[Opeth doesn't mind prog label]

The Grand Rapids Press recently spoke with the guitarist and main songwriter of Swedish prog-metal band Opeth, Mikael Akerfeldt. In the article he discusses prog-rock and mentions Rush.

Prog rock never used to be fashionable. The genre typically was reserved for musicologists whose appreciation involved how Rush or Yes managed to weave a Phrygian mode melody into a 9/16 time signature. But complexity isn't quite so nerdy anymore, with the increasing popularity of bands such as Tool, Coheed and Cambria and The Mars Volta.

That being said, Opeth vocalist, guitarist and main songwriter Mikael Akerfeldt takes it as a compliment when his band is associated with such artists.

"There's nothing negative about prog rock anymore -- it used to be frowned upon," Akerfeldt said, calling from a tour stop in Raleigh, N.C. "We're pretty much alone in our field, mixing extreme metal music with progressive rock, or whatever. It's better to be lumped together with Rush than, you know, Britney Spears."

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