Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth talking about Peter leaving

[@bunnyhead71]

talk about a no bullshit interview. I don't think I have ever seen this much honesty about a fellow band mate and real feelings. This is great, Mikael should regret zero.

[@fratsalgur3422]

I'd love to hear the tape Peter gave Mike.

[@mattyjohnsson257]

@Christopher Norris That's behind the Harlequin Forest, right? Guarded by some Baying Hounds? Damnation! Someone should order a deliverance of those tapes.

[@peterlaurik7471]

​@@mattyjohnsson257 Those are some Bleak landscapes nowadays i remember how it was before the Harvest and the Isolation Years.

[@matheusluiz4958]

@@peterlaurik7471 You should've seen the face of Melinda when she heard it

[@friendlyenemy2314]

@@matheusluiz4958 she and the demon of the fall would be benighted by the nectar of the apostle in triumph

[@AI-ke9pp]

@@friendlyenemy2314 uhhh..... hessian peel

[@beefdlo]

I'm sure many, many people who've been in bands with friends will understand Akerfeldt's predicament here

[@xmiraculix82]

in many cases the not-good-enough-friend will still have a role in the band, as a manager or roadie, guitar tech or whatever and i think it's great if it works out like that

[@jimbodavis1944]

It’s an awkward and almost impossible situation that - in my experience - usually has two bad choices: 1) losing a friend for the sake of improvement, and 2) complacency in song-writing in a toxic passive-aggressive environment. In RARE cases, there are two other better choices: 1) the bandmate/friend improves and becomes more integral to the band, or 2) you part ways in the band without damaging the friendship. The last two better choices become less and less likely the more popular the band gets (from my experience with 10 years in a gigging original music band). We chose the complacency route (hampering the band to avoid damaging friendships). Of course, friendships were damaged anyway. Bands are very complicated...haha... In the end, I don’t regret a thing, but I’m rather fatalistic about things.

[@barklordofthesith2997]

@@jimbodavis1944 AFAIK things are pretty good between them. As in they visit each other/have dinner with each others families. I had heard that a big reason why he left was simply that he didn't want to tour/do live shows as much as the band was doing at the time. Which involved a good amount of travel & it is understandable that somebody with wife & kids would rather be with his family vs having the traveling circus routine of a performing band.

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

@@barklordofthesith2997 You talk as if the rest of the band dont have wives and kids. Mikael for sure does. from my perspective It seems that Peter decided that he wasnt contributing to the band enough creatively and that pretty much haunted his existence within the band. He wrote riffs that were never used in songs because Mikael at the end of the day had the final decision and Im sure that just made Peter feel even more like trash so he decided to call it a day and part ways with the band. Opeth being on the road and away all the time certainly would have influenced his decision to leave but probably not the one that pushed him over the edge. Im sure being in the band caused him much anxiety and stress. Imagine wanting to contribute, being told to contribute but having your ideas constantly shot down or ignored. Leaving Opeth meant that both of them remained friends and he was free from that anxiety.

[@barklordofthesith2997]

@@Rose.Of.Hizaki The rest of the band doesn't have kids with Mikael being the exception. He had one kid at the time and it was 2 or 3 years old at most.

[@raz0rcarich99]

You can really tell that Mike truly cares about how other people feel.

[@alienedbla1333]

I'm basically Peter when it comes to pair programming in computer science class

[@kunns123]

Too close to home man

[@JohnOrem]

I feel this hard

[@LordSummerIsle73]

Mikael is so honest and kind man he's the best

[@velocitylk]

0:53 "that stepping toes an-" WELL

[@sb-jo2ch]

W̵̩̼͆̇̋̍͑E̴̟͊̑͗͝L̷͕̬͈̹̗͚̯̤̋̈́̒͌͋̅͜L̵̲̤̱̯͖̬͈̈́̒

[@PimpMasterT]

@@sb-jo2ch lmfao

[@sergios8277]

I noticed😂

[@sergios8277]

He seems angry

[@jonnykhatru]

🤣

[@SanguineQuills]

My favorite era of Opeth was the Akerfeldt/Lindgren/Mendez/Lopez era. To me, it had an indescribable chemistry that couldn't be replicated. Everyone that played in this band is very talented obviously, but to me there was just something more to that lineup. A cohesion that really appealed to me. That said, I have nothing but respect for the band. I don't follow them as much anymore, because I'm not connecting as much with what they do, but bands shouldn't be held hostage to fans' opinions.

