've been busy too!
Without bashing the new opeth, the old style was pretty heavy on the mind as well, if not even more so. Just the lyrical writing alone was in an emotionally heavy style whether growled or sung. Opeth has always been a phenomenal band and it shows in the influence one group has had on an entire genre of music.
Knowing no Swedish, it is amazing to me that I listen to the Swedish version more and love it. For me, it's not what is said but how it is said....the melody, tone, etc....Mikael's singing continues to improve and it was already brilliant!
Nate Bauer Hey Nate! Thanks so much for checking out the video and I have to agree - especially after speaking to Mikael and understanding why he deems the Swedish version the ‘real’ version. It has made the entire listening experience that much more brilliant.
What did you think of ICV? Personally I love it - reminds me of Pale Communion’s sister album you know?
@@TheMetalTris I absolutely love it. I admit that it took a few listens to really get the full effect. I get the Pale Communion comparison. To me it sounds massive. Maybe not as proggy but there is something very powerful about the album. And Fredrik....good lord he rips on this album! The way the chords and melodies come together is brilliant....I would say grandiose. And I love the sampling. Opeth is just one of those bands that its hard to be a casual listener. You have to immerse yourself in the entire album.
The album didnt click to me at first, liked it a little more with each playing. I read that the Swedish version was the original intention and switched over to it. Awesome! Not understanding the language allows my head to shut the hell up and take in the whole offering. Thanks Opeth, good album.
There is no band better than Opeth, and no musician better than Akerfeldt. Everything said in the interview is so thoughtful and it seems so effortless. Plus, for me Opeth’s albums just keep on getting better and better. Other bands come close to their intelligence, as Dream Theater and Steven Wilson from Porcupine Tree, but Opeth is just... I can’t really find the words, phenomenal
Hey there Charlie, I totally agree, I think that Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree are great comparisons. All three of them are some of my absolute favourites of all time and there's definitely some crossover there. Have you heard some of the new Dream Theater singles, I bet this one is going to be just as good as Distance over Time! Exciting stuff. Thanks for checking the video out!
mikael is a very good interviewee, always has a good elaborated answer to every question.
Nobody ever mentions this, but Mikael is one of the most humble guys in the euro metal scene.
I couldn't agree more! The man has done so much for Death Metal and Prog the world over but has never once had a single air of arrogance about him ever. Truly fantastic stuff.
I love how proud he is of the influence Tull has on him. I am huge Jethro Tull fan and one of the reasons I latched on to Opeth was because I had a hunch he was heavily influenced. I'd be proud to have pulled off a similar sound too!
Hell yeah! Tull are one of the greats, Ian Anderson can do no wrong as far as I’m concerned haha - it’s a hugely iconic sound especially on the classics of Thick As A Brick and Aqualung. Etc… Thanks for checking out the interview!
Tull is my fav band, and Opeth is up there as well! Ian and Mikael are both geniuses
Unique, VERY UNIQUE. The best band ever. Love you Mikael
Emotional music will always carry a much heavier weight
that is why Doom Metal will always be my personal dearest of all the Metal types
Another great Interview, Mikael is always an amazing guy to hear his thoughts on things
Hey Andy! Thanks ever so much my friend. This one was a good laugh and definitely one of my favourite to date and I’ve been doing this for a fair while so it’s a big thing! I’m so glad that you guys could all be a part of it too :). Thanks for checking out the video and I’ll get to your Leprous comment soon as my friend thanks again for all of the support!
@@TheMetalTris no worries dude keep up the good work!
A Jonas/Mikael project could be epic! Stevel Wilson and Mikael's side project Storm Corrosion is a masterpiece! It would be interesting to see what a mix of Opeth and Katatonia is like
If you dont think that "lovelorn crime" is heavy, then you quite literally have no soul
Hey Matthew! I have to say I couldn’t agree more with you dude. I actually think that track could well be my favourite on the album. That huge Led Zep style solo on the middle of it just reminds me of classic Stairway - I love it so much. Really can’t wait to hear my vinyl copy. Preordered it ages ago but it still has yet to ship - I’m sure it’ll be here soon enough though! Thanks for checking out the interview though and I hope you enjoyed it!
