Opeth - What's In My Bag?

[@manhavai]

The way he talk, his accent, his movements, clothes, sense of humor and personality, everything is so... elegant.

[@metalmanny666]

manhavai and exquisite.

[@victoriafroot4889]

Have you ever heard his music? Is so well structured and the progressions are flawless, impeccable, seamless and in some type of way, pleasing to your ear.

[@pzdipuing]

Japanese speaks japanese better,chinese speak chinese better than anyone else and you are one dumbass

[@MuhammadHaris-qy9gy]

@@pzdipuing but Mike Arkefied is not english...

[@trippydragon5486]

the more i look at him, the more i realise that he looks like vlad the impaler

[@raimukoyoasu6636]

What ? Not even one Opeth Record ? I can't believe it. That guy definitely needs to hear Opeth.

[@XiyuYang]

Bruh

[@CariHelstrom]

fr, he also looks kinda like their vocalist, what a strange coincidence!

[@tingachhakchhuak6083]

FYI, this guy IS the drummer from Opeth.

[@sianduta07]

@@tingachhakchhuak6083 this is the violinist of Bloodbath

[@josealejandrogarciarojas1115]

@@sianduta07 LOL

[@davidLAMF]

Please give this man a show where he talks obscure anecdotes around music he likes.

[@evelynfx9530]

FR

[@joealexander8266]

He actually had one, on Swedish Radio, called "De bortglömda mästerverken: Mikael Åkerfeldt rotar i vinylsamlingen". Ran for 10 episodes (1h each) back in the summer of 2011. Unavailable now though, unfortunately. I discovered a bunch of awesome obscure stuff in that show of his, and his stories are always great.

[@yvngcobain4794]

Why are all dudes from metal bands so polite and well spoken 😂

[@genderqueergorehound]

They release all their rage and aggression through their music so they're just tired all the rest of the time. Or something.

[@LorcaLoca]

Every single one?

[@lukess.s]

The mellowest dudes have the angriest demons

[@mantelmann13]

It's about intelligence. Metal/Rock is more complex than some other styles. People that prefer techno, hip hop or "chart music" tend to be less intelligent. And i'm not talking about the ability to learn something by heart. It's about self-reflection, self-criticism, setting yourself high standards and listening to music that meets your demands. To me people that listen to Katy Perry for example are either very young kids or dense. And indeed it IS music that is composed for masses to buy it. Well calculated by people that found out how stupid most of you are and how to please your little brains. You have to consume and not to think.

[@Vdrum1010]

@@mantelmann13 Woah! You dropped your fedora hat, good sir. Careful next time!

[@michaelanderson4849]

"I wrote him. He did not reply... Fucker" - Mikael Åkerfeldt

[@lucasharris5727]

Ian Anderson is my idol

[@filipdzero8739]

4 years later, but happy to say he eventually DID reply! Anderson's featuring on 4 songs on Opeth's new album, whenever that comes out!

[@michaelanderson4849]

@@filipdzero8739 The guy finally checked his inbox.

[@diegoaxexxx123]

@@filipdzero8739 it came out already. He did subway surfers' police ahh scream and a pretty good flute solo in paragraph 4.

[@josephbenz4913]

Mikel is overqualified for what’s in my bag lol

[@persianskeptic4814]

I love the way he called Ian Anderson a f***er. His delivery was priceless

[@windyr]

@@sandeshHQ it's a joke

[@TheBomber15]

Demonkiller123 I love your positivity and attitude, but explaining humour to certain people is a waste of time.

[@Pravindaswani74]

@@sandeshHQ f*cker=Healthy Envy.

[@Jimboy1611]

Larks Tongues In Aspic - If Akerfeldt wasn’t a musician, he’d be a stand up comic. His interludes at Opeth shows are always hilarious.

[@M4EOzzy]

@@sandeshHQ As others have said, a joke. He literally follows that line with, "He's my idol."

[@benyogubbins]

I read Ian Anderson finally replied to that e-mail.

[@andan04]

"This is a hated record, but not by me." Greatest line in the "What's In My Bag?" canon.

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

People hate on this album like its a piece of shit.

