OPETH Setlist To Feature 'Two Older, Evil-Sounding Songs We've Never Played Before'

OPETH mainman Mikael kerfeldt has issued the following update:

"The clip of [OPETH performing the new song] 'Heir Apparent' from the Melloboat [on March 8] is out [view the video below] and the feedback's been pretty amazing. It's a rough version of course, first time we played it live, but nevertheless most of you guys seem to like it. It makes me very happy!

"I basically just approved the final artwork for the regular edition of [the forthcoming OPETH album] 'Watershed'. It looks stunning (to me) and the special edition (that comes out the same day) will look even more stunning. There's so many hidden things, symbolism etc. in there that it's quite mind-boggling! Overall, a beautiful package. Travis Smith, once again...what a dude!

"Yesterday I was at Peter's [Lindgren, ex-OPETH guitarist] house to celebrate his birthday (49th) and it was really cool! Nice to hang out with him and his wife. We had a good time...good food, drinks, good talks. Felt a bit 'off' today from the wine...

"Anyways, nothing special to report I guess. We're going on a press trip very soon where we're gonna spend our days talking about....us! How very fucking interesting! On top of that we're starting to prepare for the upcoming tours. There's been several headlining gigs confirmed. They can be found at www.opeth.com and at our MySpace page. Oh, do come see us then will ya?

"We're working on a nice setlist. Per [Wiberg, keyboards] suggested two older songs that he wanted to play. Lo and behold, both of them we've never played before ever, so it's going to be interesting to see what they'll sound like. Two very evil-sounding songs..."

"Watershed" is scheduled for release on June 3 via Roadrunner Records (one day earlier internationally). The CD, recorded in the band's native Sweden and produced by frontman/guitarist Mikael kerfeldt and Jens Bogren, is a masterwork that follows the time-honored OPETH tradition; its modern yet timeless, progressive yet paying homage to the sounds of classic rock.

"Watershed" track listing:

01. Coil
02. Heir Apparent
03. The Lotus Eater
04. Burden
05. Porcelain Heart
06. Hessian Peel
07. Hex Omega

All the songs were written by kerfeldt apart from "Porcelain Heart", which was co-written with new guitarist Fredrik kesson. One additonal track, "Derelict Herds", was also recorded and this was written by Mikael kerfeldt and Per Wiberg. On top of this, three cover songs were recorded. "Bridge of Sighs" from ROBIN TROWER's 1974 LP of the same title, "Den Stndiga Resan" (sung in Swedish) by MARIE FREDRIKSSON as well as the classic ALICE IN CHAINS song "Would?"

The album was recorded at Fascination Street studios during November 1 and December 13. Some additional recording was done between January 3 and January 7.

Says Mikael kerfeldt: "I've worked so hard with these songs for quite some time now, I've listened to 'em a zillion times. I don't hate them just yet! The album sounds great sonically and I think I can hear us evolving as the record plays on. It is taking us somewhere musically and I don't know where. It's very exciting to say the least! I can't remember having enjoyed a recording this much ever before."

OPETH performing the new song "Heir Apparent" on March 8 during their appearance on the 21st anniversary Schizoid Boat in honor of Mellotronen's birthday: