Ghost Cult had the distinct pleasure of chatting with the one and only Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth recently. In a wide-ranging chat with our Chief Editor Keefy, Mikael discussed the new album, In Cauda Venenum, due out September 27th via Moderbolaget Records / Nuclear Blast Entertainment. We discussed his creating both English and Swedish language versions of the album, using an orchestra and choir, concept records, progressive rock artists he likes such as Pink Floyd, King Crimson and Peter Gabriel, working at Park Studios, philosophical lyrics, and why he treated this album like it was the final Opeth album. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Mikaël Åkerfeldt
Watch Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth Discuss The Writing of “In Cauda Venenum”
Opeth leader Mikael Åkerfeldt has shared some thoughts about writing his new album, “In Cauda Venenum” in a new three-minute video interview. In Cauda Venenum, can be seen below. The album will be released on September 27 via Moderbolaget / Nuclear Blast Entertainment. Recorded last year at Stockholm’s Park Studios, “In Cauda Venenum” will be released in two versions, in both Swedish and English languages. Various physical and digital formats will be available.Continue reading
Mike Portnoy Would Still Like to Work with Devin Townsend and Mikael Åkerfeldt Someday
As music fans, we are getting spoiled these days with supergroups and guest collaborations. One rumor of a collaboration from the last decade that didn’t happen was Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo, The Winery Dogs, Neal Morse Band, Flying Colors) Devin Townsend and Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt . In a series of tweets between Portnoy and Townsend the last few days, Portnoy expressed interest that we would still ike to work with them in some capacity someday. Townsend answered back about his admiration for Portnoy, and offered some insights as to why this never happened. Åkerfeldt is not on Twitter and hasn’t commented. This is obviously just speculation and playful musing by Mike. We are not trying to fan the flames of it, except to say we’d love to hear some music from this group, if it ever happens. Remember that music is a gift and these artists don’t owe the fans much of anything. Thanks for sharing Mike, don’t kill us! Continue reading
Opeth Is Working On Their New Album Right Now
In a recent interview with Dutch website Faceculture, Opeth guitarist Fredrik Åkesson has revealed that the band are in the thick of writing and demoing new music for their next album. Due sometime in 2019, it will be the follow-up to 2016’s Sorceress (Nuclear Blast/Modorbolaget). Quotes and videos from Åkesson can be seen below.Continue reading
Opeth’s Mikael Akerfeldt Names His Top Ten Metal Albums

Are you ready for another top ten metal albums list? So far we’ve heard from Kerry King, Bill Ward, Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Halford, Lars Ulrich, Corey Taylor and Joe Duplantier, and now Opeth’s Mikael Akerfeldt has revealed his list to Rolling Stone. Continue reading
Opeth Releases Their 3D Printed Figures
We’ve seen a ton of heavy metal action figures throughout the years, but Opeth has taken it to a new level. Continue reading
Soen – Lykaia
Throughout Soen’s career, the comparisons and similarities to Tool and Opeth have been consistent across 2012’s Cognitive and 2014’s Tellurian (both Spinefarm). And it’s completely understandable. Founder and drummer of Soen, Martin Lopez (ex-Opeth and Amon Amarth) notes Tool to be among one of his major inspirations for their musical style. Continue reading
Opeth Releases Era Video
Opeth released Sorceress to the world last year, and as I said in my 10/10 review, “this is the progressive masterpiece from Opeth we’ve been waiting for.” Continue reading
Mikael Akerfeldt Of Opeth Discusses Sorceress, The Meaning Of Success And More!
Opeth is currently out on the road in support of Sorceress, and as I said in my 10/10 review, this album is a progressive masterpiece. They’ve continued to evolve, and take risks, and the end result is a magical journey for the listener. At their recent show here in New York City, they treated fans to the new and old material at the historic Radio City Music Hall, and I recently got to speak with Mikael Akerfeldt about that special concert, as well as the new record. Enjoy my chat with the legendary vocalist below!
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ALBUM REVIEW: Opeth – Sorceress
Opeth will be releasing Sorceress on September 30th via the bands own label Moderbolaget Records, thanks to their new deal with Nuclear Blast Entertainment.Continue reading