Radio Metal : You have surprised all your fans with your new album. How did they react?

Martin Mendez : I think the response to this album has been really good. We used to have many complaints every time we had a new album out, but this time people seem to enjoy it. The fact that we made something different and changed our style a bit may be part of the reason. It's still OPETH, but a bit different.

Do you think the word “progressive” is adapted to this album?

I guess so. The whole career of the band is about progressive music. I don’t like to use that word too much, though, for me we only make metal. But the progressive scene of the ‘70s has been a big influence.

You have beautiful aesthetics with your artworks. However, your shows are quite simple. Are you going to evolve in your visual?

A little bit, probably. The artist we work with has been with us for the last few albums, and I think he represents our music very well with his artwork. I guess it fits the music. If I had to choose only one cover art, I think it would be “Watershed”.

You are now in Roadrunner. Do you think it has helped you?

Yes, of course, it's bigger. It's not difficult for us to be on a big label, because we're the kind of band it's easy to communicate with.

Do you think you can be bored of OPETH after nine albums?

I don’t, I still enjoy it. I love the music. It’s the only band I've been playing in that I can listen to without hearing my own instrument or whatever. It’s really cool to be in this band.

Retranscription by Saff' :