Opeth's body of work is highly respected by Roadburn audiences, which makes Mikael the ideal choice to carry on the tradition that began in 2008 with David Tibet (Current 93), and continued with Neurosis, Tom G Warrior (Hellhammer and Celtic Frost), Sunn 0))), Voivod and Jus Oborn (Electric Wizard). Mikael Åkerfeldt comments:

"It's with great honour that I accepted the invitation to be the curator for the 2014 Roadburn festival. I'm pretty damn far from being a professional booker / promotor, and I've never been part in choosing bands for an event apart from bands that Opeth has toured with. So this is a first for me, but I have to say I'm very excited. I've reached out to a handful of my favourite bands from the past and present. As of now it looks like it will be an amazing musical event."

Expect a celebration of progressive rock, psychedelic folk, the heavy 70s and beyond.

Artist in residence
Beginning a new chapter of their ongoing legacy, Bristol's psych rock band The Heads will follow in the footsteps of Enslaved, Circle, Justin K Broadrick and Neige (Alcest) as artist in residence at the 2014 Roadburn Festival.

John McBain (of Monster Magnet and Wellwater Conspiracy fame) will join The Heads for this and new recordings.

About Roadburn
Roadburn Festival has become Europe's leading festival for psychedelic, avant-metal, doom, heavy 70s or any other variation of leftfield sonic pleasures that push the boundaries of music.

Roadburn Festival 2014 - including Mikael Åkerfeldt's curated event, Opeth, and headlining act Loop - will run for four days from Thursday April 10th to Sunday April 13th, 2014 at the 013 venue in Tilburg, The Netherlands.

Pre-sales will start Friday October 11th, 2013.