Opeth Announce New Drummer as Replacement for Martin Axenrot

There’s been a shakeup within the steel world over the previous week and it entails a few veteran steel bands. Earlier this week, drummer Waltteri Väyrynen exited his longtime spot behind the package in Paradise Misplaced, however he was solely with out a job publicly for a few days as Opeth have simply introduced him as their new drummer.

Earlier this week, it was introduced that Väyrynen was exiting Paradise Misplaced, with Guido Montanarini from Strigoi ready to take over the newly vacant drum seat. Väyrynen penned a letter of because of the band, administration, crew and followers, including that his exit got here with out unhealthy blood or drama and that he nonetheless considers his bandmates pals and can proceed to look ahead to the route they head musically.

His full assertion could be learn beneath:

Pricey followers and pals,

I am unhappy to announce that I am leaving my place because the drummer of Paradise Misplaced. It has been an unbelievable journey and I am insanely proud to have been part of this legendary band’s historical past, taking part in a whole bunch of exhibits throughout the globe and recording the final two studio albums.

It must be emphasised that my choices entails completely no unhealthy blood or drama in any way and I’ll eternally contemplate the fellows within the band my pals and I am gonna miss all of them dearly.

I might like to specific my gratitude to Nick, Greg, Steve, Aaron, the administration and the crew for all the things and making me really feel like residence for the previous 7 and a half years. Final however not least; because of the followers world wide to your assist through the years. It means all the things to me!

I want the band all one of the best of their future endeavors and I am wanting ahead to listening to which route they’re heading subsequent.

As for myself, I assume you will hear from me quickly, so this isn’t a goodbye.

Cheers everybody!

However, as acknowledged, Väyrynen wasn’t out of labor for lengthy as Friday (Sept. 9) he was introduced as the brand new drummer for Opeth, taking on the emptiness left by Martin Axenrot. The drummer exited the group in November 2021, and Therion drummer Sami Karppinen had been filling the void in his absence, however Mikael Akerfeldt was searching for a extra everlasting substitute with Väyrynen now able to step in.

Opeth’s assertion on their new drummer addition could be learn beneath:

We’re happy to announce that the brand new drummer in Opeth is not any aside from Waltteri Väyrynen (Paradise Misplaced, Massacre, Bodom after midnight). Walt will tackle his duties efficient instantly and can play his first present with the band in Tallinn/Estonia on September 14, 2022. He’ll exchange stand-in drummer Sami Karppinen who has been the momentary substitute for Martin Axenrot because the fall of 2021.
The band are at present in rehearsals for the upcoming tour. Mikael feedback:
”We simply had our first rehearsal with Walt yesterday and it went extremely properly! We had been all very nervous beforehand, however Waltteri utterly killed it! Pure supply! We went by means of 16 songs (!) from begin to end and didn’t have a single correctional remark. It’s fairly exceptional! I used to be astounded, and so had been the remainder of the band. He has all the things, actually. From the required laid-back sensitivity an Opeth drummer wants, through the traditional rock, prog rock, steel grooves and onwards to downright mega-intricate technical virtuosity. On prime of that, he is aware of the songs extraordinarily properly (already) each from the recorded variations in addition to the typically modified stay variations. We had been listening to drum rolls and beats that we hadn’t heard because the songs had been recorded. The viewers is definitely up for loads of air-drum moments related to their favorite Opeth songs. Walt has received it down, to place it mildly.
On prime of all the things, Waltteri is an superior bloke. Real. Tremendous good. Humorous. And younger! He was born the identical 12 months we recorded our debut album, ”Orchid”. Think about that!
We very a lot look ahead to happening the street along with him. Create new music collectively. Play everywhere in the world. And to offer a musical future along with us. That is no small feat for a band 32 years of age. I’m very, very enthusiastic about him becoming a member of us, and I hope that our viewers will embrace him with open arms.
I’d additionally wish to take this chance to thank Sami for saving our asses once we most wanted saving. If it hadn’t been for his efforts, friendship and care we’d in all probability been ”on ice” as we converse. We’re moreover joyful to maintain Sami as a part of the Opeth household. His contribution to Opeth is past phrases, and he’ll proceed to assist make our performances pretty much as good as doable. From the underside of our hearts, thanks, Sami!”
Mikael Åkerfeldt, September 2022

Opeth have two tour legs set for Europe and the U.Okay. this fall. See dates and get tickets for the run right here.