Opeth’s Mikael Åkerfeldt recently shared his perspective on the evolution of metal music and various subgenres, including his thoughts on nu metal, in an interview with Sinusoidal Music.
When asked about shifts he’s observed in the metal genre throughout his career, Åkerfeldt reflected on the various trends that have emerged over the past three decades.
“There’s been so much since we started which is now 30-35 years ago with this band,” Åkerfeldt said. “And throughout the years, we’ve seen the rise and so to speak fall of grunge, nu metal. I wouldn’t say fall because they’re still here. Prog metal, which is the kind of sub genre I followed more closely I guess because we were part of in the beginning of that.”
The musician acknowledged his current distance from actively seeking out newer metal acts. He explained his focus on other musical interests.
“But at the end of the day, I think it’s kind of business as usual,” he continued. “I’m a bit too old or I’m so busy with other forms of music when it comes to my own enjoyment like music that I listen to in the privacy of my own home. I don’t necessarily seek out the newer metal bands. I sit with old LPs or stuff like that.”
Despite his personal preferences, Åkerfeldt recognized the lasting impact of various metal trends, particularly nu metal.
“But I’ve seen many kind of trends, like black metal in Scandinavia in the early ’90s, those kind of things trends come and go,” he said. “And most of them have lingered. So if we’re talking say nu metal, not my favorite genre, but those bands that kind of spearheaded that genre are still huge.”
“Slipknot headlining tonight at Graspop. Are they nu metal? I don’t know but -ish. Korn and Limp Bizkit. Those bands are still huge. But I guess there’s been many casualties that you don’t even remember. At least, it’s kind of thriving and it’s doing well.”
Åkerfeldt’s perspective on metal’s evolution carries significant weight. This is given his influential role in shaping the progressive metal landscape over the past three decades.
Wikipedia documented that Åkerfeldt is known for his progressive rock-influenced songwriting style and his ability to sing both clean baritone and growled vocals. These qualities have defined Opeth’s distinct sound mixing death metal with progressive and folk elements since the band’s formation in 1990. This versatility has positioned him as one of the most respected figures in modern metal.
The guitarist’s influence extends beyond his vocal abilities. Wikipedia noted that he was ranked #42 on Guitar World’s list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists and is recognized among the top modern metal guitarists. This highlights his significant contribution to progressive metal evolution. This recognition underscores his authority when discussing the genre’s development over the years.
Opeth’s innovative approach to metal has consistently pushed boundaries within the progressive metal subgenre that Åkerfeldt mentioned following closely. Wikipedia reported that the band’s groundbreaking approach includes recording contrasting albums like Deliverance and Damnation simultaneously. This exemplifies their innovative role in shaping modern prog metal and demonstrates the experimental spirit that has kept the genre evolving.
His comments about nu metal’s continued relevance reflect the broader metal landscape. Established acts from various subgenres maintain their prominence despite changing trends. While Åkerfeldt may not personally gravitate toward nu metal, his acknowledgment of bands like Slipknot, Korn, and Limp Bizkit’s enduring success demonstrates his understanding of the genre’s lasting commercial and cultural impact.
