Opeth finally confirm UK dates

Opeth have finally confirmed their UK dates in support of 11th album Pale Communion – they'll return to the UK for six shows in October.

The band last week drew ire from British fans who thought they’d been left out of European plans. But keyboardist Joakin Svalberg said: “Hold yer horses! More dates to be announced real soon. Big festivals usually have clauses in their contracts, stating no shows nearby are to be announced until the festival happens.”

The festival in question was Download, which Opeth played at the weekend. At the Donington event mainman Mikael Akerfeldt admitted there was no big meaning behind the album name, saying: “It’s kind of difficult to come up with album titles,” he reports. “I want them to sound cool and look cool and fit in with my lyrics. I was going through my lyrics and it felt like a fitting title for me, but it doesn’t really mean anything.”

Pale Communion is released on August 25. Tour tickets go on sale on Friday (June 20).

Opeth UK tour

Oct 10: Bristol O2 Academy

Oct 11: London Roundhouse

Oct 12: Nottingham Rock City

Oct 14: Glasgow O2 ABC

Oct 15: Manchester Academy

Oct 16: Birmingham Institute

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.