We've been promised a new Opeth record with string instrumentation that will be "heavy and sinister," according to frontman and guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt in the past. Now in an exclusive with Loudwire, Åkerfeldt says the new album is all wrapped up and will possibly be out in June. Holy hell, yes! A thousand times yes! Åkerfeldt also detailed the record's sound a little bit in his brief interview.
“If it sounds like us, that’s good. And if it sounds like something we don’t know, that’s also good. This album has some parts that sound like us and some parts that sound kind of new too. It’s a bit heavier than Heritage at times and it’s a bit more melodic. I think it should be a bit easier to get into this record because there’s a lot of focus on the melodies. We’re a progressive band. Sometimes we sound like a metal band and sometimes we don’t.”
While I'm all for Opeth bringing back the heaviness and adding new aspects to their music, I still don't think Heritage was a bad record in the slightest. Not saying I want this record to be Heritage, Pt. 2: Hertiager or anything, but I think the band expounding upon that basis could be an interesting one. Especially if it's more melodic and sinister like Åkerfeldt promises. Is it June yet? Can be just fast forward? I'm going to be honest- nothing on my radar right now is nearly as important as a new Opeth record is.
