When Swedish progressive death metal heavyweights Opeth went into the studio to record their latest album, Ghost Reveries, being perfectionists, they knew they were making a solid album, but what they did not prepare themselves for was the enormous impression that the album would leave.

Ghost Reveries, is not only Opeth’s finest album to date, it has also been voted as best album of 2005 by some of the industry’s most prestigious publications. “It’s musically challenging, but you get to play all these different kinds of weird music… it’s like being in five bands at the same time, so we really don’t need a side-project!” says guitarist Peter Lindgren “Right now when we’re a little ‘successful’, if you want to say, we get to travel and that’s also great, cause then instead of spending a lot of money on the plane ticket to Australia for example, the band will take you there, and that’s another cool thing.”

When Opeth finally arrive on our shores for the third time in Australia, it will indeed be the most anticipated concert for any die-hard metal fans. In 2005 the band played a series of chronological shows, that involved them performing all their songs from past to present non-stop, in a three hour show. “It was an idea that we had, that in the biggest cities [New York, Chicago] we’re going to do all of our songs.” He explains, “It’s an extremely long show… I think about three hours where we’re doing all the songs from all our albums! That’s a very long time!” he laughs, “We just do the whole thing without a break. For the DVD we did have a break but for this, we just go out and do it. But you definitely have to be prepared for it!”

So how do you prepare for such a show, I asked. “Trying not to get drunk the night before!” he laughs “And afterwards you’re just exhausted, but it’s pretty fun. You play some awkward songs too.” With such a show would you need to do an encore? “We actually did do an encore in New York. But we didn’t plan it like that. We just said, let’s do a show without an encore… but people seem to want more! Never get enough!” he jokes.

Opeth tour Australia in April:

Apr 20th – Perth, Capitol
Apr 21st – Adelaide, Thebarton Theatre
Apr 23rd – Melbourne, The Forum
Apr 24th – Melbourne, The Forum
Apr 25th – Sydney, Luna Park Big Top
Apr 27th – Brisbane, The Arena