"All Things Will Pass" Is insanely heavy
Swedish version is better in this case
... re-think again what’ve you just said dude. Got it ???
I feel the same man, it’s great. If you feel something pull you on that track, you might like this as well. Appreciate the listen if you do.
m.ua-cam.com/video/_secltCPFGU/v-deo.html
Not just Mikael, the hole band is amazing humans....creating wonderful music at top noch, over time!
Especially the drummer..
prog = music for nerds
Mikaels infamous growl disguised as a burp 9:44
GROWLS ON NEXT OPETH ALBUM CONFIRMED!!!!
@@kristijanfistrek9055 😂😂😂😂😂
Travis! You are one of the best interviewers I've watched.
Thoughtful, insightful questions, and listened to response.
Subbed
Hey there my friend! Well, I have to say, first of all sorry that I haven't responded to this until just now, I try and get to every comment on my videos but it does take some time and sometimes they do slip through the cracks haha!
But mostly I just wanted to say thank YOU! That's a huge compliment, it really does mean the world and in truth, I love reviewing albums and all that but my hearts really in the interviews. I like to try and get something different out of an artist and really have a conversation with them, rather than just speaking AT them which so many people do. It's just as important to know when to shut up haha!
But thank you again, that really is so kind of you and I hope that you're enjoying the interviews still :)
I was literally in the middle of typing "One thing I like about the cover of In Cauda Venenum is that it reminds me of 'Them' from King Diamond" and then you said something about it hahaha!!
Hahaha great minds think alike eh! I loved doing this interview. Mikael has been a real desert island interview of mine for years so it was great to finally be able to ask him some burning questions. I hope you enjoyed the interview as well my friend? :)
As far as emotional heaviness goes. I wish they would put out something in the vein of Hours of wealth, a fair judgement, or anything off damnation. I always enjoyed the longer progressions and the poetic style of writing in the older songs. I could live without the growls and distorted guitars, but things like the melodic outros like Masters Apprentices and april ethereal (which i kind of get the vibes of in the album closer on the new album, which is good), the breakdown in godheads lament and ghost of perdition, (which is the kind of sounds that drew me to opeth in the first place) i would always repeat those parts in the song just to hear them again in a single playthrough. The new stuff is good as well. But as a metalhead in an ocean of people who call all metal "dudes banging trash cans together and yelling" Opeth was always my answer to that. Since they changed course most of the material just doesn't strike that groove that they had before, and i consider them changing course with watershed, not heritage. Their new albums to me are an occasional listen, and i appreciate them for what they are. But MAYH through Ghost Reveries will always be in my playlist. As far as emotional heaviness goes, they hit pretty damn hard too, and they are what i enjoy listening to genre wise.
Rambling aside, id rather mike make the music he loves making then make anything for me or anyone else, that is what being an artist is about, and not a sellout.
This is exactly how I feel. You said it perfectly.
Edit: The closest they’ve come to their old sound on the new albums is Haxprocess. That song’s awesome.
I feel like you're one of the few humans who thinks about their music as I do.
Cheers and much love from Canada
@@williamreynolds3487 I always thought nepenthe was a hidden gem in that album.
Heritage has aged so well.
@@TheRumbles13 Face in the snow was the hidden gem for me. Especially hidden since its a bonus track. And heritage didn't begin to age well for me until i heard the title track on sorceress. Once that song banged its way into my ears and was fully processed in my brain, THEN i started to appreciate heritage, and i didn't think that was possible lol. Cheers from the US.
I would come on UA-cam everyday even if it was a website with only Mikael's interviews and songs!
Very nice chat Tristan! Very fluid conversation and loved the questions. I can only imagine how huge this was for you, cheers man!
Hey there! Thanks so much for the kind words - honestly it really was man. I’ve been wanting to speak to Mikael for absolutely years so to be able to do that was a huge thing for me. What I love though is that I can bring you guys all along for the ride as well! Who is one of your idols that you would love to meet? Would be fascinating to know! Thanks again as ever for all the love
@@TheMetalTris it was a pleasure to watch and thanks for bringing us on for the ride. To interview, for sure has to be Jesse Leach, Brian Slagel, and John Joseph, but so many people I'd love to meet and chat with. Cheers man!