[@weaponizedwinnebago]

@@Carlos-xz3vi i actually think its one of the best Kiss albums. Atleast the best 80s kiss album

[@scottyboy25]

I am obsessed with this man. I would listen to him talk about what he had for breakfast.

[@vespertine8555]

He definitely knows something we don't

[@shodan1565]

something? he knows a lot when it comes to music

[@angelesclark5118]

To do what he does and reach places deep deep places with his music, definitely he does knows a whole lot

[@kevinheckeler]

I think we all have similar, obscure favorites and if we don't, we aren't truly appreciating music.

[@cantstopmike311]

He surrounds himself with geniuses certainly.

[@chaoticnique9748]

he's actually jesus

[@dongato6838]

Only Mikael Akerfeldt can make me want to actually listen to a KISS album.

[@xhinoteque]

Indeed, my friend

[@jorgengabrielsson6660]

Agree... and i think The Elder is great..

[@ickyficky]

Even Mikael Akerfeldt can't make me want to actually listen to a KISS album.

[@saltpeter7429]

I never even think about listening to Kiss, so, he got me that far at least! Lol. Just being a fool. I think I hate Kiss, then 2 minutes after thinking of them I find myself humming "parasite" or "firehouse", so I am caught being full of shit. Kiss did make some cool tunes, I just didnt want to admit it! It's all fun, this is a fun interview

[@somethingwentwrong3298]

You should definitely listen to Scott 3.

[@pjmusc1001]

I actually bumped into Mikael at Amoeba about 10 years ago, he and Axe were there together. I told him I was a big fan of Opeth and Bloodbath and he couldn't have been kinder, just a super down-to-earth, gracious dude.

[@lordgargamel4124]

Its hard to believe that some of the most beast like growls came from this man.

[@shit_pant]

The best example of death metal vocals I can think of are from Bloodbath - live at wacken 2005 . Top tier, can't sound any better IMO

[@garrettwilson9664]

@@shit_pant Mine are on Katatonia's Brave Murder Day. Akerfeldt's vocals are insane.

[@semisonic30]

Definately one of my favourite episodes, so far.

[@88omair]

Mikael's dressed like he's going to be reading a book of old scary stories in his living room by the fireplace afterwards

[@trevorphilips9484]

There's something so humble and soft about how he values music and his way of talking about it. Makes you want to hug the guy.

[@lelotomo]

I think he would’ve chosen option C for you my friend

[@camilocdv]

So great that he got Ian to collab in the new record❤

[@tanishqrawat9559]

imagine ian's flutes over the new death metal vocals

[@HugoRBMarques]

New interview from Mikael is out on Kerrang. The Ian collab happened because of this video.

[@isajr501]

Mikael is such an adorable and loving guy. He speaks so peacefully.

[@drivenelement]

That’s so heartwarming that he invited Linda Perhacs to Opeth’s show in LA, asked her to go backstage and played her music over the PA before their set. Mikael is a stand up guy.

[@scribe6982]

"we were pretty shit, to be honest" . . . this guy is awesome, and this is why I love to watch these. You never know what music plays in someone's head.

[@adel-ub2op]

classic swedish thing to say

[@lopolik]

now Ian Anderson has replied and played on the new Opeth album.

[@rupe82]

I'd love for Mikael to do a video showing his record collection.

[@MetalTrabant]

It's gotta be huge if he has 40 pieces of the same record... I don't even have 40 vinyls in my whole collection :D

[@antdujar]

I dig your name and the image, fellow Radiohead fan. @spectre

[@Falxifer95]

Fun fact, according to Steven Wilson, Mikael has a larger record collection than he does. And Mikael makes no secret that he respects how much more knowledgeable Steven is about music than he is.

[@Syko1985]

I mean who even collects the same record multiple times? 😂 He is such a interesting dude

[@kostarazman3444]

I need that in my life.

[@manifold.curiosity]

It's beautiful how open Mikael is in sharing his influences - Comus, Camel, Blackwater Park and many other bands besides have left an obvious mark on Opeth's music. My listening is much richer thanks to this man!

[@Ticktok_of_Oz]

I absolutely never would have found bands comus and camel without mikael

[@austin5732]

Steven wilson produced Blackwater's park

[@randomdude93-93]

Comus fucked my world when I first heard it lol

[@chiefplankton8307]

Same. Listening to his work has lead me to find the fitting genre for me taste. Still listen to his work every now and then. Inspiring, truly.

