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Akerfeldt Smashes "New Breed of Idiot 'Fans' "

posted Jan 18, 2007 at 12:03 PM by Fetal Feast.  (18 Comments)

Photo of Opeth

Band Photo: Opeth (?)

OPETH frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt has slammed the "new breed of idiot OPETH 'fans'" for questioning the abilities of the group's current drummer, Martin Axenrot (BLOODBATH, WITCHERY, NIFELHEIM), when compared to that of Axenrot's predecessor, Martin Lopez.

Lopez officially left OPETH in May 2006 after being plagued by illness and anxiety attacks, which forced him to miss several of the band's tours. Åkerfeldt stated at the time, "However sad I and the rest of the band feel in light of Lopez's departure, I want to thank him for his incredible work with OPETH and immense dedication to the band. We recorded some classic stuff together and he obviously had an enormous impact on our sound. I now feel very excited to hear the material of his own band. In the meantime, OPETH fans can rest assured that we'll continue jamming it out with Axe and we all have high expectations about our coming musical ventures."

Responding to a brand-new discussion on the band's forum regarding Axenrot's more "straightforward" playing technique compared to the "jazzy" style of his predecessor, Åkerfeldt wrote in a January 4, 2007 online posting, "Wow, looks like we got ourselves a new breed of idiot OPETH 'fans' on our tail, huh? Mindblowing guys...really!" He then added, "It makes me happy that you're all fans of Lopez cause he deserves the credit and don't forget I brought him in the band as well. Peter [Lindgren, guitar] didn't even want him to begin with and I said, 'Let's give this guy a chance' as I'd heard he had something. I fucking know the guy and have basically lived together with him for almost 10 years so don't come lamenting his leaving to me! What the fuck do you think I felt?

Read the full article at Blabbermouth.

Source: Blabbermouth

What's Next?

18 Comments on "Akerfeldt Smashes 'New Breed of Idiot 'Fans' '"

RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

1. RememberMetal? writes:

Tantrums via the press are only going to make fans even more nervous....Lopez is one of kind, but I think Axe deserves a shot....I'm looking forward to hearing what kind impact Axe will have on the band, if any.

# Jan 18, 2007 @ 3:57 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

2. forest of october writes:

f*** yeah give him a shot I love all of their work.music a continum ,lets see how the changes roll!!!!!!

# Jan 18, 2007 @ 5:38 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Jackrum's avatar

Supporter

3. Jackrum writes:

Dont really care that they have a new drummer.. give him a chance though..

# Jan 18, 2007 @ 5:44 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

4. PorcupineTreeFan writes:

Any true Opeth fan would understand that if any memeber of the band left then they would be replaced with someone who is more then able to fill in the role. I'm positve that the new drummer will be a good fit and I would like to wish Lopez the best of luck in his future in what ever he does.

# Jan 18, 2007 @ 6:37 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

5. metalhead644 writes:

yes, we all miss lopez, but axenrot tears it up too, just a different style- he'll do great

but what if akerfeltd left the band?

# Jan 18, 2007 @ 8:45 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
slayerdisciple's avatar

Member

6. slayerdisciple writes:

then there is no opeth

# Jan 18, 2007 @ 8:58 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

7. RememberMetal? writes:

I'd cry like a f***ing baby.

# Jan 18, 2007 @ 9:20 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Metal_Empire's avatar

Member

8. Metal_Empire writes:

yeah i think he will do great. As long as they keep the same style im happy. i read that comment mikael stated about killswich and all the negative responses it got lol it think its funny as hell i dono but they way he talks about new metal is true. i think hes talking about that g#y sh*t hardcore or metal core .. w/e . .. but hey w/e... Keep rockin opeth Always my Favorite band.

# Jan 22, 2007 @ 12:37 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Bastard_Of_Bodom's avatar

Supporter

9. Bastard_Of_Bodom writes:

I havn't been listening to Opeth for very long how ever they are one of my favourite bands and you could probably put on any opeth song and I will enjoy it, some more than others but if they get rid of a member and replace him with someone that is still pretty damn good......f*** bring it on i will still love it

# Jan 23, 2007 @ 10:57 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

10. the antihippy writes:

did anyone get the ghost reveries pack with the dvd? martin lopez looks like a nervous wreck(a little.....) but they seem like such a happy little family....

oh yeah, and they also have a bonus song called soldier of fortune too.

# Feb 7, 2007 @ 7:24 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
metalmayhem's avatar

Supporter

11. metalmayhem writes:

i love akerfeldt and think he is a supremely talented musician and songwriter, but i dont understand why he is constantly responding to fan's criticism of his band. it shows that he really cares what they think despite what he always says. it is also the reason why he and his band are so polarizing. long songs and temper tantrums, but i still love opeth......and cant wait to hear that new side project of his.

# Feb 7, 2007 @ 7:55 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

12. RememberMetal? writes:

I'm giddy for the Wilson/Ackerfeldt/Portnoy thing.

High hopes for the new Opeth.

# Feb 7, 2007 @ 2:32 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

13. the antihippy writes:

mikael is just standing up for martin axenrot.... give the man a chance!

# Feb 9, 2007 @ 3:57 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

14. PorcupineTreeFan writes:

Ackerfeld knows...... Plain and simple....

# Feb 9, 2007 @ 8:31 AM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
RememberMetal?'s avatar

Former Contributor

15. RememberMetal? writes:

I'm going into this one with an open mind.
Every time a new Opeth comes out, theres some freaking out among the fans and I always get wrapped up in it too.

Everyone was all antsy about the Damnation album being devoid of deathmetal and it was awesome.

Lots of fans were losing their sh** when Opeth put synthes higher in the mix and signed to Roadrunner for Ghost Reveries, and it was another great album.

It may be bold of me to say this, as Lopez was f***ing king of the kit, but I think Axe is going to do just fine....But Lopez will be missed.

# Feb 9, 2007 @ 3:07 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

16. Stephen writes:

You know what? I WISH that I was in a band that had a solid enough fanbase that I could call my own fans idiots when they act concerned and reserved about my decisions. I like this band, but talk about being an arrogant prick.

# Feb 9, 2007 @ 5:44 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

17. the antihippy writes:

he's just sick of fans griping about lopez's exit and complaining about axenrot. give the man some credit.

# Feb 9, 2007 @ 9:37 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address
Anonymous Reader

18. KoRNBoY writes:

^^ LoOk wUt a SuPrIsE iT'S tHaT gAy aNtiHiPPy ChArAcTeR aGaIn wUt a GuRL ;D

# Feb 9, 2007 @ 10:36 PM ET | IP Logged Reveal posts originating from the same IP address

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