Episode 6: Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth)

Reflecting on when Fredrik Åkesson joined Opeth in 2007 after the departure of founding member Peter Lindgren, band frontman and general mastermind Mikael Åkerfeldt said: “Finally, we had a really, really good lead guitar player, so I could step back a little bit…I always wanted a good lead guitarist, but neither me or Peter were able to advance too much in that department.”

Now some seventeen years and six albums later, Åkesson and Åkerfeldt have developed an incredible chemistry that is showcased not only during their live shows, but on their latest record, The Last Will and Testament, which is due to be released Friday, November 22 through Reigning Phoenix Records. It is a concept record that chronicles the reading of a wealthy, conservative patriarch’s final words to his next of kin. Set post-World War I, the story focuses on his family’s reaction to the stunning confessions he reveals in death. It is a tale wrought with deception, infidelity, and murder, all committed in the name of having a rightful heir to his fortunes.

I had the opportunity to speak with Fredrik ahead of the album’s release about many topics related to the album, and otherwise, including:

• how The Last Will and Testament combines the “old-school” Opeth with newer progressive tendencies, what inspired the intricate storyline to the concept, and a discussion of classic concept albums in metal history.

• the way Fredrik crafted his solos on the record, how spiders inspired one of them, and his feelings on the cameos from Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and Joey Tempest (Europe).

• the band’s recent show at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, the possibility of more North American tour dates on this album cycle, and a playful appeal for Opeth to play Madison Square Garden.

• the band’s choice of B-sides for the Watershed record, Fredrik’s experience learning and playing “Black Rose Immortal” live for the 30th Anniversary Tour, and reflections on his relationship with Mikael.

Fredrik was a pleasure to speak with and was incredibly modest for a guy who can absolutely shred. As I say in the interview, I am beyond excited for metal fans everywhere to hear this album because I think it is one of the greatest achievements in Opeth’s long and storied career – which has had plenty of high points already. The Last Will and Testament adds to their already majestic legacy and will further enshrine them as one of the greatest bands, metal or otherwise, of our time.