[@locksh]

The amount of amazing music I've been exposed to through Mikael is mind blowing. What a guy

[@persianskeptic4814]

I clicked on this so fast it broke the sound barrier

[@cameronyoung5874]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@caseyking8394]

Hello king crimson album

[@danilhaes]

"the singer had a Napalm Death t-shirt and I was like "it's meant to be", cause I love Napalm Death too!"

[@mvunit3]

Hahaha! I loved that. I was surprised way back when that video debuted, that LaBrie may be a fan, but he has said in an interview that I believe he "borrowed" the shirt (I think), that interview is somewhere on Yt. A few years later "Barney Greenway" joined DT on stage to perform Metallica's "Damage Inc." :D.

[@MrBluesboy21]

@@mvunit3 Maybe not LaBrie but Mike Portnoy indeed was a big fan of N. D.

[@danilhaes]

@@mvunit3 That video is amazing! I have seen some photos of Napalm Death in the mid 90's where Barney wears a Dream Theater's t-shirt. Maybe some kind of exchange between both bands hahaha.

[@danilhaes]

@@MrBluesboy21 Didn't know that! Cool!

[@ksylo4805]

@@danilhaes Barney used to be a music journalist, he liked progressive rock

[@KingGh0st_o]

I can actually hear the influence of every album picked

[@niennaarcturus]

I got emotional hearing Mike talking about his grandpa and dad at the end of his grandpa's life... last year my dad died and I was at his home to spend sometime with him. He was feeling very apathetic in general, he didn't like anything... died from severe cancer he had... my dad was always a big fan of prog music. I grew up listening Pink Floyd, Supertramp, Genesis... anyway, at my last visit to my dad I was playing a lot of Opeth. And then at some point my dad got up from the bed (which was a big effort) come down to the kitchen and told me "this band that you are playing is really good" referring to Opeth. So yeah, I knew if he wasn't in so much pain we would enjoy a glass of wine (like many times we did) listening to our musics... he showing his prog rocks and I introducing him to my metal bands... Mike, Opeth is very important to me, thanks for making such good music. Hugs

[@metalmanny666]

Damn.

[@mvunit3]

:(. For you and your Dad, I've used this song for my own losses and people I know, hope it comforts you . . . An Opeth fave: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4KrqaaKm9GfasU

[@niennaarcturus]

@@mvunit3 Thanks =D

[@ogulcanyolcu8714]

That is sad.. It made me feel so weird, my eyes are almost watery, imagined of a man slowly walking to the kitchen door and telling "That band is good" Hope he rests in peace

[@SylentEcho]

Dude, same here, except my dad's was from another thing. Mike sharing that means quite a lot and I respect him for it.

[@Leenvanvelzen]

Easily the best 'what's in my bag?' ever. Great guy. Brilliant music lover. Brilliant musician. The part about his dad and granddad made me cry...

[@wasatch80]

One of the most brilliant songwriters alive.

[@mellowtron214]

Mikeal is the MOST CULTURED MAN IN ALL OF METAL.

[@A-man1998]

There is definitely something about him that's just so....elegant...so full of...class...then you see videos of him playing live with Bloodbath singing songs about canabalism....he's a strange man...but a beautiful man.

[@scofthenight]

Not too cultured for a mid show hamburger lol

[@samfairtex]

I think Gahll may be one of the most cultured he is just dark about it

[@cas1994]

Him and bruce dickinson.....they did a radio show where bruce interviewed Mikael, its amazing

[@2BAvalon]

@@A-man1998 I have on desire... Since I was born...... Eatennnnnnnnnnn

[@stephen3511]

What a beautifully honest and heartwarming story whilst discussing the Scott3 album. I also agree... it’s a wonderful album and Scott was a talent indeed. 👍💚

[@locksh]

Once again I discover music of wonder through this man... This album and the first 3 or 4 songs in particular has been one of the best musical discoveries I ever had. It blows my mind how much fantastic music I find through Mikael's recommendations, constantly. What a talented musician and great human being.