[@dwheresmymana]

That was their lineup when I first discovered them. My friend took me to see them live during the Deliverance/Damnation tour. Fucking amazing, at a small venue too. Then Ghost Reveries was released and I saw them live again.. Amazing show (at that point I had already become a big fan of My Arms Your Hearse and Blackwater Park). That was their golden age in my opinion, but I'm biased.

[@Inth]

1. WOW what an amazing interview, first time hearing such an honest interview and answers. 2. I always liked Peter a lot, but I understand that for Mikael the level of the songs and their quality was the most important. 3. As a musican I have the same weakness: I can create on my own, but creating with others is always motivating me to do better stuff. thanks for this interview although it didnt give the answer why Peter left

[@GhANeC]

This is just a piece of the full interview from years ago, and Mikael has said that at this time he was very tired and still a bit conflicted about Peter's departure, so he spoke of many things a bit more harshly and negatively than they actually were.

[@rtrooperw8115]

Open and honest. Love this guy! Love Opeth!♥️🤟🏻

[@aestusmaris]

I love Opeth, and have done for a long time. Reflecting on the ouput, Peter leaving changed things. Perhaps he that was the restraint that was needed.

[@ItsNotaTuhmah]

That was exactly his role in the late years. Back in the Orchid/Morningrise days Pete wrote a lot of the stuff but over time Mike took over. He still didn't forget completely that Pete was an important member of the band and he took his advices, heard what he had to hear. Pete told him back then when a song was not meant for Opeth and when it did. When he left, Mike took over 100% and wrote the material without consulting anyone else.

[@paljomania4281]

Best interview ever with Åkerfeldt. Maybe he was tired but that was awesome. Peter is brilliant guitarist.

[@locxha96]

peter solos are really unique and I really like that..

[@SaintFranssoix]

But weren't peter's solos written by Mikael?

[@Diesel_Budgie]

@@SaintFranssoix I watched another old interview where they said that basically, if a section of a song has been designated for a guitar solo, all the guitarists would do a bunch of solos and they would then pick their favourites. Mikael still writes or curates most of the riffs, melodic sections and the songwriting process in general.

[@garrettbreedon9691]

@@SaintFranssoix From what I’ve gathered from older interviews, from orchid to blackwater park Peter played a pretty big role on in writing guitar riffs/solos. Which in my opinion are the greatest days of Opeth.

[@ItsNotaTuhmah]

@@SaintFranssoix Each one wrote his own solos. and performed them live. That's why some sections that are absurdly hard that were recorded by Mike while singing were done in the same fashion live. Mike abandoned that when Fredrik joined, leaving him to play the hardest stuff.

[@rabarebra]

I've seen many live videos here on YT (when he was in the band) and Peter doesn't play one single solo. Please enlighten me.

[@andre99249]

Damn! I can see the pain on his face talking about Peter.

[@Yupppi]

It's weird how it sounds like the interviewer tries to poke him to say something that could create drama between them.

[@trexpeliahelvetios2302]

Yuppi i think he try to not to ask the same or mediocre *i dont know how to spell* questions and end up asking dramatic question

[@embracerodusk2537]

It's what journalists do.

[@Rkitt8]

I don’t think so. They’re having a conversation that Mikael is more than obliged to answer. This journalist sounds Swedish as well possible, as an American who has been to a lot of Baltic/Scandinavian states, people are more direct in how they speak. We Americans perceive it as assholish, but the way their language translates to their English, this is just the natural inflection that’s felt in how we perceive these questions and answers.

[@DropdaLTDtoB]

I saw opeth recently and EVERY song was a journey \m/ Therefore, i went out the next day, and bought their entire discography. And it is ALL AMAZING \m/

[@stevehunt914]

Opeth to me is Morningrise. I LOVE that album SO much, it is my heart. BUT, weirdly, i don't dislike their new direction(s) They've covered SO much ground musically that it makes sense to evolve, and even tho the music is different, its never 'bad'. The ferocity may be gone but whats replaced it is weird, spooky jazz which in itself is hugely interesting and compelling. I look forward to whatever they do next. (Tho i HAVE to say, im pretty sure i would have VERY much liked what was on Peters Riff-Tape. - The meandering contrapuntal black metal riffs from the first few albums are my FAVOURITE.)

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

Hey man, I'm with you there. I love Opeth, but 'Morningrise' is head-and-shoulders above their other albums in my opinion. It's a unique work of art. I've been on the bridge on the cover too, which was a strange experience.

[@metalfan0101]

I kinda get sad when i think what peter would felt when he saw this...