Another cozy Mikael interview
great interview with great questions, Mike is such an humble creative genious
Hey Draitar! Thank you ever so much for the kind words. I couldn’t agree with you more dude he really is such a humble dude and we had a great chat after the interview which was really great. Are you a fan of ICV? Thanks again for the kind words and I’m glad you enjoyed the interview!
Wow Mike. So much inspiring, so true to yourself. You witness what being musicians mean. Thinking you'r bigger than your music tells of you.
Such a nice interview. Not the typical questions. 😊
13:03 Mikael, you sneaky, humble-bragging bastard. Haha, you've damn well earned the right to be cocky. Opeth truly has no peers. Only consistent thing about your sound over the years is that you guys keep reinventing it. And *THAT* is why I love Opeth. Apart from, of course, the unparalleled early work that established you guys as death and prog gods.
Oh, and great fucking interview, mate!
Yes you are unique Opeth!
Hell to the yes! I love bands that have their own sound that no one else could sound similar to. Absolutely killer - thank you so much for checking out the video and what do you think of In Cauda Venenum? :)
@@TheMetalTris In cauda vennenum is yet another masterpiece from em. By now everyone should realise that Opeth just cant write mediocre music even if they want to. In cauda vennenum is a slow grower, takes multiple listens as any other Opeth DVD. and yes, despite too many vocal harmonies and fat bass mixing and stuff, it still sounds 100% Opethy and unique. It has that essential vibe of despair, abstractness and depth that have been there forever in Opeth's songwriting.
wow this is amazing man I love it!
Hey there Lucas, thank you so much! That really does mean the world, apologies that it has taken me so long to get back to you. I try to get back to as many comments as I can but sometimes it can be a little bit tricky for sure. Still though, I can't tell you how appreciative I am of all of the kind words :)
Keep up the good work man! This is one of my favorite music-related channels
Hey Joseph! Well thank you so much for the kind words my friend! To be honest I just love talking about Metal - like all the time haha - it’s one of my favourite things to do. This was a big one for me though as I have been a fan of the band for absolutely years! I hope you enjoyed the interview and thanks again for the kind words :)
Amazing, kudos for getting the interview dude! And aside from that, an actually really good interview to boot! 👍🏼 well done !!!
Hey there Jim! First off thanks for the kudos for the interview! I’ve been knocked back many a time over the years but with tenacity we got there in the end and secondly thank you so much for the kind words about the interview itself. Honestly this was a big bucket list one for me. I have been a fan of this band since I was 14 and first heard Ghost of Perdition. What do you think of ICV? Cheers my friend and thanks again for the positive vibes!
@@TheMetalTris hey fella, thanks fo replying. I know how bloody hard it is to keep up with all the comments!!!! I get lost in them on my channel! Absolutely love the new Opeth record... I'm not overly worried about the vocals unlike a lot off other people. I am following the growth and evolution of this band avidly, and although they have this incredible death metal heritage, the direction they have gone has surprised and delighted me in equal measure. There's been some incredible music released this year, not least Opeth, Tool and Devin Townsend... in fact I'd go son far as to say Empath is probably my record of the year....
Great interview
Hey there guys! Thanks so much, it really does mean the world that so many people are enjoying this one :)
This interview just flew by, so good. It felt like it ended much too soon! Thank you very much!
Hey man! It’s been a while?! I hope that all is going well with you my friend. I know what you mean - I feel like artists really get into the flow and then it’s kind of time to call it quits. I wish I could have had a good hour. I reckon it would have been fantastic and we could really get chatting. I’m glad that you enjoyed the video though and that the time did fly by! It’s one of my all time favourite interviews - thank you so much for al of the support :)
@@TheMetalTris Definitely! You are a great interviewer, much better than some of the others, so keep up the good work! And Mikael, of course, is just being his usual awesome self. How was the concert (I presume you were present, weren't you?)
