words by Black Bubblegum, photos by Chris La Putt

"If you don't like the Scorpions, get the fuck outta here"

Mikael Åkerfeldt made clear where he drew the line during the break between songs at night one (May 21) of Opeth's two night stay at Terminal 5 - part of the "Progressive Nation" tour. The band ripped through their hour long set, drawing from from each of their last four albums as well as their new one on deck, Watershed (due June 3rd). Look for the setlist below.

What the band lacked in live energy and on-stage movement was made up in spades when it came to effortless, buttery-smooth execution. Even Åkerfeldt's unholy death growl seemed second nature as he slid from his satiny singing voice and back again.

Although Peter Lindgren was missed, new guitarist Fredrik Åkesson (ex-Arch Enemy, Krux, Talisman) ably traded leads with lone original member Akerfeldt. I think he'll be just fine.

Overall, Akerfeldt and his horror-movie-voice-over voice kept inter-song banter witty, funny, and inconsequential except for one tasty nugget of info:

"We will take a break for the summer and then be back for a North American tour in September"

Dream Theater headlined both shows that also had Between the Buried & Me and 3 on the bill. Setlists and photos of all four bands (from night two - May 22), below.....

Continue reading "Opeth (+Dream Theater/3/BTBAM) @ Terminal 5, NYC - pics"