[@aacPOTING]

Very interesting interview... This is a complicated issue, I love to write music, and I like to do that in my own way...alone, but if you have a big band like Opeth, with long time mates, seems to be hard to keep the equilibrium between band collaboration and personal composition. I don't know if Mikael acted well or not capitalizing the songwriting, but I totally understand his doubts and his sadness. He seems a very good person... and he IS a musical genius. (Sorry for my poor english)

[@NerveEnd]

To quote Peter himself: "I have come to a point where I realize I won't be able to give the band 100%, and from both sides this will not be good enough for what Opeth stands for." I understand him perfectly. Mikael 'being selfish' had nothing to do with it. I rest my case.

[@Zyborggian]

Saw this was a band account commenting, clicked, randomly decided to click 15 seconds into the featured song on your page and instantly heard a godtier key change and cool instrumentation "Great Escape". Just finished the song and Im in love and about to check more. Thank you for commenting on this video

[@NerveEnd]

@@Zyborggian Holy moly!! Nice to see a KZbin comment I made over 16 years ago stir up all this. Thank you so much for the praise :) I hope all the best on your music making journey, let me know when you have your stuff out! -Joonas

[@Zyborggian]

@@NerveEnd Joonas I just binged the entire discography. Every song. Every song is brilliant. I haven't been this impressed with a discography since Rapheumets Well completed their discography with their final album Enders Door or with Ne Obliviscaris continuing to put out fire with every single song before that. I added your entire discography to my playlist of favorite music and stuff. Holy shit man you are an insanely good composer and vocalist. Is that you on lead guitar too? CHRIST.

[@NerveEnd]

@@Zyborggian Thanks a lot, I'm very pleased to hear you liked the rest of the stuff too! I play approximately 50 % of the guitar solos. We don't have a clear distinction between lead and rhythm guitarists, but usually the main composer of the song plays the solo as well. I've written 100 % of half of the songs and mainly co-written vocal lines and some small stuff on the other half, which is mainly written by the other guitarist.

[@Zyborggian]

@@NerveEnd Oh heard. Chaos Frame is the same way they have a really cohesive soloing vibe in their songs but its two guys who play leads. Some of their songs in their two most recent albums are some of the best progressive metal I've ever heard. I hear you on the songwriting front too you and Lauri make a great team the songwriting is super cohesive (not that Im against more diverse sounding albums where you can hear the writers personalities differ I mean Abbey Road by The Beatles is an all time classic. I'm almost missing that kind of diversity on an album in most cases in metal these days)

[@Sprnklrmn]

Mikael is such an incredible song writer that there’s no room for 2 in Opeth. It’s his vision that’s made it what it is with help from others. Without Mikael there is no Opeth.

[@MartinaHorvat-g3g]

it's so obvious. Because people always regretted when a member left, but they also accepted a new member. Because Mikael is the soul of the band.

[@wintershadows]

Mikael is a perfectionist. I can respect that.

[@danpluso]

Nice! Black Water Park is my favorite album too :D The song "The Funeral Portrait" is just so epic!

[@fredddyoh]

man i miss peter! come back we need you!!!!

[@immortalsoloist]

I think Opeth is one of the most diverse bands ever! Their sound is unique and original... And I think they keep progressing and changing and keep things fresh I heard some material from the new record and it's awesome. Opeth old and new is amazing to me. They keep expanding and doing new things. I do miss Peter Lindgren but in no way can I say that the new line up is bad they are actually really good musicians. No doubt Peter and Martin Lopez would be missed. Hail OPETH!

[@richardsemuta1089]

They lost me after Watershed. But I'll always cherish the back catalog.

[@MikePitt84]

Don't know why I ended up here, but maybe the new one will bring you back?

[@Maglorel]

@ForViewingOnly The quality of his honesty is something I really admire.

[@SwedishviKingohnoes]

well i think i remember watching the "making of deliverance" when they were writing solos. the way it worked was they sat in a room and heard the rythm guitar playing and they improvise over it and try to make a solo out of it. and i think i remember mikael saying whoever wrote it in the studio plays it live. im not sure.

[@risetoboredom]

Peter is an awesome guitarist with an awesome sounding name, and I find that story Mikael says that he wasn't very creative VERY HARD to believe.

[@ItsNotaTuhmah]

Peter wrote jhalf of Orchid and Morningrise.

[@titancheat]

@@ItsNotaTuhmah Morningrise is awesome

[@echo2413]

Mikael said in a later interview that he made things sound worse than they actually were in this interview. The truth is that whilst Peter didn't contribute much to riffs and songwriting after a certain point, he did still contribute his own guitar solos and was obviously still a major asset to the band due to his skill. Peter created my favourite guitar solo of all time (the final one in A Fair Judgement) so i will always love him. Peter and Mikael are the biggest and best guitar duo in history

[@ChrisHelheim]

Similar happened to me :) at first I was shocked and then I discovered how crazy it is and now I enjoy it as much as the old stuff...once it gets into your ear you discover a lot of little things that make you go ,,wooow did he just do that?'' it will especially make an extra impact on you if you play any instrument,as shocking as the change is it's also very briliant.

