In a recent interview with the British website GuitarGuitar , Fredrik Åkesson , guitarist of the legendary Swedish progressive metal band Opeth , spoke about plans for his first solo album. When asked about the project's progress, he stated:
“I’m in the middle of the process. Two tracks are already mixed and finished, both instrumental. A third is ready, but I’m waiting for a special vocalist to record. When there’s a break in my commitments with Opeth, I’ll focus on finishing the remaining six songs. I have many ideas saved up, I just need to develop them.”
Åkesson highlighted that balancing his solo career with other activities has been challenging: “Besides Opeth, I participated in recent Ghost and I do sessions with other artists. But the solo album will come out — it's just a matter of time.”
Regarding the collaborations, he revealed: “The third song will feature Biff Byford , the vocalist from Saxon . We became friends after I played on his solo album, and he agreed to collaborate. I've mentioned this before, so I think it's safe to confirm it now. He'll probably tease me, saying something like 'silly Viking boy,' but he loved the track.”
Fredrik Åkesson and his influences
Born in Stockholm in 1972, Åkesson began playing guitar at age 10, inspired by icons such as Yngwie Malmsteen , Gary Moore , and Michael Schenker . Before joining Opeth in 2007, he played in bands such as Talisman , Arch Enemy (as a temporary replacement), and Tiamat , establishing himself as one of the most technically skilled names in Scandinavian metal.
With Opeth, he has already released six albums, including the most recent, The Last Will And Testament (2024). His solo project, still untitled, promises to explore distinct sounds, blending technical complexity and experimental atmospheres.
Opeth at Monsters of Rock
Opeth is confirmed for Monsters of Rock 2025 , one of the most anticipated festivals for rock and metal fans in Brazil. The performance marks the band's return to the country after several years, this time to present songs from their most recent album, The Last Will And Testament (2024), as well as classics from their discography.
READ ALSO: 30 years of Monsters of Rock: Remember the previous editions of the festival | Wikimetal
