My Story As Metal Frontman #88: Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth, ex-Bloodbath)

[@chaoszine]

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[@pixelbasedlifeforms]

Love the heavy Finnish accent

[@chaoszine]

@@pixelbasedlifeforms

[@Simpaiii]

The gist of it is basically: "I don't know what I'm doing, I just kinda do stuff and it works...", coming from one of the most talented person in metal and rock. Crazy.

[@NoJobRob]

Yea and thank God, he would've never thought to come up with the crazy shit he has if he were thinking in terms of what he's 'supposed' to do

[@maverick_trail]

Yeah he makes it sound like it was by chance, but he's heavily influenced by other bands (i.e. Camel) so he has borrowed a lot - even if he doesn't admit it.

[@atides33]

​@@maverick_trailMikael has never hidden who his influences are - he speaks about them in dozens of interviews going back 25+ years.

[@blppt]

@@maverick_trail I think he even admits stealing from Camel to the audience on Lamentations DVD, if I remember correctly.

[@Simpaiii]

@@blppt yeah, he's pretty open about stealing the riff from Camel's never let go.go listen to it, it's pretty obvious,haha

[@bf9616]

What I love when Opeth is going to release a new album, is that we have lots of Mikael interviews! I could listen to this guy speaking for ever!

[@WildlikeDestination]

Totally agree with you. There is something about his way of speaking, especially when he is reminiscing about things that happened in the early days of the band.

[@Obsrv-r]

He’s a pretty humble guy for being so incredibly talented

[@topethYt]

Which is exactly why he's pretty humble.

[@matycee]

it's an act. it's clear, if you listen in the right way... he's actually got a massive ego. but, it's well earned so.. a draw

[@topethYt]

@@matycee dude I met him personally, twice. Let alone being a great musician that he is, he's also a very down-to-earth human being.

[@VedRatnaMehra]

​@@matycee Not ego but clarity about the Music he does! I don't know what I am doing is a pretty deep statement said in a jolly way.. Iykyk!

[@gatordogcustoms3706]

so humble and real. and one of the goats. true integrity, they’ve never given a fuck what anyone thinks. so punk rock.

[@rupe82]

One of the greatest songwriters not just in metal but music in general. Thanks for the interview!

[@mrpolaris3560]

This Guy is a True contemporary Musical Genius.

[@emergentform1188]

Hell yes preach it bro.

[@zonta.Ivan.navarro]

“I don’t really see myself as a singer or a guitar player”, says the dude with the absolutely beautiful voice and incredible riffs and solos. I think I get what he means - as being a musician rather than singer/guitar player - but c’mon

[@Aenigmakil]

Modesty gone too far 😅

[@patepulkkinenvtec2403]

Yep, I think Mikael sees himself more as a creator of musical content rather than a dedicated "singer" or a "guitarist". But yeah, he is still excellent at both instruments.

[@RohannvanRensburg]

It's so awesome to hear an interviewer give the impression he's listened to other interviews instead of trotting out tired questions. Great job!

[@chaoszine]

After doing 1500+ interviews in 20 years asking how is your new album I guess everyone would get bored of repeating himself. 🤣

[@RohannvanRensburg]

@@chaoszine 😂Pretty much. I've watched many of his interviews and it's always clear when the interviewer is genuinely interested, you didn't ask any generic questions.

[@andywitch666]

Great interview as always, I could listen to Mr. Akerfeldt for hours...

[@chaoszine]

I wish I would have had more time to go a bit deeper in few questions but I think there result is good still.

[@Gael_the_Dread]

​@@chaoszineOh, this was GREAT! Easy sub. 🤙

[@topethYt]

Kudos to the interviewer. These are by far THE most interesting questions any interviewer ever asked him in recent days, IMO

[@chaoszine]

Thanks ❤

[@N3V3rmor365]

I could listen to Mikael talk for hours! Very intelligent man.

[@zacharyseibert6788]

Mikael is one of the best to ever do it. A genius. Great interview!👍

[@NikhilMadari]

“So to speak” the new equivalent to “Sorrow” 😅.

[@antonioj.garcia1325]

If you know what I mean.