@@evenfallabeksylt9271 Oh man! I didn't see that you had replied to this, my apologies! The show was absolutely fantastic, the lighting itself was fantastic. One of my favourite times I think I've ever seen Opeth to be fair. It was just brilliant. I hope that you're still keeping well?
@@TheMetalTris Great to hear that, good for you! I'm fine, thank you. Patiently awaiting the release of the three extra songs that were recorded during the In Cauda Venenum sessions. They should come out as part of the "connoisseur edition" of the album sometime in October I believe, so maybe you wanna keep an eye on that, too!
Excellent bro as always brilliant interview 🤘🤘🙏
André man! How are you?! How are things in Portugal? Looking like you’re still smashing the sushi game haha - Thanks so much for the positive vibes it was one of my all time favourite interviews I have to say. So stoked!!
@@TheMetalTris 😀😀🤘🤘everything is going great we had volbeat come over here it was a great night sushi is going well dude thanks for asking hit me up one day if you come to Portugal 🇵🇹 🤘🤘🙏
What a deep and beautiful intervew, cogratulations, man.
Hey there Carlos! Oh wow, thank you so much. That really does mean the world. I love when people enjoy interviews that I've put together. It can be difficult and time consuming at times but when I get comments like this it makes it all worthwhile so I can't tell you how appreciative I am :)
Great interview! This is a huge deal for you!!! Im devastated i couldnt come to this gig, I keep managing to miss Cellar Darling too :/
Ahh thanks so much! Honestly it was absolutely mental - I have wanted to speak to Mikael for absolutely years and in the run up to ICV I was watching all sorts of interviews - have you seen his What’s in My Bag? In Amoeba? It’s so awesome and his taste is so eclectic. It was also really awesome to be able to just chat for a bit after the interview had finished up you know? So cool!
I’m sure that you’ll catch CD though! They’re always on tour :) where’s the nearest place to you? You’re in MK right? Thanks again for the support! It means the world and I hope you guys are well!
@@TheMetalTris Hey :) Yeah I watch every "What's In My Bag" It's great when people choose things that aren't in their genre. We are based in Worcestershire, pretty much in the middle of the UK so the closest venues are in B'ham or Bristol. So much goes on in London though. I bet you get spoiled for choice for live music :)
Great interview my friend :)
Hey there! Thank you ever so much for the kind words. Honestly it might have been almost 6 months ago but this is definitely one of my favourite interviews that I have done and I’m glad that I have been able to do the band justice :) - what do you think of In Cauda Venenum? Be safe out there!
Great songs are great songs. And the natural desire to have the writers and performers stuck in a hole. But a band like this is rare. His voice has gotten way better and more refined. It's like a best selling author being told they expect her to write 5 books in the same vein. Their music is so good that he can make me cry on a few songs. Just fantastic
Saw Opeth live earlier this week! Excellent, excellent band and performance. To me language and lyrics are just the icing on the cake for songs. I don't need to understand it but if it's just there, it adds a lot to me.
I remember when I was younger I found it harder to listen to music that didn't have the same language as that that I spoke but over time I think that I've come to learn that it doesn't really matter, like you say, and that music really does transcend language you know?
Thanks for checking out the video though! It means the world and sorry that it's taken me a year to get back to you. I try and get back to as many people as I can :)
Very good questions! Seems like you both were enjoying the interview
Thanks ever so much! I have to confess that Opeth are one of my all time favourite bands so I had an amazing time getting to chat to Mikael and I loved exploring different ideas like language that perhaps might not be looked at had the album had a different subject matter.
Are you a big fan of Opeth as well? Thanks for checking the video out though!
@@TheMetalTris It looked like you really know him, ie. you knew you can ask some original questions, taking into account that Michael really wasn't born yesterday and can surprise with answers.
I really like Opeth, too... Older and newest albums. Mikael is very unique person, I hope he won't stop recording and experimenting!
This is a great interview. The questions are well thought and not a re-hash of the same old questions Mikael gets.
Thank you ever so much! That is very kind of you to say. I’ve been wanting to interview Mikael for quite some time to be honest so to be able to do this was really awesome. I also watched heaps of interviews and tried to really think of things that would be more out of the box you know, so I really appreciate it!
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas thanks for checking the channel out!
