Mikael Åkerfeldt
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Mikael Åkerfeldt (IPA: /ˈoːkerˌfelt/) (born April 17, 1974, in Stockholm, Sweden) is currently lead vocalist and guitarist of Opeth. 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.
Among metal fans, Mikael is noted for his progressive-rock-influenced songwriting style, and his ability to sing in both a melodic tone and a harsh growl. However, while he was and is a key vocalist in the death grunt style, his harsh vocals are more intelligible than many vocalists of the style.
Åkerfeldt is a collector of obscure 1970s rock and heavy metal albums. He also tends to show his influence from these obscure bands, in 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.
Equipment
Guitars
- PRS Custom 24 (Electric)
- PRS CE 24 (Electric)
- Takamine 12 String
- Martin 000-16GT (Acoustic)
- Martin 000-28 (Acoustic)
- Amalio Burguet 2AM (Classical)
- Laney amplifiers
- Boss GT-6 Guitar Processor
- Boss GT-3 Guitar Processor
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 album Crimson (1996).
- 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: Also 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.
- Roads: Mikael performs vocals on the song "Roads" alongside Type O Negative keyboardist Josh Silver on the Roadrunner Records 25th Anniversary album Roadrunner United.
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