[@standinginmist]

i was about to say this lol

[@LauraBiasotti]

There are no negative aspects of your clean voice.

[@mindofmatter071]

It was so cool for Mikeal to respond to my heckling at the last show they did in Dallas...i just asked if he had any Mushrooms and he respond..."we don't do drugs except for this nxt song is about Heroin" and then they broke into Sorceress!!! It was EPIC!!!

[@Aenigmakil]

Jokes. My favourite band but I don't like that song. Especially after they switched it for my favourite song ever. The Moor.

[@chilepeulla]

These questions were awesome, I’ve seen many Opeth interviews and they always ask the same things, but here I actually got some answers of questions I’ve had myself for many years as a fan

[@chaoszine]

Thanks! ❤

[@frankfrohmann1504]

The last answer (love, passion for music) is the most intelligent statement I could imagine. What a fantastic musician and intelligent man! Thank you so much, Mikael.

[@dvvelldoom5239]

This guy needs a podcast

[@emergentform1188]

Suddenly Mikael is the king again with everyone psyched. Awesome, as it should be.

[@ΣταμΔετσης]

The BEST songwriter out there.

[@matiasm457]

Lovely banda, lovely Man, lovely interviene. He's wise, intelligent, humble... And extremely talented. Thank God for his music. We love you Mikael

[@rubaidaallen2764]

He’s so normal and down to earth. Super talented and a great singer 🤘🤘

[@guidobarandiaran1890]

Thanks for this. It's always a pleasure to hear him talking about music. I feel the same about it. Cannot wait for the new record

[@retrovertigocl]

What a nice guy. Also his English is so good that is easy to understand for someone not english speaking..

[@darrenbooker8144]

You can understand him better doing gutteral screams then most Aussies on a Friday night 😂😂

[@retrovertigocl]

@@darrenbooker8144 🤣🤣🤣 I Agree

[@thomaskooiman9812]

This is a really nice interview. The interviewer has a genuine interest and gives Mikael all the room the answer. Nice

[@Jodileannexx]

I love how nonchalant and chill this guy is, when he's one of the greatest musical geniuses out there...

[@mattirealm]

Love Bloodbath and Opeth both! Got into Opeth about 16 years ago and Bloodbath about 4 years ago, and I can safely say that Mikael has done some amazing vocal work all these years. It is just insane to hear him talk about not knowing what he is doing; and the humility shown here is a big reason why I like the music!

[@floridabelle]

Wonderful interview! 🔥🔥❤Opeth❤🔥🔥 Mikåel, your clean vocals are divine, and your growling is what was needed for me to accept liking it. (growling)

[@cranboogie]

🌀🌀🌀👋👋👋

[@floridabelle]

@@cranboogie 🤘🏼🙂👋🏻

[@mysticrhythms3348]

HE is SO effortlessly amazing he never has to think about his singing - switching to any style is like breathing to him!!

[@Morroh]

Fantastic interview thank you!

[@chaoszine]

Thanks! It's part of the video series.

[@TheJML1975]

I love hearing Akerfeldt talk about music! I hope he does a “talk through” of the tracks on the new album, when it gets released! Always excited for a new Opeth album, and not knowing where the songs will go! 😙👌🏻

[@chaoszine]

I was hoping he could have told atleast a bit more about upcoming albums vocals but the the time was not yet right for him to spill anything from it. :)

[@TheJML1975]

@@chaoszine yeah he’s keeping things close to his chest! Which is awesome… as much as I’d love for him to talk about the forthcoming album, I want to hear it first, without knowing how each song sounds! Plus I’ve got to say.. I love his growls so much, that for me they are the best growls I’ve heard! But I kinda feel it’s a backwards step, dong them again.. 🤔 all I see is folks saying “Opeth are back” because he’s growling again, which makes me sad.

[@jeanfrancozaratemarcial7916]

​@TheJML197 He ain't doing them cuz of fans, the new album is a concept album, the growls are supposed to represent one of the characters through out the record... At least from the little info I gathered through some website articles and one early review from a KZbinr.

[@TheJML1975]

@@jeanfrancozaratemarcial7916 ​​⁠tbh I’m flitting between loving the song, and feeling it’s a let down… can’t put my finger on why exactly! I’m hoping it works better, when heard as an album track!

