As soon as upon a time, progressive rock and steel have been outlined by boundary-breaking concepts, stylistic experimentation, and a refusal to play by established guidelines. In line with Opeth mastermind Mikael Åkerfeldt, that spirit has largely light — and he isn’t satisfied the time period “progressive” even means a lot anymore.
In a current interview with Prog Project, Åkerfeldt shared his frustration with how the style has advanced, explaining that what was as soon as adventurous now typically feels predictable and cliché. “I am unsure if it is so essential for me to really feel that we’re progressive, as a result of I do not actually know what it means anymore,” stated Åkerfeldt.
Trying again, he famous that progressive bands have been as soon as simple to determine — not due to technical prowess alone, however due to their willingness to mix types and take dangers. “Again within the day, I feel that it was simpler to outline a progressive band as a result of they have been mixing types and stuff like that,” he stated. “However now progressive means quick guitar solos, and it is change into a sound and possibly not so progressive.”
Åkerfeldt went even additional, suggesting that the style’s fashionable course contradicts its unique mission. “I feel progressive music, particularly in rock and steel, has change into a bit regressive,” he stated.
Due to that shift, Åkerfeldt now not feels invested in whether or not Opeth is labeled as a progressive band in any respect. “I do not know if I can resolve if we’re progressive or not. I feel it is as much as the viewers to resolve,” he defined. “However for me, it is change into much less and fewer essential to be labelled progressive as a result of I do not know what it means anymore.”
When requested whether or not he actively tries to be “progressive” whereas writing Opeth‘s music, Åkerfeldt was unequivocal. “No,” he stated. “I do not wanna repeat myself.”
He acknowledged that some followers would favor the band to revisit the sound of their early-2000s period, however that strategy holds little attraction for him creatively. “Lots of our followers need us to possibly repeat what we did within the early 2000s, however I am not likely considering that,” Åkerfeldt stated. “I like for us to progress, however not essentially simply so we match into the progressive rock/steel style.”
As a substitute, Åkerfeldt focuses on creative progress on Opeth‘s personal phrases, pushed by his numerous influences and emotional intent slightly than style expectations. “After I write music, it is simple to make progress for our personal music,” he stated. “I’ve so many alternative sorts of influences, and I am very enthusiastic about my music. On the finish of the day, I simply wanna write emotional music.”
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