[@ronny-2112]

Mikael is my favorite music nerd. This guy teaches you unknown music and reminds you of great classics.

[@HeyHeyChey]

You would expect this kind of show to be just promotions, but it is so much more. Incredible stories on thos one

[@Detlefschrimpf]

His voice is sooooo soothing

[@Syko1985]

Mikael is a music encyclopedia, incredible knowledge.

[@TheMetalhead678]

His voice is so... soothing. I could listen to him talk all day.

[@WOLVEOVSIBERIA]

And now after all these years, Ian Anderson is on a Opeth album.

[@joaopaulooliveiracarneiro2993]

Because of this video, by the way

[@persianskeptic4814]

Please get Steven Wilson on this Amoeba !

[@dario3250]

Steven Wilson would buy everything

[@416KPD]

@@dario3250 although he's a music nerd, in one of his interviews, he confesses that Akerfeldt's collection is much bigger than his, so...

[@RolandDeschain1]

The mind boggles at what he would pick.

[@temporarymomentary]

That could've been the longest episode :)

[@okayokaynowkids7673]

I would rather get Justin Bieber than him

[@lobaum91]

It's so amazing to see that all the rock/metal guys are the ones who bring in a lot of diverse stuff

[@lobaum91]

@Andy Salter i'm a metalhead too... I'm just pointing out to the fact that we're not that close-minded as people like to treat us

[@eridinthevirgin4191]

@@lobaum91 still it depends on the person after all

[@nicholasromig5506]

yeah, as a longtime metal enthusiast, I also fuck with a lot of rap, goth, punk, industrial, ambient, electronic, new wave, prog...there's a lot of wonderful stuff in a zillion genres

[@Jurica-mtb]

@@nicholasromig5506 exactly!

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

Holy crap, right out of the bat his story about the musician turn dental hygienist is so compelling. The hell???? Great episode!

[@MKCasu-dm5gv]

This video just exudes class and deep thought. Mikael gotta be the most gentlemanly dude in music let alone metal

[@christophersanzo1833]

He's such an awesome dude. I miss old Opeth and all, but Mikael Akerfeldt will always be a LEGEND to me.

[@nicholasromig5506]

the new Opeth was on at the record store the other day and i was like "who is this, it's really good?" then i went over and saw who it was and was like "oh hey, wow, I'm amped that even though they're barely metal at all that they've settled into pure prog rock well enough to get my attention again. I'll be buying it.

[@tommapar]

@@nicholasromig5506 Yeah their new stuff has a lot of good shit in it. That and Mike is always such a legend. I went to see Opeth recently in Buenos Aires, was utterly blown away. Even though I didn't know some of the songs (they played 1 from each record) the sound quality, the stage banter, the musicianship, the crowd, everything was insane. Would give my left nut to get to see them again.

[@palopo-t3v]

I love that for Mikael, a major chord is "unexpected"

[@gravecactus]

Opeth is one of my favorite bands. To hear Mikael speak of life as eloquently or maybe even more eloquently than he sings is a real treasure.

[@tristandriant4539]

We can actually hear some of Opeth in each of these albums. That's impressive how they (and by they I mostly mean Mikael) managed to put some softer stuff into death metal and make it sound so iconic. Edit : listen to the Sorceress album

[@deeptracy23]

Wow. That anecdote about his grandfather was poetic.

[@Jamesp1972]

Absolutely beautiful and touching

[@threestringsomg]

As it's Mikael who else clicked like b4 watching?! Love this guy. Opeth best band in world right now....

[@gardenboydon]

These type of episodes are my favorite. Specific detailed stories about the significance of the album they have bought

[@brillianttree3906]

Scott 3 and Scott 4 are just amazing...love them. Love his voice

[@lantzkeefer8674]

He is such a class act,and an extremely underrated song writer, love Opeth such an amazing band

[@Veev6]

I love that he's a huge Van Der Graaf Generator fan. That album is indeed spectacular, and I also have the original pressing! Charisma pink scroll label. Brilliant!

[@eatmoreporkporky4342]

One of my favorite bands and favorite singers. Even his talking voice has that DEEP undertone. Love Mikael. If you haven't checked Opeth out, you're missing out on some very beautiful and unique metal music.

