While OPETH‘s new album news sent ripples through the music world yesterday, it was the album’s opening track that truly stunned fans. Mikael Åkerfeldt‘s unexpected return to death growls on “§1” was the real headline-grabber.
OPETH‘s heavier side had been dormant since Watershed in 2008, leading many to believe that era was definitively over. However, Åkerfeldt’s ferocious return to death growls on “§1” has left fans stunned and craving answers.
The musician has stepped forward to address the unexpected shift in style.
“I like to be unfashionable, in a way,” he said. “So, when it comes to bringing that kind of death metal vocal back, I wanted it to happen when people had stopped caring… and I guess that’s now! Maybe it’s a bit surprising, but we did some anniversary type shows, and we played lots of old songs, and I just thought that my death metal voice sounded good. There’s also been a little push because of our new drummer, Walt [Väyrynen]. He’s a death metal guy. Mendez [Martín Méndez, OPETH bassist] has been a bit of a horse whisperer, too, saying ‘Maybe you should do something heavier this time…’ In the end I just thought, yeah, let’s give it a try.”
“It’s a restless record for me,” Mikael continued. “It’s an explosion of ideas, which I like. It’s a bit shorter and snappier. But I definitely didn’t want to rehash anything. The only thing that has come back is some of those death metal screams, but the mindset is still much more forward looking. In typical Opeth fashion, it’s not a direct record that you understand and that you love or hate right away. It takes time and if you put that time into it, you might like it… or hate it! It feels like it was written on a whim. Which it was, in a way! I hear things on this album and think, where the f**k did that come from?”
OPETH are set to release their new concept album, The Last Will And Testament, on October 11 through Reigning Phoenix Music. The album’s first single, “§1,” is available for streaming below.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.