Pale Communion Prog can’t recall who said it, but there’s a quote that continues to inspire him: ‘A real musician doesn’t take advice.’ “I’ve always liked that,” the leader tells down the line from his home on the Swedish archipelago. “What that says to me is that if you consider yourself a musician, it has to all come from within.
All music genres are saturated with groups copying the latest big fucking band, so it’s important to remember that the word ‘progressive’ should say it all.” It’s an issue he feels is particularly vital for metal and prog bands. And, considering they’ve often combined the best of both worlds over their quarter-century lifespan, it’s one that’s very pertinent when it comes to Opeth.
“It doesn’t mean that you should copy or and think of yourself as a progressive band,” he continues. “Because for me, it’s not a genre – it’s the true meaning of the word. Progressive music is something that pushes things forward.
That’s why today I really value music that I can listen to without finding obvious references for it. That’s what makes me sit up straight and go, ‘OK, what’s happening here?’ There are probably shitloads of people out there who just want to listen to a contemporary version of Genesis – my personal view is different.” It’s a view that’s served him well thus far.
Since joining the embryonic version of Opeth in 1990, then taking over as frontman and creative axis after the departur.