Opeth

Biography

Named after a city which appears in a Wilbur Smith novel, the Swedish progressive death metal band Opeth is difficult to describe in that the act incorporates a wide variety of influences into its overall sound, including folk, ambient, jazz and gothic elements. Nevertheless, they remain one of the most admired bands across the entire canon of metal.

Founded in 1990 by Mikael Åkerfeldt (17 April 1974, Stockholm, Sweden; vocals/guitar), who was joined after a number of personnel changes by a stable line-up comprising Peter Lindgren (b. 6 March 1973, Stockholm, Sweden; guitar), Johan De Farfalla (b. 1971, Stockholm, Sweden; bass), and Anders Nordin (drums). Opeth were eventually signed to the English Candlelight label and released two seminal albums, Orchid (1995) and Morningrise (1996). Both works immediately grabbed listeners’ attention with their astonishing virtuosity and the breadth of their influences, and it is little surprise...

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