Metal Wani writer Sandra Yeomans recently had a chat with Opeth frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt in Toronto, ON (Canada). Mikael discussed a variety of topics including the recording of new album, Sorceress, as well as the band’s change in musical direction over the years.

He also discussed when he felt it was time to end the growls and evolve as a musician, vocal challenges on Sorceress, his least favourite and most favourite Opeth album. He also throws light on the possibility of another Storm Corrosion album, why they cannot tour in support of the debut album, the future of the metal scene, his opinion on 'Djent', changes in technology, how most of the bands these days sound similar, his favorite Swedish metal bands and more.

Opeth’s latest triumph, Sorceress, has hit the charts worldwide with the following positions (with more to come!):

Germany - #1
Australia - #7
UK - #11
Holland - #11
US - #24

For Sorceress, Opeth returned to Rockfield Studios in Wales, also home to pivotal releases from Queen, Rush and Judas Priest, where the Swedes had tracked Pale Communion in 2014 with Tom Dalgety. The band spent 12 days recording at the countryside venue among its serene and inspiring surroundings. The result is nothing short of a powerful and intriguing record that will add yet another layer to the band’s celebrated career. Check out BraveWords' glowing review of Sorceress here.

Sorceress trackisting:

“Persephone”
“Sorceress”
“The Wilde Flowers”
“Will O The Wisp”
“Chrysalis”
“Sorceress 2”
“The Seventh Sojourn”
“Strange Brew”
“A Fleeting Glance”
“Era”
“Persephone (Slight Return)”

The making of Sorceress:

“The Wilde Flowers” lyric video:

“Will O The Wisp” lyric video:

“Sorceress” lyric video:

Tour dates:

October
12 - Oklahoma City, OK - Diamond Ballroom
13 - Houston, TX - Warehouse Live
14 - Austin, TX - Emo’s
15 - Dallas, TX - Gas Monkey Live
18 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl
19 - Tempe, AZ - Marquee Theater
21 - Sacramento, CA - Ace of Spades
22 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield
24 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
25 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theater
26 - Vancouver, BC - Orpheum

(Photo Stuart Wood)