[@henriklundporsgaard4393]

This was a great interview, thanks. Mikael is such an inspiration to listen to, and the interviewer did a great job of giving him something to talk about.

[@whiteglovepc]

Great interview. A lot of insight into Mike’s mentality. Well done

[@gatordogcustoms3706]

prob my favorite vocalist and frontman of all time, and he’s real but hilarious.

[@DuskPatrol]

Guy who says "fuck it I'll do it" turns out to be the greatest vocalist -- clean and growls -- ever. Lmfao legend

[@mvd3517]

”Sounded more like he was drunk” 😅 best comment ever on Venom.

[@bradtaulbee5928]

His growls on that katatonia album brave murder day are perfection

[@darthmetalus7469]

Great interview!

[@chaoszine]

Thanks! It's part of the video series.

[@mysticrhythms3348]

AMAZING TALENT!!! OPETH is incredible!!! great

[@matias6119]

Great questions! Must be the most interesting interview I've seen in a long time, in other ones they always do the same boring questions. It's nice to see him talk on the artistic perspective of things.

[@Beli4l]

What a fucking humble man! Seen em in Oslo at tons of rock! It was fucking amazing. My fav band of the festival!

[@Nick-lj5jk]

Great interview mate! Love the ending where he talks about the passion for music.

[@Gael_the_Dread]

I fucking love this man. I'd be happy just hearing him talk on records. Hahaha, he definitely set a new standard for me when I first heard the Ghost Reveries album. Changed my whole outlook on EVERYTHING musical.

[@alchase-iw8nb]

I've watched this a few times now and my favorite thing is Mikael doing his parent's voices. Comedic genius.

[@mrsaab5481]

So down to earth and such an inspiration. A lot of words of wisdom from his own personal experience without putting other people down. I love the fact he talks about his passion for creating music rather than just chasing success.

[@richy_B]

Great interview and good job interviewer! Interesting questions and without interruptions, brilliant!! Mikael is one of the best frontmen and song writers ever imo

[@jeffhampton6972]

This was a wonderful interview, thank you both for making this happen!

[@trajectoryunown]

Mikael's gutturals are some of the best in the game precisely because of his annunciation. Cool to hear Chuck is a major influence on his vocal style. I can hear the similarity, now that he mentions it.

[@mykullthecimmerian7183]

I will do my best to make you money Mike! You guys truly deserve it!

[@bartvools2314]

Waw. Great interview, great questions, great answers... Thanks!! Can't wait for the new album.

[@Dai6969]

Mike is so cool and interesting guy to talk about everything and its really cool to see how humble he is

[@LePopPathetique]

great interview, thanks! saw them live last month and its easily one of the best gigs I've ever seen, the amount of talent he has is something else

[@camilocdv]

My friend, what a great interview, I would have loved to watch a 5 hour video, the energy was there.❤

[@aiphotoguy]

One of the true musical geniuses of our time ✅👌🏻

[@latty_g]

This is a truly great interview.

[@kaaoszine_virallinen]

Thanks!

[@eamonahern7495]

The interviewer asked very good questions. When I heard The Grand Conjuration (the first time I listened to Opeth) for the first time I didn't think much of the vocals until the growls came in and that interesting contradiction of styles peaked my interest. Now I think it's a great song. So he has a way of making the ordinary work for the band.

[@_Erendis]

His voice is so soothing to listen to, I would buy it if he did an audiobook

[@rattlehead9127]

So funny to hear how down he is on his clean singing. He has such a beautiful voice and his growling is right up there with the best of the genre. Mikael is an interesting guy, to say the least. He also sounds excellent live.

[@IronMetal]

Charisma, talent, calm, wise

[@ssmith87]

Great questions! There were some that i’ve always wanted to ask myself especially the questions about if the death metal vocals came natural or if he had to work for a while to find it. Also, the question about his routines & things to avoid so not to wreck his voice. Mentioning his parent’s reactions was fantastic😂

[@andreidoanca4262]

And now everyone is checking that FloydPeth - High Hopes Leaves collab :)))

[@OpethianDream2112]

Great Interview, maybe the best I have heard! Thank you.

