> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thisdayinmetal.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# All Secrets Revealed Now, In Paragraphs: An Interview with Opeth's Fredrik Åkesson
- URL: https://www.thisdayinmetal.com/all-secrets-now-revealed-in-paragraphs-an-interview-with-opeths-fredrik-akesson-2/
- Published: 2024-11-20T01:58:06.000Z
- Updated: 2024-11-22T13:06:41.000Z
- Author: Ed Hackimer
- Tags: Interviews, #interviews, Features, #features, Opeth, Fredrik Åkesson, Mikael Akerfeldt

Reflecting on when **Fredrik Åkesson** joined **Opeth** in 2007 after the departure of founding member **Peter Lindgren**, band frontman and general mastermind **Mikael Åkerfeldt** said: 

> “Finally, we had a really, really good lead guitar player, so I could step back a little bit…I always wanted a good lead guitarist, but neither me or Peter were able to advance too much in that department.”

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

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/e2/dbe2ac7e-62ef-4b13-917a-63221a045127/content/images/2024/11/Opeth_-_Avalon-_Hollywood.jpg)

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

- how *The Last Will and Testament* combines the “old-school” Opeth with newer progressive tendencies, what inspired the intricate storyline to the concept, and a discussion of classic concept albums in metal history.
- the way **Fredrik** crafted his solos on the record, how spiders inspired one of them, and his feelings on the cameos from **Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull)** and **Joey Tempest (Europe).**
- the band’s recent show at **Kings Theatre** in Brooklyn, the possibility of more North American tour dates on this album cycle, and a playful appeal for **Opeth** to play **Madison Square Garden**.
- the band’s choice of B-sides for the *Watershed* record, Fredrik’s experience learning and playing *“Black Rose Immortal”* live for the 30th Anniversary Tour, and reflections on his relationship with **Mikael**.

You can view the entire interview **HERE**: 

---

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

You can review my review of the album, graciously reposted by the band, HERE:

[The Howl of Lore: Opeth’s The Last Will and Testament“Draped in death…. The howl of lore….” It’s with these lyrics that Mikael Åkerfeldt chose to begin Opeth’s 14th studio offering, The Last Will and Testament, a concept record that chronicles the reading of a wealthy, conservative patriarch’s final words to his next of kin. Set post-World![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/e2/dbe2ac7e-62ef-4b13-917a-63221a045127/content/images/icon/IMG_1481.jpeg)This Day In MetalEd Hackimer![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/e2/dbe2ac7e-62ef-4b13-917a-63221a045127/content/images/thumbnail/Screen-Shot-2024-11-14-at-11.22..png)](https://www.thisdayinmetal.com/the-howl-of-lore-opeths-the-last-will-and-testament/)

*The Last Will and Testament* will be released on November 22, 2024 through **Reigning Phoenix Records.** You can find pre-order information [here](https://shopus.reigningphoenixmusic.com/collections/opeth?srsltid=AfmBOorc5D3E6U59l1kw9wtfabzvtaBWZQZzRWQOlHjDqQKFH0yqE19H&ref=thisdayinmetal.com).