OPETH Drummer Receiving Treatment, Temporary Replacement Announced
August 29, 2005Sweden's OPETH have posted the following message on their official web site:
"Roadrunner Records has set the release date for 'Ghost Reveries' on the 29th of August (Europe and world) + 30th of August for North America. The record will be released on regular CD, double vinyl as well as a later limited edition hardback deluxe CD! A shorter edit version of 'The Grand Conjuration' will see a single release in the near future. Included on the disc is the edit version as well as the full 10-minute + version and another edit of the 'Ghost of Perdition' track. A video for 'The Grand Conjuration' (edit) was also shot in Los Angeles/USA with director Bill Yukich.
"OPETH recently returned home from the first ever Sounds of the Underground North American tour where the band shared the stage with LAMB OF GOD, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, CLUTCH, GWAR and more. During the first weeks of the tour Martin Lopez became seriously ill and had to fly back home to Sweden for treatment. He's currently under supervision and is doing well and we hope for a swift recovery and return to his natural habitat....behind the drums. Legendary basher Gene Hoglan (STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, DARK ANGEL, DEATH, TESTAMENT and more) filled in for Lopez during the Sounds of the Underground tour for the last 16 gigs as well as participating in the video shoot for 'The Grand Conjuration'. A temporary replacement has been found in BLOODBATH/WITCHERY/NIFELHEIM drummer Martin Axenrot, who will take over Lopez duties until he's fully recovered.
"Norwegian prog metallers EXTOL has been confirmed as support for the upcoming September European tour. A third band is likely to be added to the bill as well. Another European tour will take place in November/December and will be more extensive than the imminent September tour.
"Legendary BBC radio has invited OPETH for a recording session in December. This recording will then be aired on British radio in the near future. More details on this as it unfolds.
"Mikael Åkerfeldt has recorded vocals for a track destined for the upcoming Roadrunner 25 Years compilation CD. The song 'Roads' was written by TYPE O NEGATIVE keyboardist Josh Silver. Mikael recorded the vocals while on the Sounds of the Underground tour in Atlanta/Georgia with guitarist/now producer/engineer James Murphy. Mr. Murphy is currently working with the much talked about DEATH tribute CD, which will include appearances from Mikael Åkerfeldt ('Pull the Plug') as well as Martin Lopez and Martin Mendez and Peter Lindgren."
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