[@chaoszine]

Thanks!

[@xPyrielx]

Cool interview with some interesting questions. Cheers!

[@chaoszine]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@Chris-qo4rt]

One of the most humble guys in metal, he's always chill not trying to act like a tough guy or a diva like many others with just 10% of his talent.

[@joey3179]

Really great interview!

[@kaaoszine_virallinen]

Thanks! ❤

[@lordgraga]

Amazing interview, thanks!

[@jarrodkirkpatrick1300]

This interview makes him so damn likeable. Just a regular swedish dude. Presents himself intelligently by his mannerisms yet with a heavy dose of modesty. Is he for real? He's really just bumbleing through his successful music career with no guidance or training seemingly, uninflated by his natural gift. Let's be honest, whether Mikael solely writes the music or not, the whole damn group is crazy talented just being able to play this way live and still remain in sync, on tour no less. Bravo! Opeth's songs are so damn bipolar! That swing between dark-heavy and light tones. Exotic guitar rifts doing the Cha Cha with these strange time signatures. Hell! the drums are all over the place too and somehow always seem to land every beat so satisfyingly. Some of these albums take you on an adventure through the mind and soul. I put them on my shelf up there with Pink Floyd, Tool, Nine Inch Nails and Nightwish.. Opeth hooked me years ago with Ghost Reveries about the time it was released.. So much depth, range and intelligence in the music and it's pure, from the soul. You can feel it. Hearing it now from this interview that he's navigating his music so blindly, with no training just confirms what I heard in the music. He's a savant! Written in the DNA. This can't be learned or taught. Its a natural urge. I bet he's one of those dudes that can pick up any instrument and instantly connect with it and the melodies flow through. I also bet this can get outta hand too... I sense he's also a non-conformist in the classic artist fashion which can result, unfortunately, in disruption of your supporting "metal' fan base when the creative juices flow into the direction of jazzy 70's organs and experimental prog rock just as bipolar as ever with a few sprinkles of metal peppered about. Undeniable talent! No doubt by any means. However a strange composure to some ears that find them difficult to feel that gravitational pull to return for another experience. Damnation is a masterpiece!. It is my "Dark side of the moon" so to speak. When I start it, I'm finishing it I can't stop. Damn great album! Same with Blackwater Park and Ghost Reveries... The single just released, '§1', is promising so far. The old sound seems to be sprouting back and the growls are back. He's still got it.. Well hell, that was more than enough for one rant...lol

[@maddog.mcewan]

awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@WildlikeDestination]

This was a great interview!

[@chaoszine]

Thanks! 😎🤟

[@Allen7]

best metal singer of all time..both clean and growl!

[@romankrhounek5974]

He's the best

[@obahrey5197]

Love the Quorthon and Chuck shout outs. I remember Mikael saying that he stopped enjoying Death after Leprosy hahaha. By the way this was a great interview.

[@carlstawicki1915]

The Opeth/Floyd mashup he referred to is High Hope Leaves. It's pretty cool. I'd love to hear Opeth cover some Pink Floyd.

[@renicolas8312]

GOD OF MUSIC

[@Aenigmakil]

Chuck, Vincent and Åkerfeldt are the best! 🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾

[@amarkhatry9568]

finnish accent vs swedish accent

[@patriksvensson2360]

To be fair, Mikael has a very good level of English. Just like his musical skills, I'd say his English skill is somewhat above average. Most Swedes would probably have a thicker accent.

[@amarkhatry9568]

Thats true, I live in Norway, that's why I can pick up on his Scandinavian accent, but for most his English is indistinguishable​@@patriksvensson2360

[@amarkhatry9568]

​@@patriksvensson2360can't say the same for interviewer, reminds me of heavy trip movie

[@Ninar-99]

" It sounds awesome son " FACTS

[@difi4888]

interviewer is definitely finnish 😂 good interview tho

[@justinrisen1929]

Mikael's humble nature is wild. Is he really not aware of the fact that he is likely the greatest Death Metal singer of all time? And then throw in there his amazing guitar playing and song writing skills that in the metal genre are nearly unmatched in my opinion? Oh and hes a fuckin great storyteller with his music and an absolutely hilarious dude. Love Opeth and love Mikael to death! Cannot wait for the new record

[@u11113901]

I find it so interesting he does not realize how good he is at what he is doing. It is like he never watch youtube or fans reactions. Cause if he did he would know how people adore his skills.