[@Android341]

It’s not shameful to not be good musician enough for Åkerfeldt and Opeth. Bar is very high. Similarly, not all athletes are at the Olympian level, even though they are gifted and hard-working.

[@ForViewingOnly]

This is a really good interview. Respect to Mikael for being so honest about such a sensitive subject.

[@tho4life611]

does anyone here feel that Mikael was maybe too revealing in this interview. this is pretty personal stuff and if i were Peter I would probably be feeling pretty humiliated/embarrassed already about about the "tape" let alone to have it all publicized. Mikael could have just said Peter was exhausted with the stress of being a musician and left it at that instead of revealing all this. seems unnecessary necessary to me and I feel bad for Peter.

[@Salomon_G]

+liminalexpression True, but I think in a way it proves Mikael's honesty. Not in the best way, but, he's asked a question, and he answers it honestly. I've never smelled any fake PR shit from Mikael, which is why i like his interviews.

[@tho4life611]

Gigerian that's great for Mikael but it should not have been at peters expense. everyone already knows how great Mikael is. He could have still answered honestly without providing such sensitive information. its great from an Opeth fan's point of view, people will eat this shit up. it almost reminds me of one of those bad celebrity magazines that try and expose people and damage their reputation. I'm not saying that this interview is THAT bad as Mikael obviously wasn't trying to insult peter but i think he was insensitive here and could have handled this much better for the sake of Peter's privacy. think about it. regardless of how respectful Mikael was, he unwittingly portrayed peters departure from the band in a negative way for peter as well as for all the Opeth fans that see this. "He always wanted to contribute and when he finally did, it wasn't good enough and the whole band thought it was shit". now this is public for everyone to see! this kind of shit will stick with a person. what if peter had plans for a musical project of his own after leaving Opeth that were crushed after this "final blow". I cant imagine that this hasn't affected him and as much as I respect Mikael I really feel that he made a mistake in this interview.

[@perplexedmoth]

Mike said that he didn't say anything to Peter about the "shit" tape, and only talked about it much later when Peter left the band. So he's not honest, he was afraid to say what he thinks even to an old friend (or more because of that). Now he's being "honest" during an interview when Peter is not there. Saying "it wasn't the kind of music I like" is one thing, and saying "it's shit!" is another. Next time someone looks at your face (or something you've made as a contribution to help), and call it "it's shit" in front of everyone else, think if it's being honest, or being a bit of an asshole when they could just say "man, this is not what I had in mind, I want something else", which is as much honest without being an asshole.

[@ivharz]

Well is just the way it is

[@henrauz]

Can you imagine Mikael asking Peter for a reunion to celebrate the Blackwater Park 20th aniversary? Peter: “No, thanks, but No, thanks, you hurt my feelings beeing such an asshole...you could have handle that info, beeing more politic, only for the respect of years of friendship and as bandmate...” every one knowks the fact that Mikael is such irresponsable for filtering sensitive information trying to be honest, that’s not be a leader, but maybe that interview turned more visceral for him...

[@gringochucha]

Michael may be the main songwriter, but that line-up was fucking magic, man. They haven't reached those heights again.

[@bodyfortress99]

They were great the other night at the Nokia Theater in New York City.The keyboards and drums stood out and I was impressed with their unity, performance, humor and showmanship on stage. People come and go,and Peter was an amazing part of Opeth (especially his solo abilities) but that's life. Look at when Bruce joined Iron Maiden, it was the beginning of another long and triumphant chapter for them and their fans. I feel the same evolution is taking place for Mikael and the boys. All is well..

[@andrelias]

Very honest interview by Mikael. He is Opeth's natural leader, and being a leader means taking hard decisions many times.

[@mrdeathamore]

Great interview. Respect to Mike & Co.

[@TheSecondNature]

comus t-shirt!!! man that band is crazy (and sort of rare and obscure) heavy shit

[@baratap71]

Opeth it's Mikael ... the rest is part of Biography :) He can continue to create great songs and have lots of good musicians to play with Him.

[@rossrayamajhi9766]

There is always two sides to a story . We never heard Peter’s

[@rabarebra]

It's about the cake = the publishing rights.

[@devinplayseverything3764]

I don't think Mike misrepresented him here.

