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Guitarist Extra: We recently caught up with Fredrik Akesson from acclaimed Swedish progressive metallers Opeth for a piece that will appear in the next issue (334) of the magazine. But we couldn't resist dropping in some extra questions for the Guitarist.co.uk during our chat so Fredrik could share playing tips and insight about his career so far with us.

You're at the end of the Summer festival season now, how is the material for the next Opeth album coming along?

"Mikael [Åkerfeldt, Opeth mainman/singer/guitarist] recently showed me a riff that he's working on right now. Very different and very interesting! That's probably going to end up on the new Opeth album. He's working on two tracks for the next one at the moment. Mendez and I are working on material at my house. We'll see what happens, but we'll try and squeeze some material in there – see what the master says! [laughs]

"I always compete with myself to play the perfect gig and that's what makes it fun to play."

The DVD of Opeth's Albert Hall show is being released soon, but was that your personal favourite gig from the run of anniversary shows last year?

"I think it was New York [at the Terminal 5 venue] because I felt it was maybe a bit better playing-wise. Small details most people wouldn't notice. I always compete with myself to play the perfect gig and that's what makes it fun to play."

What's been the highlight of your time in the band so far?

"Some gigs are magic – playing the Royal Albert Hall with the band was incredible. I saw the DVD and it looks very cool. I was a little unfortunate with the camerman stepping on my power though! I went silent in the last song – the whole rig died. A bit stressful standing in front of all those people."

You and Mikael are using the Fractal Axe-FX Ultra effects and amp modelling processor live now, is that right?

"I think it's a good thing to be inspired by many different players but to inevitably find your own tone."

As well as that, you're playing PRS through the Blackstar Series One, but is there anything else about your live rig we don't know about?

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