Mikael Åkerfeldt
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mikael Åkerfeldt | |
|---|---|
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| Born | April 17, 1974 Stockholm, Sweden |
| Genre(s) | Progressive Metal, Death Metal |
| Affiliation(s) | Opeth |
| Label(s) | Roadrunner Records |
| Years active | 1995-Present |
| Official site | www.opeth.com |
Mikael Åkerfeldt (IPA: /ˈoːkerˌfelt/) (born April 17, 1974, in Stockholm, Sweden) is currently lead vocalist and guitarist of Opeth. Åkerfeldt is known for his progressive rock-influenced songwriting style, and his ability to sing in both a melodic tone and a harsh growl. Although Åkerfeldt sings in the death grunt style, his vocals are more coherent than many vocalists of the style.
Mikael was the vocalist for Eruption, a death metal band which he formed in 1988. After Eruption came to an end in 1990, Mikael joined Opeth, ostensibly as a bassist. When vocalist David Isberg insisted Åkerfeldt join the band, all other members left. David assumed guitar duties, and when David left Opeth two years later, Mikael replaced him as a vocalist.
Åkerfeldt is a collector of obscure 1970s rock and heavy metal albums. He also tends to show his influence from these obscure bands, making reference to them in titles of songs like Blackwater Park and Master's Apprentices.
On August 15, 2003, Mikael Åkerfeldt married his longtime girlfriend Anna. On September 13, 2004, Anna gave birth to a daughter whom they named Melinda, after the character in the concept album Still Life.
[edit] Equipment
Electric Guitars
- Paul Reed Smith Custom 24 (Tortoise shell flame top),
- Gibson Flying V ('67 Reissue),
- Paul Reed Smith Custom 24 (Blue Flame Top),
- Paul Reed Smith Custom 24 (Black Quilt),
- Paul Reed Smith Custom 24 (Black),
- Fender Stratocaster 1975 (Black),
- Fender Stratocaster 1972 Reissue (Black),
- Gibson Les Paul Standard (Tobacco Sunburst),
- B.C. Rich Mockingbird (Black),
- Paul Reed Smith 22 fret Modern Eagle (Grey Flame Top),
- Paul Reed Smith Modern Eagle Single Cut 24 Fret (Wine Flame Matt Top),
- Gibson SG Standard 1961 Reissue,
- Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 12-String (Black),
- Paul Reed Smith Custom 22 Single Cut (Black Quilt),
Acoustic Guitars/Steel String
CF Martin (with Fishman Pickup),
CF Martin,
Acoustic Guitars/Classical Nylon
Amalio Burguet 3am (cedar top)
Landola CT/2/w
Amps
Laney GT100L with cabinet,
Laney VC100
Laney VC30
Fender 1000 Rocpro
[edit] Appearances
- Ayreon: Mikael sings the parts of Fear in The Human Equation, the 2004 release.
- Bloodbath: Mikael was the vocalist for Bloodbath from 2000 to 2004, and can be heard on their Breeding Death and Resurrection through Carnage releases. He also performed live with them at Wacken Open Air in 2005.
- Edge of Sanity: Mikael provided vocals and guitar for some parts of Edge of Sanity's 1996 album Crimson.
- Katatonia: Sings on the 1996 album Brave Murder Day, and the 3 song EP Sounds of Decay, released 1997. Also does backing vocals on the album Tonight's Decision.
- Porcupine Tree: Sings and plays on the 2005 album Deadwing.
- Soilwork: Mikael sings cleanly on the title track of the album A Predator's Portrait.
- Sörskogen: Mikael sings in Swedish and plays guitars on the lone track "Mordet i Grottan".
- Steel: A small power metal sideproject by Dan Swanö and Opeth's members, featuring Mikael on guitars.
- Roadrunner United: Mikael performs vocals on the song "Roads" alongside Type O Negative keyboardist Josh Silver on the Roadrunner Records 25th Anniversary album Roadrunner United: The All-Star Sessions.
[edit] External links
| Opeth |
| Mikael Åkerfeldt | Peter Lindgren | Martin Mendez | Martin Axenrot | Per Wiberg |
| David Isberg | Andreas Dimeo | Kim Pettersson | Johan DeFarfalla | Stefan Guteklint | Mattias Ander | Nick Döring | Anders Nordin | Martin Lopez |
| Discography |
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| Studio Albums: Orchid | Morningrise | My Arms, Your Hearse | Still Life | Blackwater Park | Deliverance | Damnation | Ghost Reveries |
| Singles: The Drapery Falls | Still Day Beneath the Sun | The Grand Conjuration |
| Live Albums: Lamentations |