[@devinplayseverything3764]

@@rabarebra I don't think so. it was about preserving the identity of the band, as Mike once said "if we wanted to sell records, we wouldn't have twenty minute songs"

[@BlackSailPass_GuitarCovers]

5:30 I want to hear this tape. More riffs in the style of Morningrise / MAYH can only be a positive thing in my mind. The band were never the same after Peter left.

[@pwned2ice]

Mikael is a true metal genius, right up there with Dave Mustaine, Steve Harris, Lars and James, Jeff Hanneman.

[@sacredgeometry]

Lars? Hetfield sure but Lars? He cant barely play drums let alone write good music. James Hetfield clearly has carried that band from the beginning with the only respite being occasionally talented bassists. If Mustaine stayed in the band it would have been different but only because there would have been two musicians in the band instead of one.

[@antevunic7461]

@@sacredgeometry Lars has writing credits on all songs except two I think but yeah sure he can't write music. Have you ever seen a video of Metallica working in studio? The truth is that Metallica would be nobody in music industry without Lars but haters can't accept that because is cool to hate Lars.

[@lehtokurppa7824]

I think he's above them.

[@michaelglindmyer3336]

@@sacredgeometry lars is a brilliant arranger and help build those songs with James.

[@jcdenton616]

You clearly have no idea what you're talking about lmfao @@sacredgeometry

[@pineapplepeanuts]

Very candid conversation. I'm surprised Mikael was willing to say that much. But he is the heart and brain of the band, as someone else said, and if he feels like Peter's material isn't good enough, well then thats it. Peter said he left because he wasn't interested anymore basically, and I think he's telling the truth. If he was still interested, he would of stuck at it and kept coming up with material until he made an impact.

[@rabarebra]

It is about the share of $$$. When one's writing skills ain't good enough to be used, you don't get publishing rights.

[@brotherhood302]

"My arms, Your hearse" by far the best Opeth record by far in my opinion, that's the album I feel sums up the band. I pretty much prefer the first three albums. The song that best sums up Opeth...Bleak...that's their stairway to heaven!!!

[@dominicross96]

I prefer Deliverance.

[@Ironbird1776]

My arms, your hearse. Definitely their best

[@jackkelly6251]

I haven’t got around to listening to it yet, I’m a new fan. I couldn’t possibly imagine something better than Still Life!

[@JavierGarcia-kb1no]

My Arms Your Hearse is An Awesome Album!!

[@euso2008]

My favourites are that one and Watershed.

[@ItsNotaTuhmah]

Mike complains about Peter stopping to write songs, but that happened because he wanted to change the band's style after Morningrise. It's funny that he talks about Peter in such terms when Fredrik have only co-written 2 tracks with the band, whereas Peter co-wrote 2 full albums + 2 other songs.

[@jasmeg2844]

I'M A COP YOU IDIOT!

[@ItsNotaTuhmah]

PUT THAT COOKIE DOWN!

[@saltpeter7429]

Because there was only room for one writer. He wanted a hired gun, so he could dictate the songs. Good or bad, that is the direction it went.

[@colinclark1981]

However I feel like the band has much more talent now with the current lineup than they did with lopez and peter. Fredrik and axe are both incredible musicans

[@ItsNotaTuhmah]

@@colinclark1981 They might be more proficient musicians (not sure about Lopez, his drumming remains to be the best in all Opeth's career), but they were far more creative with Lopez and Lindgren on board, just because Peter kept Mike's terrible ideas at bay. He had a say when Mike presented new stuff. With him gone, no one ever dared to question Mike's direction and the band went to the toilet.

[@AoLIronmaiden]

I can see why you would say this, and throughout while i was listening i caught myself interpreting hints of the same vibe. However, at the end, i concluded that i disagree with you. He says things like 'i felt terrible about it' and such, and he put forth an effort to include what peter wrote. I think that he has immense talent, and therefore the reality is that he writes the songs. It is difficult to talk about that reality of talent without sounding pretentious or arrogant

[@arklowrockz]

@MetallicOpeth Yeah I agree,and there is no studio footage where he ain't behind the desk obviously taking on a lot of production duties too. And I don't think live that Mikael gave him enough solo space either. He seemed to hog all that too (not so with Fredrik who is a much more dextrous player) I think Peter should have stood up for himself more. And also why did Per Wiberg up and leave without warning. I have a feeling Mikael would be difficult to work with in the studio...

[@brandensalah9756]

Idk what Peter would think of this video. I highly doubt he didn't contribute at all to songwriting in the earlier albums. In fact, all of the albums I enjoy are the ones with Peter in the band.

[@XTyrannicalX]

So well put... I was asking the exact same thing. I see a ego in Aky, Warrranted, yet still a large ego.

