Opeth’s Fredrik Åkesson Reveals Details About Solo Project
Fredrik Åkesson, guitarist for the Swedish progressive metal band OPETH, has shared exciting news about his upcoming solo album in a recent interview.
“I’m kind of in the middle [of working on it]. There are two tracks mixed and ready. A third one is done. I’m waiting for a good friend to put vocals on it. But the first two tracks are actually mastered and done. They are instrumental”, Åkesson told GuitarGuitar.
Challenges
The guitarist explained the challenges of balancing this project with his other commitments: “It’s difficult because there’s a lot of stuff happening in my life with OPETH, and I also played on some GHOST albums and did sessions with those guys. But as soon as we have next gap in the OPETH touring and recording schedule, I’m gonna have to try to just write the rest of it. I need six more songs.”
Åkesson revealed an exciting collaboration for his third track: “I’m happy with these first two tracks, and the third one is gonna be cool. It’s a British singer who’s gonna sing on it. I actually said it in a couple of interviews, but it’s Biff Byford from SAXON. Because I played on his solo album, so we have a connection. We’re friends.”
Inspiration
Born in 1972, Åkesson began playing guitar at just 10 years old. He practiced eight hours daily, drawing inspiration from legendary guitarists like Michael Schenker and Yngwie Malmsteen.
His professional career started in 1992 with the Swedish rock band TALISMAN. After playing with several other bands including ARCH ENEMY, he joined OPETH in 2007 and has recorded six albums with them, including their latest 2024 release The Last Will And Testament.
