Opeth abandoned tape for Pale Communion

Mikael Akerfeldt says Opeth recorded upcoming album Pale Communion using digital technology so they could hold on to a spontaneous feel.

It means their eleventh studio outing is the fastest-recorded in their history.

Akerfeldt tells Ultimate Guitar: “I have recorded many records on tape, and even if I love the sounds, it’s so time consuming.

“We didn’t have time. We recorded much faster than we ever have – it was only 13 days. When we have recorded onto tape, even if we’ve been well-rehearsed, we spend a month or six weeks, which I didn’t want to do this time. I wanted it to be fast, spontaneous and fun.”

Opeth still aimed to capture an old-fashioned sound on the follow-up to Heritage. Akerfeldt says: “I don’t like modern-sounding heavy records. I think many of them sound just not human.

“You get tired, and your ears get tired, listening to new records. I think many of them would benefit from an old-school sound.

“The musicians themselves would probably benefit: less cheating would probably push yourself as a musician.”

Pale Communion, which was co-produced by Porcupine Tree mastermind Steven Wilson, is set for release later this year. Opeth play this year’s Download festival on June 13-15.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.