[@namanmhta]

What a duo they were.

[@XTyrannicalX]

My point concerns the direction of the band. Note the slow progression they're work is taking now after his departure. Peter kept Mikael true to his roots- true to metal. I appreciate the new members and the new direction but clearly the synergy has provided us with some different product. And hail LOPEZ.

[@Thundermaned]

Yeah, I guess that easily happens since Opeth is just such a diverse band, evolving a lot.

[@AWaBfantasy]

Typical Dutch interviewer, haha. Straight to the point, cutting questions. Good stuff.

[@temporarymomentary]

Mikael should work with session musicians only. He is Opeth. I always trust him because he knows what it's best for Opeth.

[@darksunwithin]

Black Phillip In dad rock we trust! 💪

[@PartVIII]

I only like Watershed, but I LOVED Blackwater Park and Morning Rise and My Arms, Your Hearse. I want the old Opeth back and I feel Mikael is the brain while the other members are the heart.

[@MYM0NK3YD13D]

@hespelerdude17 "..-skogen" means "the forest" in Swedish. Sörskogen would be a place/small forest around Stockholm I think, but I live in southern Sweden so I'm not sure.

[@cubertuner492]

I was waiting for him to say: he fucking left the band😦

[@GothicXlightning]

part of me felt bad about Pete back at when i first saw this video despite the fact that i like a lot Fredik as a person and really respect him as musician as well of course and also his signature PRS guitar as well XD

[@SwedishviKingohnoes]

he wrote one of the deliverance (song) solos and he wrote the When solo. thats all I can think of.

[@ozzzzy939]

I would love to see another concept album. I thought, and would have liked Heritage to be more like a ghost reveries type album...

[@mazakiel]

anyone know what solos peter wrote??

[@brandonleevellozo1534]

13 years? A lifetime...but okay. Second part of the 2 solo in Forest of October, plus the third one as well The clean and after solo in The Apostle In Triumph, plus the last one. The solos from In Mist She Was Standing. Nectar. Second solo of To Bid You Farewell. I think he did the last one for Black Rose Immortal When The second from Amen Corner Moonlapse Vertigo The third and forth solo from White Cluster, plus the outro The second short one from The Leper Affinity First, third and the outro for Funeral Portrait First from Wreath First from Deliverance Third on A Fair Judgement Second in Death Whispered a Lullaby And the last one for Beneath The Mire ( if someone wants to correct me... )

[@NerveEnd]

All respect to Peter, but I agree with Mikael totally. If the whole band thinks that some riffs aren't good enough, they shouldn't be forced into a song. I think Mikael is just honest to himself. Even though he writes majority of Opeths material, for all I know, his main goal is to do the greatest music possible. In addition, Åkesson and Wiberg contributed on writing the new album, and not because of Mikael giving them a favor, but that they really came up with something extraordinary.

[@samarhello]

Mikael writes everything. Opeth is his creation. Opeth IS Mikael. If he doesn't like something, he has, through several albums of genius, earned the bloody right to veto it. Peter wasn't a better guitarist than Mikael, and he obviously wasn't a better writer. I don't know how much Frederik has contributed to the writing of the songs, but he's definitely brought a level of technicality that adds to the band - basically, he's more valuable because he does things Mikael can't do. Peter wasn't necessary in the studio, only live. So his leaving was good for everybody. Opeth would have gone the prog rock route with or without his departure, but I think thanks to his departure we've 2/3 albums that have actually pulled it off quite well, even if they don't quite match the heights of Ghost Reveries, Still Life, or Deliverance.

[@ItsNotaTuhmah]

Peter wrote most of the material on the first 2 albums and he also wrote Demon of the Fall, so it's not like Peter never contributed. Peter also worked as sort of supervisor for Mike, helping to keep a consistent sound. When Peter and Martin Lopez left, Opeth went to the toilet.

[@devilsephiroth9000]

Dead Account Mike was the last guy left in the band when the original band all left. The original Opeth was gone before the first album was ever cut.

[@fcamiola]

Cardiacs and Opeth are two of the greatest bands ever. Tim Smith and Mikael Aekerfeldt....two geniuses.

[@kingjack-bf7lq]

Martin Lopez is the best, by the way!

[@YtseJam214]

:'( I miss Peter

[@shawnsmith8558]

holy shit this comment is already 10 years old too

[@abefrohman69]

i think opeth are brilliant! there's no doubt that mikael is the leader/inspiration in the band, but that doesn't diminish the contributions of the others. listen to the iterations of band members with and without peter and martin -- very different than the brilliance with them. ghost reveries, blackwater park, damnation/deliverance are simply fantastic. i really miss the fills and inventions from both of them

[@stiffaction]

i read on some website that tracks 5 & 8(i.e dirge 4 november n blackwater park) of blackwater park was written by peter.i m not 100% sure.