Very good interview. Interesting questions. Good work.
Hey there Ryan! Thanks ever so much - it was honestly one of my favourite interviews I have ever done. I’ve been a fan of Opeth ever since I was 14 and have always wanted to speak to Åkerfeldt as I know he’s so well rounded when it comes to music. What did you think of the new album out of curiosity? Thanks again for checking out the interview and I hope you enjoyed it!
@@TheMetalTris Of course i enjoyed it. Being an Akerfeldt fan like yourself, I want to listen to interviews that go beyond the surface, that go beyond the generic and predictable questions, where the interviewers have done their homework and ask intelligent questions which haven't previously been asked; you did this to perfection and confidently too, so you should be proud. Same here, I have also followed since Ghost Reveries when i was 14/ 15 (i'm now 28).
My thoughts on the new album? All i can say so far is that it is very 'strong'; you can tell that Akerfeldt has put some effort into the song writing for this record compared to other post Watershed records which seem rushed. The experimentation is great and the melodies are a lot stronger. In my opinion it's the most 'enjoyable' cohesive listen since Watershed. I honestly don't like Akerfeldt's experimentation with the clean vocals since post Watershed; he seems to 'wail' a lot. Opeth, in my opinion, had an incredible strong and innovative period between Blackwater Park 2001 to Watershed 2008 (and this is coming from a non-""metal"" fan). The fact that Opeth released 5 amazing records between 2001 and 2008 is a great achievement compared to most bands.
Dude that’s crazy! Honestly it sounds like we’re the same person haha - I’m 28 too!! And literally discovered them around the same time. I have this thing when I really love a band I will go through their entire discography and look through with a fine tooth comb and Opeth was probably one of the first I did this with.
I also agree with the whole this being their best record since Watershed. Though I do think that this is a perfect companion to Pale Communion. I’m not sure if it’s the autumnal feel to the record but it just FEELS like it’s a logical continuation to PC - whereas Sorceress was a bit more light and airy which is great but I feel that ICV has that level of earthiness to it you know! I think that my favourite album is a toss between Watershed and Ghost Reveries for me. What about you?? I love meeting fellow Opethians hahaha - thanks again for the kind words my friend. Means a lot because I did a LOT of research hahaha
@@TheMetalTris Haha! Yes, we think alike by the sounds of it. Glad to find out that you're/ we're not alone; the 2001- 2008 Opeth lovers are a special breed. More specifically, the Watershed and Ghost Reveries lovers. I LOVE these two records equally and they are their best- totally agree with you. My best mate who is also our age agrees. The thing is, is this because these two records were released around the time when our music taste was cementing (they say that your music taste cements in your mid/late teens and early twenties), or are these two records objectively their best? I think the latter haha ;).
Seriously though, after watching MANY Akerfeldt interviews over the years, maybe because i simply admire his at, this interview is one of the better ones because of the depth of the questions. I would have been too nervous in your position! Keep on doing what you're doing, as you're good at it! Good job man!
art*
Very nice interview! Mikael is an amazing genius, and an important part of his genius is that Opeth never had a weak member in their recording time. I'm very happy I listened to a friend saying Opeth is the best band on the planet and started getting into the boys. Took some time and I'm still not able to tell most tracks apart, but damn, "that's some gourmet shit"!
I'm very happy I went to their Berlin show last year, it was amazing and Opeth now belongs to the few bands I'd buy a ticket for everytime they come near to where I live. To many more years with Opeth!
Hey there Capitan Pablo, well thank you very much! Honestly, I think that this is one of my favourite interviews that I've conducted in all truth. Hell yeah man, I still remember the first time I heard Ghost of Perdition like it was yesterday. What a track. Thanks for checking the interview out and I hope that you enjoyed it! Again sorry that it took me so long to get back to you!
I started with the Swedish version then I will move on to the English one. I'm from the US but I want to give both versions a fair listen.
Seeing them in Dublin tomorrow Cant wait anyone else?
Saw them last night in Glasgow, you will NOT be disappointed!!
I was at the gig in Dublin, they were amazing!
