Bands
Opeth
ex-Katatonia

Featured on
Ayreon - The Human Equation
Ayreon - Day Eleven: Love

Audio
Day Twelve: Trauma
Day Fifteen: Betrayal

Video
The Human Equation - Teaser
The Human Equation - Trailer

Website
Mikael Åkerfeldt's MySpace

Mikael Åkerfeldt - vocals

Studio Report - The Human Equation:

Swedish singer/grunter Mikael Åkerfeldt moved heaven and earth to fit the Ayreon recording session in his amazingly busy schedule. Read all about how the session was in Arjen's own words, and check out the pictures (click to enlarge).

- What made you choose Mikael Åkerfeldt for this Ayreon project?

Arjen: Many journalists who interviewed me told me to have a listen to Opeth. When I heard that they did a proggy album (Damnation) I bought it. In the beginning I had to get used to it, and I didn't understand what all the fuss was about. But then I found myself playing it over and over again, until I just couldn't stop playing it! How could I have missed this innovative band?

- How did you get in touch with Mikael?

Arjen: I sent an email to Opeth's management, explaining them who I was and that I would love to have Mikael sing on my album. To my surprise I got an email back from Mikael himself, saying that he really likes my music and even bought some of my albums!

- Describe the recording session in three words.

Arjen: Fun, relaxed, fast.

- How would you describe Mikael's voice?

Arjen: Obviously Mikael has two extreme sides, his brutal deathgrunts and his warm, melancholic singing voice. Like Mikael, I like extremes.

- What was the most memorable moment?

Arjen: I asked him to do an improvisation at the end of the album. Now so far the singers gave me a beautiful or impressive melodyline, but Mikael just gave me the most ferocious deathscream I have ever heard!

- What was something you absolutely didn't expect?

Arjen: That Mikael, who started out as a grunter, could sing so well and so easily. And also that he is, like me, a huge Camel (the band) fan.

- What was something Mikael did not expect?

Arjen: I also wanted him to grunt a few lines on the album besides singing. "Are you sure?" he kept asking me. Then he suggested to do a soft grunt, but no, I wanted it as evil as possible!

- Mikael has the unique ability to...

Arjen: ...sound really evil, and be really nice.

- Describe the endresult of the session.

Arjen: Very satisfying. I'm very honoured to have him on my album, this was very important to me. We had a great time, for we are both huge music lovers. He's he first guy I met (besides Shadow Gallery's Mike Baker) who knows more obscure bands than I do! I think I made him very happy with some collectors items from my old LP collection. We'll meet again I'm sure.