[@Emanny237]

I did like watershed, but that album didn't touch me as the others. I agree in the drumming part lopez was very dinamic and diverse. As far as Peter goes he he was a great guitarist and a very nice gentleman he did co-wrote many songs in the begginning with michael check the credits from "Orchid" and "Mourningrise" after that he didn't write anything till "Blackwater Park" and it was only the first two heavy riff from the 5 track "Dirge for November".

[@MRsounddude]

i like hes personality!

[@ChrisHelheim]

Excuse me for dropping in but I couldn't help it. With all respect but saying such a thing is pretty ignorant because musicaly Heritage is a really strong,well composed,creative record. Taking in regard that Opeth was mostly death metal band,he made a huge change releasing Heritage and it was bit shock to me(been listening to Opeth over 5 years)but it was excellent after I gave it a chance. Pain of Salvation did the same thing,but overall they're great records regarding the genre of the band.

[@AleXoundOS]

Isn't Dirge for November written by Peter?

[@JFK90]

Youre right, its one of their best. Morningrise is similar to this I think

[@DM-il1hf]

Damn. I wish Mickael had talked through a proper response with a publicist before saying what he said. He could have easily said “we’re not on the same page anymore” or “we’ve grown in different directions” and everyone would understand without it being harsh. Some could argue “Mickael is just being honest” but he admitted right here on the tape that he WASN’T honest with his band mate when he gave him the tape. Mickael is obviously a musical genius but selfish leaders often drive great musicians into laying down their instruments. I hope Mickael has learned from this.

[@fullmetalguy8357]

He was honest here, just not with Peter. This response is all too real. It's the awkward reality behind most breakups where the only reason for doing so is that you outgrew each other and you feel that you're bringing more to the table. It's messy and not pleasant because there's still a deep respect and love behind it, but not enough for the person that wants to grow further. It happens with all relationships, romantic, platonic and professional.

[@OpethFanatic]

What a great comparison too :D

[@Daddy_SatoruGojo]

Can't blame Peter. . . Opeth is an amazing band and it's really hard to live up to that, let alone, come up with amazing ideas for every song. For some people, writing riffs that are GOLD, is very difficult and takes years just to perfect one single song. People who think Watershed was shit are dumb, though. The record label makes them release new albums by a certain deadline. When you put a time limit to make music wonderful, you're taking away the potential for it to be wonderful. I love Opeth

[@xkmmx2132]

I listen to Watershed nonstop over and over for weeks at a time in my car. Love that album. I think Opeth would sound ridiculously shitty to keep making Ghost of Perdition over and over like people wish they would have. They have become a completely different band and the prog rock sound they have now is incredible.

[@009Tomo009]

not it wasn't, but the Lotus Eater is one of the best Opeth songs and Heir Apparent is amazing as well.

[@NerveEnd]

...and I might add that I also think that letting things slide isn't the nicest way to solve problems, but who are we to judge. Keeping a band together isn't the easiest thing to do. If something isn't working, things need to be done. Peter said the same thing about Lopez, when his drumming got to the point it wasn't good enough. For me, making music is not about being friendly. If it were, bands would let the fans write their stuff. ...just my two cents.

[@ramtin1001]

is this a part of an opeth DVD??? if so which one??

[@biorythmicshifter]

Definitely don’t sacrifice the quality for favor. He should have told him at the time though, it may have kicked Peter in to a higher gear…

[@veca83]

yeah, peter used to play it live, so you could be right... thanks for reply:)

[@NerveEnd]

I've always seen Opeth as a kind of a singer-songwriter music, and I'm fine with that. Some of the greatests songs ever have been written by only one person as a driving force. As a result, lyrics and melodies entertwine. And when performing, the singer/player has to deal with the real feelings related to the song. Geez... not all music should be the same way Guns n' Roses write their stuff. Besides, according to Peters open letter, this had nothing to do with his departure.

[@Samael1349]

Imagine all those pages or recordings in his home in a box that says " not good enough" I want that box !! , good vid, is this a series or ?

[@WybjornVR]

Oh and I would agree with you, I prefer MAYH onward. I think some people are more of the "blacker" sound of their older stuff and don't like the newer "prog" direction, seems to be a split between fans that way.

[@veca83]

he did? for "when"? mikael said it in the interview or? its a great solo and sounds like characteristic mikael's emotional solo, with recognizable note selection...