[@chriskeiser5809]

Scott 3 is one of those records that just makes emotions well up out of nowhere for me. Can’t really explain it, it just...makes me feel

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

Seems like a very likable person, enjoyed that

[@Hawgfin]

I checked out the artists Mikael recommends here. Two of them (Scott and Linda) I never heard of before. Ended up ordering 3 new CDs as a result. Thanks to Mikael for his willingness to share. Mikael's eclectic taste in music is greatly appreciated.

[@bessyxyz]

I love that this series not only introduces records that I've never heard of, but also artists I've never heard of. I really enjoyed watching this episode. I could listen to him talk about music all day.

[@jonvia]

The coolest thing about music is that even when the artist(s) has/have died, are still alive in these recordings!

[@nobordersnoflags9905]

I knew absolutely nothing about him but it's already my favourite episode. Wonderful.

[@Kamy.GG.Official]

*Man's a legend. The classic of now & future*

[@colemarie9262]

That first record story was really sweet. He played that woman's music for the show intro just so she could hear her own stuff through a big system with a crowd.... like damn.

[@galaxophone]

"The rest was... pretty brutal death metal..." lol

[@chrisguevara]

You totally tell this dude digs for records.

[@chrislowe4760]

Can we get more rock/metal acts? Thanks

[@EugenioCrippa]

well of course, go check out some other guys out there and you'll have your dose of rock and metal :)

[@hangar18coleccionables]

X2

[@DescendingBlade]

Chris Lowe They’ve done a lot of them

[@winchesterdean5939]

@@EugenioCrippa shut the f up hipster!

[@megandrover340]

@@winchesterdean5939 hes right tho.

[@joecritch]

A charming gentlemen. Such a moving story at the end.

[@THEUNHINGEDSANITY]

This was the Friday before their Psycho Las Vegas show. I was next to him in line. He ended up purchasing a Ride the lightning pressing over $200 at the counter! Such a cool person.

[@ethanaguirre4146]

I didn't even know he is a Metallica fan :0 respect

[@sinisavuco7931]

@@ethanaguirre4146 He said on a concert if there was no to live is to die, there would not be a opeth or something like that.

[@ethanaguirre4146]

@@sinisavuco7931 wow! I can see where a lot of Opeth acoustic parts could have been inspired by TLITD

[@MetalTrabant]

Ah, so he did buy at least one record I'd also buy... that's still an incredible album.

[@TheDiamond2009]

He's absolutely spot on with Scott 3, it's a masterpiece, a truly stunning album. It's sits right alongside Scott 4, and Scott 2's not far behind.

[@Greybeardjack]

One of my top 5 favorite bands ever, OPETH. Michael is such an Amazing musician. I love this video.

[@fcamiola]

mine too!

[@Bengalfella]

opeth is my favourite band ever!

[@kurtkish6970]

Alienz900 Mine too. I’m 62.

[@patryckhellphilip2245]

A mina também

[@tomasjonsson7141]

Most overated band ever 😺😺😺

[@rknrlgrl6146]

Never heard of this guy but intrigued by his musical tastes. I love when people (musicians) open their ears to different genres of music and you find their tastes are completely different from the music they play...interesting.

[@LoudnessJP]

I suggest you listen to the albums Damnation and Blackwater Park by Opeth.. They are brilliant albums and the best ones to start with in their discography as a new listener. Damnation is a very chill album, not prog death... Blackwater Park probably the album with the most brilliant riffs in one single album..

[@rknrlgrl6146]

@@LoudnessJP Thank you for your suggestions. I’ll be sure to give them a listen.

[@locksh]

What a dude. I found out about such an incredible amount of music through Mikael, and as he said Scott Walker's albums are close to his heart, I can safely say Mikael's works are very close to mine and the hearts of many others. Brilliant musician.

[@PixieSpright]

My God, what an insanely superb taste. And I love how he speaks... So relaxing.

[@JDeloggia]

A true gentleman!

[@PorcupineTreeEOJ]

It came full circle, Ian was on S4 of the new album

[@HugoRBMarques]

Ian plays the flute in S4, but he's also featured on S1, S2, S4 and S7 as spoken word. Joey Tempest of Europe (know for The Final Countdown) is also on S2.

