INTERVIEW: Fredrik Åkesson – Opeth

One of the most prolific names in progressive metal and indeed metal itself, OPETH have enjoyed a long-lasting and successful career. With each studio album pushing the Swedes’ sound to new pastures, the band are a titan in our world. It’s therefore fitting that their new DVD, the aptly titled Garden of the Titans, captures them performing to their highest level of quality. Captured at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, a fitting stage for a band of OPETH‘s pedigree. Ahead of the release of the new DVD tomorrow, we spoke with guitarist Fredrik Åkesson to get the lowdown on the new live package alongside reflecting on his memories of performing at such an iconic venue.

So you have this new DVD Garden of the Titans coming out so to start with, what are your memories of the performance of that night?

Fredrik: Well first of all the scenery is pretty spectacular and the stage and the crowd was fantastic. I remember on that date it was really warm but during the gig it was almost zero degrees! It was really cold so we had difficulties trying to play and recording a DVD by playing live, it’s like a curse! In the middle of the show, if you watch the DVD, you can tell there’s a storm blowing up so there had to be a couple of people holding the massive LED screens otherwise it would have blown away! In the end it turned out really cool and it gives the DVD a nice atmosphere, a more metal atmosphere!

The Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an incredibly iconic venue, so going in, did you know that you always wanted to film that performance?

Fredrik: Well I didn’t actually know about this place other than from famous DVDs so I realised the pompousness, or whatever you want to call it, when we actually arrived there. That blew my mind. The idea to record a DVD was brought up by our manager Andy in the beginning of that actual tour. We figured since the last one was at the Royal Albert Hall, which was a few albums back, it was the right time and as you mentioned, to do it at Red Rocks was a really cool thing. It’s a nice variation.

When I watch the DVD one thing that strikes me is how clear the sound is. Not only is there the excellent mixing by David Castillo but the natural acoustics of the venue really bolster your sound. Did you find that to be the case when you were performing?

Fredrik: Basically because it was so cold we were just giving it everything we’ve got and since the coldness was so direct, you were just focussed on pulling the show off. I remember after the gig the crowd were fantastic and just watching out over those cliffs whilst you are playing, you certainly got a nice vibe. It was a massive experience.

I imagine you have played a whole host of different venues in your time with OPETH so would you say that this performance is up there as being one of your most memorable?

Fredrik: Absolutely. This was probably the coolest venue I have at least ever played. Even though we have managed on the Sorceress tour to play a lot of places we haven’t played before, like Wembley Arena or the Sydney Opera House which was really different for us, but I would say this topped it all.

OPETH are now in this position where you can play these iconic and unique venues so it must be really surreal for you?

Fredrik: Yeah. We put a lot of effort into the framing of nice lights and taking advantage of the scenery around the stage. We also put a lot of time into the screens showcasing the films of previous artwork and different ideas. We had some forest shots from our friend Jonas Åkerlund, the actor and the guy who played on the first BATHORY album, he makes a lot of videos and he gave us some stuff too, that was really appreciated.

The LED screens you used in this performance, I feel that they really enhance the sound on stage by having changing backgrounds rather than just having one backdrop.

Fredrik: Exactly, we wanted to have material that connected with each song and have a good variation so you get a connection. I think it came off really well. They also had screens at the side of the stage where they filmed our faces. Even though we played the gig with GOJIRA and Devin Townsend, it was the biggest crowd we’ve had on a regular gig. There was about 7000 people I believe!

To have a crowd of that number, does that play any part on your nerves when you realise how many people you are performing in front of?

Fredrik: Not really. I get more nervous when I do guitar clinics and you speak to 20 people and you’re going to play something without having the band to back you up. That’s more nervous for me because we play a lot of shows and you just try to relax and enjoy yourself and give it all you’ve got. It doesn’t get me more nervous, it gets me more inspired.

The setlist of that show at Red Rocks covered a large chunk of OPETH’s career. Was that always the intent on that US tour? To really go in with a mixed bag of material?

Fredrik: I think these days we always try to include the old stuff, the stuff with more growls, usually it’s about 60/40 with the old and new, it might vary a little bit. It’s always difficult for us as we’ve got a lot of albums to get a good spread but we really want to give the old school fans something they like, it’s all about balance.

With the newest material from your latest record, Sorceress, it really feels like those tracks are now embedded into your live set. Would you agree with that?

Fredrik: I think so. I think the later songs they get a different rawness live, they are almost heavier live than they are on the albums. We always try and get that heaviness on the albums but somehow live they are just heavier. Maybe it’s because we play the songs together, 80 shows or something like that, and that gives you a different confidence. We thought about that actually and right now we are in the process of making a new album and we decided we are going to rehearse more as a band before we go into the studio next time.

I guess that makes you more prepared then?

Fredrik: Yeah and you don’t have to think when you play, the details are sucked into your muscle memory. I think that’s important and you might get more rawness to the actual recording.

So when you have these DVDs and you watch these performances back do you always hit the studio with an idea of how you want the songs to sound live?

Fredrik: Yeah absolutely. We always have a dream that we should record everything live. Usually Martin Axenrot and Martín Méndez puts down the bass and drums live and they play after the demos as a template. Then we take the click out and we record the guitars and everything else on top of it. We’ll see what happens now, with the guitars and how they jump from heavy distorted tones to acoustic parts, it can get inconvenient to play it live in the studio. Maybe that will change for the next studio album.

So for this upcoming DVD, does that come as the perfect time for OPETH as you are preparing to write the next studio album? Do you feel it gives fans something to tide them over until the next album arrives?

Fredrik: Absolutely, I think the the timing is good. I think initially we were supposed to release it a few months ago but it’s been pushed to November. It’s a good package for people who enjoy listening to OPETH and it’s a good it’s hear before Christmas. We’re happy with the result. The footage came out good and we’re really happy with the mix as well, I was listening to the vinyl the other day and it sounds really good! It’s not just a DVD but it’s a really good live album. When I was growing up I was listening to Live After Death by IRON MAIDEN, we’re doing an attempt to bring that magic back!

Well thank you for taking the time to talk to me Fredrik, good luck with the release of the new DVD!

Fredrik: Thanks, take care.

Garden of the Titans: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheater is set for release on November 2nd via Moderbolaget Records/Nuclear Blast Records. A variety of pre-order packages are available now and can be purchased here.

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