Hey there Outer Entity Studios! I’m curious to know what you thought of their set?! Also how brilliant was the production level. The new songs feed seamlessly into their classic sound as well. Truly fantastic. Thanks for checking out the video!
@@TheMetalTris even though your question is directed at the op, I gotta say I was very impressed with the lighting and stage production as well as the actual playing. They were incredibly tight! What a great night!
@@TheMetalTris All I can say is it was EPIC! Blew me away my expectations were high but it was so awesome they managed really well to get a new set with golden oldies like The Leper Affinity and Deliverance . And I loved the newer stuff they did moon above sun below and that was a real treat. Dignity is a monstrous song aswell. Loved it so glad i went.
I love being Norwegian and able to understand the Swedish version as well
Fantastic interview! Are you going to cover the new Wilderun album, Veil of Imagination? It released on friday and is a phenomenal symphonic/prog/folk record from a band that flies under the radar quite often
Hey there Tom!
Apologies for only just getting back to you on this. I try and reply to every comment where I can but as you can imagine it can be a bit tricky at times. Speaking from the future haha - I actually worked on Wilderun's 'Veil of Imagination' as their UK PR as I look after Century Media's roster here in the UK. I missed it the first time around but once the label had signed them and reissued the record I was absolutely BLOWN away. What a fantastic band.
I can't wait to see what the future will hold for this truly fantastic band. Thank you for checking the interview out and again sorry for taking so long to get back to you!
I would looooove to listen to what Mikael and Jonas can put out together.
Oh man, imagine that, that would be fantastic. I love both Katatonia and Opeth, though I do think that Opeth has got the edge over the two for me though for sure haha! Thanks for checking the video out though, it means the world!
Live long Akerfeldt! By far the best interview of him 👏
Hey there my friend! First off I just want to say a huge huge thank you! As a long time fan of Opeth that means the world man. I really do think they might be my favourite band out there. Plus I had been looking to interview Mikael for a long time so I was really glad when I got the opportunity. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you dude! What did you think of In Cauda Venenum? Be safe out there!
@@TheMetalTris You deserved it mate. To be honest, I haven’t listened to that album with full dedication so far. I’ve had chance to hear few records but I can’t critic with limited experince. But I know something well. Opeth albums are always like a good wine to me. It becomes better and better with each hearing. Although I’m not a big fan of last 3 albums, I’m pretty sure I will miss them in the future. Because I felt the same when I fist listened Orchid as well. Now I play most of the songs from it. I’m also a huge fan as you might have understood. I haven’t seen Mikael so willing to speak and concentrated on questions so far. Good job, stay safe to you 👍
@@purulence666 Oh wow! I totally agree with you. They really do take some time to truly become some of your favourites. I think that Sorceress was maybe the weakest out of their releases since Heritage. I love Pale Communion and ICV - I do wonder though if they might bring the heavy back even more though. Perhaps not in the growls but more in the instrumentation. It’s definitely interesting. I think my favourite record of theirs though has to be Ghost Reveries. A complete masterpiece from beginning to end. I’m also like you with Orchid but with MAYH - love that record now but before wasn’t that bothered.
Thanks again for the kind words and here’s to much more Metal and Opeth haha
@@TheMetalTris I watched them live when they were on Ghost Reveries tour in 2006 I guess, it was great with Lindgren and Lopez :)
MONSTRO
2:17 For me, it was the other way around, I only listened to the Swedish version because it was the original and I wanted to listen to the vocals in their most expresive version, trying to pay attention to the music itself and not as much to the lyrics
Album of the year
Love this video bro. Big fan of toyr channel and Opeth. I agree musical is universal regardless of language . Beautiful music touches the soul. Mikael Akerfeldt is genius, so is Chuck Schuldiner. ❤🤘
Hey there Riley! Apologies for not getting back to you until now dude, it's a bit of a tough one trying to get back to all of the comments but I do my best, however it does take a while haha so I really appreciate it!
I love Opeth man, one of my favourite bands of all time for sure. I also couldn't agree more about Chuck Schuldiner, he was just a musical genius. Sadly gone far too early but at least we've got his legacy to remember him by. Thanks for checking out the interview and if you're a fan of Prog Metal then you might enjoy the new Rivers of Nihil album 'The Work'! Speak soon my friend
I love Opeth, but I also love just how Swedish Mikael is.