[@parkdarker]

The PETER tape is out there

[@michaelh2935]

Really?

[@thecuymr]

Where man? I'd love to hear it

[@opethead3038]

please, where it is? I really want to listen to it. give us a link

[@amanaggarwal8576]

Links or it didn't happen.

[@pascalg16]

Typical bullshit comment

[@PNL_King]

Didn't they guy come back shortly after this?

[@VXNCEKUTHERRIE]

Love the Dutch accent from the interviewer 😂😂

[@guntherachterhof4876]

I've noticed that too

[@devinplayseverything3764]

the thing that frustrates me about music is that people don't treat it like a business. they don't understand that a band needs to have an identity and a sound that can essentially become a product. it takes a long time to establish and you can risk messing it up by throwing in other peoples ideas just to appease them. its the same reason that restaurants don't let waiters write the menu. People need to know their roles in bands just like any other job. Mike is the boss. He's a benevolent one, but ultimately the livelihood of the band is better left to him as far as songwriting is concerned. If Peter could write music as good as Opeth or better, he would have by now. (thats not a diss, I wish he was still in the band personally, but thats how it is).

[@deathbizcuit]

Already Opeth has been changed new members (without Mikael)i mean,If mikael never left,Opeth never change as music.And We'll listen more more nice albums by Opeth and Mikael.I love you so much Mikael.You are really awesome musicman for me,you're idol forever! OPETH RULZ FOREVER! Specially, Watershed is awesome,everybodies can understand to how to Mikael a musicman...

[@xwolbx]

Watershed is INCREDIBLE

[@Smc316]

I sort of really want to see that tape. Haha

[@julianpalmasobarzo3420]

Musicalmente era necesario la partida de Peter, el que sea músico entenderá el porqué

[@SabineBosma]

@LikeAGlassAsterisk Losing Lopez was hard on Opeth, but Ax is definately a perfect replacement! Totally different drummer, but an outstanding one.

[@blackeyesfading]

@hespelerdude17 Well he did a prog project a while back called Sörskogen (I think that's what the tattoo says) that supposedly recorded several songs, the only one I've heard being "Mordet I Grottan." Definitely worth a listen. But I don't know what the word means or the significance of 1974 other than it was the year he was born *shrugs*

[@insomniumanathema6696]

Opeth had been going downwards since Peter and Lopez left.

[@rabarebra]

BS

[@YtseJam16]

"He didn't bring anything to the table good enough to eat... to be used" Absolute fucking gold.

[@KuumahBE]

@Dneverend I must give it to you, Harlequin Forest has grown on me over the years and so has Baying of the Hounds. But that's kind of it for the harder songs on that record.

[@SanguineQuills]

My favorite era in Opeth was the Akerfeldt/Lindgren/Mendez/Lopez era. To me, it had an indescribable chemistry that couldn't be replicated. Everyone that played in this band is very talented obviously, but to me there was just something more to that lineup. A cohesion that really appealed to me. That said, I have nothing but respect for the band. I don't follow them as much anymore, because I'm not connecting as much with what they do, but bands shouldn't be held hostage to fans' opinions.

[@Rhinoinasuit]

What album(s) did they all play together on?

[@XTyrannicalX]

@@Rhinoinasuit From My arms your hearse up to Ghost Reveries.

[@Nephzi]

I agree but I also think Fredrik and Axe could slot in there just fine because watershed was amazing and don't underestimate Wiberg... for me the downfall of Opeth came with Joakim (I'm being a little hyperbolic because I still like Opeth just not as much as what I call the middle ages Opeth)

[@montanaorr6937]

I wholeheartedly agree.

[@gandalf8216]

I wholeheartedly agree. The chemistry and the "horizon" for the band was there, and they had an established tone. And if you've been with a band, finding a tone you can stick to is very difficulty and not easy to just abandon. A band finding their tone is a magnum opus on its own, but sometimes, cracks are only revealed by their unfolding, and then it's too late. Kind of like a marriage of 10 years, but the last five years meant more split than growth. But a band is more than a single guitarist, even though Peter leaving left a mark, which only proves how good he was, considering he was in Opeth. Sometimes things just don't work out. And that's fine. I hope the fans got hurt more than the band members, truth be told, it would be the best outcome I'd say.

[@risetoboredom]

I might of had something to do with it because, as far as I know , Mikael never asked the other bandmember's opinion on certain riffs and other musical and lyrical parts. Maybe the other 4 members are lost causes when it comes to songwriting, but I don't think so. In the end I think it's Opeth's loss more than Peter's. And that's the way the cookie crumbles.