[@CipherSerpico]

Zombies’ Odyssey and Oracle is one of those albums I always forget about. But every time I listen to it, I’m just blown away. Care of Cell 44 is just such a perfect song. The chorus is so beautiful.

[@concretenema]

I didn't expect a Scott Walker record, especially the early stuff, but in retrospect it all makes so much sense that SW would be a great influence for MA's vocals.

[@Jackalhead89]

The best episode in my opinion ❤

[@DeadalusX]

Opeth is a cool guy

[@Mostafa.Morgan_]

His taste of music is just unbelievable! The guy is my number one idol of all times.

[@hoopsmccann639]

van der graaf generator doesn't get enough love! they are great live! they were a trio when i saw them.

[@willfitzpatrick1107]

Thoughtful and very respectful of the music. Exactly what you would expect if you love Opeth. Thanks Amoeba!! This was my favorite!

[@garrettmehl1427]

Yes!! Scott Walker!! Of course he would love Scott!!

[@Quantum973]

I'm binging these videos featuring metal artists and so far I think John Coltrane is the biggest common influence for most of these guys

[@TastyChevelle]

I loved Jethro Tull long before Opeth and I KNEW they were hyper influenced but I never got that confirmation... Until now. That is how I got so attached to Opeth.

[@The_oneironaut777]

Way back when ghost reveries was released he mentioned in an interview that Jethro Tull, Yes, Uriah Heep, Paul Rodgers were a huge influence in that record. Even before that, on thier website bios Mike was constantly updating what he was listening to and I can honestly say Tull has been a huge influence on him to my knowledge since BWP.

[@kurtkish6970]

Thick as a Brick. Aqualung.

[@zomblification]

When I read in the Revolver interview that Mikael was at Amoeba I was stoked hoping he was gonna do an episode. So glad he did!

[@djpetenice]

This is far by the best Whats In My Bag. I love the way Akerfelt speaks with honesty and politeness. You guys really nailed it out of the park with this one.

[@1chrisanderson]

What a guy. To be able to have a proper conversation with Mikael...

[@quadparents]

Åkerfeldt is as real as they get. Nothing canned or contrived. And a great appreciation of varying music, showing his wide breadth of interests. Truly refreshing. Mike Portnoy next.

[@CentiZen]

Thanks for mentioning Van Der Graff Generator, never heard of them before but they are exactly the kind of band I wanted to be listening to

[@andre99249]

So Rosemary in "Isolation Years" is a reference to Walker's song. Nice! For some reason I always thought it was a reference to Polanski's classic.

[@metalmanny666]

AndyBraz who’s Walker?

[@MystFGO]

Watch the video

[@locksh]

This just blew my mind

[@lucianof-f6z]

i didnt know dream theater was an inspiration for opeth. two of my long time favourites.

[@xhinoteque]

I can't express how much I love this guy

[@Gguy061]

Prog rock is such an overlooked genre. Great masterpieces that will never get the recognition they deserve

[@ktfjulien]

How the hell is prog overlooked

[@JRHamify]

@@ktfjulien it feels like a lot of prog fans think it is for some reason. There are a lot prog records that may not get recognition they deserve until much later or perhaps never but the genre as a whole has one the largest, broadest and most dedicated fan bases

[@ktfjulien]

@@JRHamify Agreed

[@mvunit3]

The "fans" all over the globe keep the genre and subgenres thriving though, without the radioplay or mainstream media hype. WE are out there buying the stuff :).

[@alicemcimen]

Yess, you guys finally caught him. Many thanks!!!

[@julietten.delany1364]

It's so nice to listen artists talking about music, so much love

[@wellandtrulyjoshed]

Scott 3 👏 RIP Scott 💔 Beautiful man beautiful voice ❤️

[@redlettervagrant1159]

What a vast taste in music. Super cool.

[@homelessathome]

Mike is one of the nicest persons over there. Humble, creative, enormously multifacetted and still down to earth. Eternal admiration.

[@buggydust]

i love mikael so much, what a fantastic video!

[@tomtomthebear]

My love for this man knows no bounds 🤘🏻🔥🔥🤘🏻