OPETH Guitarist FREDRIK ÅKESSON Is Putting Together A Solo Album, SAXON’s Frontman BIFF BYFORD To Guest On It

In a recent interview with GuitarGuitar, Fredrik Åkesson, the renowned guitarist of Swedish progressive metal giants Opeth, opened up about his plans for a solo album. Known for his technical mastery and distinctive style in Opeth, Åkesson has also played with Krux, Monsters of Metal, and Talisman. And though busy with Opeth’s ongoing projects, it seems Åkesson is making steady progress on his personal venture.

“[I’m] kind of in the middle [of working on it]. There are two tracks mixed and ready. A third one is done. I’m waiting for a good friend to put vocals on it. But the first two tracks are actually mastered and done. They are instrumental,” he revealed.

Despite being deep into Opeth‘s touring and recording schedules, as well as his past work with Ghost, Åkesson has managed to carve out time for his solo project. “It’s difficult because there’s a lot of stuff happening in my life with Opeth, and I also played on some Ghost albums and [did] sessions with those guys,” he shared.

But even with these ongoing commitments, he is determined to push forward with the album. “But as soon as we have next gap [in the Opeth touring and recording schedule], I’m gonna have to try to just write the rest of it. I need six more songs. I mean, I have tons of ideas. I have so many [song] embryos, so I really have to [flesh them out]. But, yeah, it will happen. It’s spread out.”

Regarding the progress he’s made on the album so far, Fredrik expressed his excitement: “I’m happy with these first two tracks, and the third one is gonna be cool.”

In an interesting twist, Åkesson revealed that Saxon frontman Biff Byford will be lending his legendary voice to one of the tracks. “It’s a British singer who’s gonna sing on it. I actually said it in a couple of interviews, but it’s Biff Byford from Saxon,” he explained. “Because I played on his solo album, so we have a connection. We’re friends. He’s awesome”

Åkesson’s friendly banter with Byford was apparent as he added with a chuckle, “He’s probably gonna get pissed at me now, saying, ‘Little silly Viking boy.’ But he likes the song… But I mentioned it in a Swedish magazine before, so I figured I could share it with you.”