[@ajkorras]

Wise words in the end there

[@remyturpault3412]

15:57 Hahaha no way, I made that Pink Floyd mashup!! Can't wait til Mikael's dad finds my Opeth / Ace of Base mashup 🤣

Funny stuff! 👍

[@LEONSKENNEDY91]

looool that's funny af I hope they listen to it

[@textoffender3410]

Cool to see a more vocal focused interview. So often people ask mikael about the other aspects of opeth that the vocals often go unrecognised in interviews (aside from questions about not doing harsh vocals as much anymore)

[@TraumaForTwo]

Put your personal bias and metal genre preference aside but Mikael is absolutely one of if not the best song writers of this generation.

[@darrenbooker8144]

Your mother was right!! Amazing, unique and beautiful, Manlove right now😂

[@Moss-rob]

I really want to hang out with him, have a beer or a coke zero, talk about random stuff and make impressions of our parents

[@hilariacoatlheart237]

Me too

[@mzh1218]

He says he's not a master in any style but imo he's got the best sounding growl ever.

[@emanuelpimba8720]

Was. Now is good but he lost a lot of range and power. Sounds good on the new song but you can see he is limited compared to watershed.

[@OmarChouikha]

@@emanuelpimba8720 bro he's 50

[@emanuelpimba8720]

@@OmarChouikha Not a good excuse. Many death metal singers are older than him and still sound great. He just had poor habits and technique and his voice suffered.

[@patepulkkinenvtec2403]

​​@@emanuelpimba8720Didn't Mikael just say in this interview that a vocal coach had told him that he had accidentally used the correct growling technique for years?

[@emanuelpimba8720]

@@patepulkkinenvtec2403 He might have but smoking trashed his voice and his technique started sounding more unhealthy around 2008-2009. Then from there it only got worse and lost range, power, etc. I'm not saying it sounds bad here, but compare it to old opeth songs and you can hear how much beef and range are gone

[@Winterfreud666]

Mikeal is the Dave Grohl of Metal for me in the best possible way.

[@theragandb0neman]

Definitely the strongest current ambassador for genius in metal.

[@d_rooster]

Even if you're basically a metal god, parents catch on late. Lucky though, to have his dad for a fan!

[@menelvegor]

14:42 ILY Mike

[@Doomherre]

🖤🖤🖤

[@LauraBiasotti]

Your voice is velvet

[@kurtkish6970]

I’ve never noticed his rabbit teeth so much before this interview!😅

[@GustavoVegliaVicO.M.]

Mikael has self esteem issues and i think that's pretty funny. King's a total legend but always repeats "i've no idea what i'm doing". Every interview he finds a way to say that. There's no way you can't love this guy.

[@Insekkton]

"A real musician doesn´t take advice" Great phrase

[@JawnCoffee]

Love Mikael. His nose is particularly shiny in this interview tho.

[@fearthepointman3134]

Right after I reordered sorceress because my copy was stolen, Opeth release a single and announce the new album 😁🤘.

[@TheJML1975]

I was going to comment, that the thief has great taste! But part of me hopes they hate it 😂

[@Malkovith2]

I'd like to imagine it was at gun point

[@michaelkarlsson5966]

A lot about preparing as a singer. Nothing wrong with that, it's interesting but what about preparing as a guitarist? How does he warm up, what does he play? How does he choose equipment, sounds etc.? With a vast catalogue and sounds and styles, compromise seem reasonable to do but how to choose and what?

[@chaoszine]

We might start doing a series with guitarists also in the future. Lets see if anyone is interested in collaborating with us as its not free to make these videos unfortunaltely. 😕

[@LEONSKENNEDY91]

7:25 we want a whitesnake coveeeeer

[@cordfuller]

What is the song that's play @ 0:10 in the beginning?

[@amogh_veena]

Sorcerress - opeth

[@amogh_veena]

Sorceress-opeth

[@mynameisLuke]

Sorceress