‘The metal population in India is growing rapidly’

By the time heavy metal band Opeth come to Bangalore next month, the frost of winter will be long gone.
But that won’t stop the Swedish quintet — which comprises Mikael Akerfeldt (lead vocals), Martin Mendez (bass), Martin ‘Axe’ Axenrot (drum), Fredrik Akesson (guitar) and Joakim Svalberg (keyboard) — from rocking the city. Excerpts from an interview with Mikael:
During your last visit to India, you told a fan that David Coverdale (of Deep Purple and Whitesnake) is your idol.How much of an influence has Coverdale had on Opeth?
He is my idol. But there are many like that. All the legendary rock singers from the 70s are likely to be heroes of mine. Coverdale’s music might not be the first thing you think of when you listen to Opeth. I never write music that I want to sound like some other music that’s already been done. When I get inspired by other musicians, it leads to me writing music, not copying music.
Since your last visit to India, you’ve garnered a big fan following here. Does Opeth interact regularly with their Indian fans?
Can’t say we interact with fans other than when we meet them face to face. It happened in Gothenbourg, where we met a bunch of guys from India. I told them that we’re coming back and they went berserk! Our visit to Chennai was profound and something we’ll never forget.
What will feature in your set list this time?
I think for this run, we’ll mix it up more since our visits to India are far in between. We’re not necessarily promoting a new record – we’re promoting the band as a whole. So it will be a mixed set.
Has Opeth heard of any Indian metal bands?
Not that I can think of. I think the metal population in India is growing rapidly. With elements from your folk music, there will be a whole new unique metal scene if we see an influx of Indian metal bands on the market. It would be very interesting!
Are you guys excited to be playing here, knowing you will be following Metallica’s act late last year?
I’m more excited about being in Bangalore than about us following Metallica’s gig. We can’t compare ourselves to them or their popularity. Besides, I’d choose a trip to Bangalore over a Metallica show a thousand times over.
What would you say is the best thing about India?
The hospitality was amazing and the history. The women are beautiful. I love Indian food too.
What are your expectations from fans this time around?
We just want to have a good time with them. I have no expectations really, but to have a good time together. We’re easygoing people and I like to rid myself of any rock clichés. Let’s just relax and have a nice time!
What can we expect from Opeth?
No idea. Concerts are different from recordings. We play live with an element of us wanting to please the fans. When we record, we want to please ourselves only.
What is the direction of metal music in the global sphere?
I don’t really listen to much music recorded after 1973. In the US, it’s still quite modern metal with crystal clear productions — not my cup of tea. But if I had to choose, it’d definitely be the retro scene. I’m hoping for more sense of experimentation and forward thinking within the metal scene, and less of the narrow-minded ‘who’s heavier’ type of attitude.