Mikael Akerfeldt (Opeth) / Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon)

Interview Arjen Lucassen about Mikael Akerfeldt

http://www.arjenlucassen.com/ayreon/ay_mikael.html

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.

- 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.

Item starts at 1.42 min.