In a somewhat surprise announcement, progressive metal icons Opeth have announced a new record deal with metal label Nuclear Blast. In a press release issued by the label earlier today, the band also announced a new album called»Sorceress« which will be released later this year.
“We’re happy to confirm that we have indeed signed a deal with Nuclear Blast Entertainment and will be putting out our 12th studio album »Sorceress« via our own imprint, Moderbolaget Records,” states Mikael Åkerfeldt. “The decision was made in Markus Staiger’s (Nuclear Blast kingpin) ridiculously potent Porsche going at 150 mph somewhere in the south of Germany. We’re happy to be part of the NB team and look forward to a fruitful relationship.”
Nuclear Blast owner, Markus Staiger, continues: “I am honored that OPETH have joined the Nuclear Blast family. Mikael Åkerfeldt and his fellow bandmates have demonstrated time and time again that OPETH are a band that never release an album that sounds the same. You never know what their new music will sound like! Nuclear Blast has been following the musical journey of OPETH from the beginning with »Orchid« to landmark albums like »Still Life«, »Deliverance«, »Damnation« and »Blackwater Park«, right up to 2014’s »Pale Communion«! The band have become one of the most challenging artists in rock music today. It is not often that we get to work with musicians of their caliber and I’m thrilled to have such a unique genre-leader on the label. The future for OPETH and Nuclear Blast looks very bright.”
Monte Conner, Nuclear Blast Entertainment president adds: “OPETH are a band that have continually evolved and moved forward at every stage. Always innovating and always continuing to challenge themselves as players and writers. They are simply fearless. I can’t wait to hear what they come up with next! It’s an amazing feeling to be reunited with one of my favorite bands and I look forward to my colleagues here at Nuclear Blast being able to have their own OPETH experience and role in the band’s continuing journey. I want to thank Mikael Åkerfeldt and OPETH for putting their faith and trust in everyone here at Nuclear Blast.”
OPETH are currently in the studio with Tom Dalgety putting the finishing touches on Sorceress. A release for the album is tentatively scheduled for the fall via Moderbolaget Records / Nuclear Blast Entertainment.