Hahaha one hundred percent. He seems like the archetypal swede doesn’t he? I love this band so much man. What a fantastic, fantastic bloke. This was easily one of my favourite interviews to date for sure.
I have no clue what these lyrics are about. I know that I am missing some parts of the whole story, but for me, music is the most important. And with this in mind, I prefer the original Swedish version. It kinda sounds better for me. Not that the English version is bad, it's just the Swedish sounds more connected.
Some please make a 10 hour version of Patterns in the Ivy
Great interview, man! Very jealous that you got to stand in the presence of a music god. \m/
Hey there man! Sorry for not replying to this, it's tricky to keep track of all of the comments but I do my best to try and reply to as many of them as I can. Honestly, I think that might well have been my favourite interview to date. I just love everything about Opeth and to be able to really get to chat with Mikael for a good while was just brilliant. I hope you enjoyed the video though!
@@TheMetalTris No worries, my dude! Opeth is just legendary at this point. Keep up the fantastic work. I always look forward to your videos. :)
❤️
Kudos for asking for a Jonas / Mikael collaboration
Oh awesome! Thanks man, I think that it's definitely a possibility perhaps sometime down the line. I guess we can only hope eh haha! Though having said that Jonas' appearance on the new Ocean records is definitely a great appearance for sure! Thanks for checking the video out though my friend, means the world and sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you!
Celler darling in backround
I don’t care which one I listen to; they’re both awesome. I just got the English version cuz it was cheaper on iTunes.
Hahah fair enough! I'm a sucker for that 'authentic'ness so I went with the Swedish one but i have to say, I was pretty stumped when it came to it haha! Thanks for checking out the video!
For me personally,music and vocal performance matters before lyrics. But lyrics can definitely take a song to another level to me (or on the other end,ruin it). Universal Truth is absolutely my favorite song on the album,and part of that is the lyrics. On the Ghost Reveries album,all of the songs are on the same amazing level instrumentally for me and vocal wise. But the lyrics are what slightly separates Reverie / Harlequin Forest,Isolation Years,and Hours of Wealth from the other songs. That’s where it matters to me whether I understand the lyrics or not.
currently looking up lo fi country music
I understand him more than most of USA or british people.
Mikael looks like a mum at parents evening here
He always very well spoken. Very glad you got to do this interview. Did you give him a MAGA hat lol. The most important question is if music is good because just because something is heavy it does not make it good.
The older you get, the more doom you get.
Mikael: "Do me music, not grind core"
Doomy music
Barj sabajt
Mikael looks like Steve Coogan
The Swedish version is better. No question about it. It's just pure.
I'm an English speaker, but I prefer the Swedish
i like mikael and i dislike coca cola :9
tom and jerry noises lol
7:04 He had more but "couldn't get it cleared with the people who owned it".
What an absolute travesty that some asshole won't let this creative genius release what he wants. Makes me sick.
You brush your teeth after the shower because you save time drying yourself up - you dry as you brush. Simple.
I'm so tired of Mikael spending time on the exactly same topics in every interview. It's the same: Swedish vs. English (and the detalis of recording it), what is "heavy music", etc. You literally get the exact same 5-6 minutes of content from any interview you watch with him these days. It's sad.
Yeah agreed but i don't think it's his fault at all i think it's because people always ask these question to him.
I thought the new album was great, unlike Tool... Fear Inoculum was boring af, Opeth's was interesting and like he said, "Emotionally heavy."
Both albums had me in an uncomfortable place. Wanting to be into it after years of waiting, (Tool) versus the reality of how I really felt about the releases. Its intimidating to Express honest reaction, people are prone to wanting to hang one another for differing perceptions. For Opeth, I switched to the Swedish version. Click. That was it. I feel like I can hear it now because I dont focus on lyrics. As for the long awaited Tool release, I have just spun the cd in a state of resignation to expectation, and on it's own, with no relation to anything else, its growing on me. Thanks for being honest with your feelings about these releases, they are still the best bands out there to be listened to.