I couldn't get the direct link to the article so here it is copied out, but if you don't want to read it basically they are going to start writing their 8th album in May of this year, with a release coming early 2005 no later than the summer of that year. The album will also be produced by Steven Wilson (his 4th album with the band), and this is great news for Opeth fans! Here's the article: "Opeth recently returned home from their 4th North American tour in support of their "double D" and the "Lamentations" DVD. The band was supported during the 6 + weeks by legendary Portugese band Moonspell as well as new found band Devil driver. Overall this was Opeth's most succesfull tour in terms of attendance. However, it didn't start well. Due to delayed flights and sheer unprofessional behaviour from the Lufthansa airline, Opeth missed the first concert in Edmonton, Canada. And due to Martin Lopez's mental state, the band had to do 2 shows without him. Filling in for 5 songs in Calgary, Canada was Opeth's longtime drum tech, Damon Dougherty. The band performed 5 songs with Damon. In Vancouver, Canada, the band did the same 5 songs with Damon as well as played "The drapery falls" and "Demon of the fall" with drum legend Gene Hoglan! Martin Lopez is now feeling much better and does on behalf of the band apologize for the cancelled gigs + the concerts he could not attend. Now everything is completely back to normal! Doctor's have found the reason for his state and he's now on medication. Only 2 days after returning home from the North American tour, Opeth had another 3 gigs scheduled in Budapest/Hungary as well as in Thessaloniki and Athens/Greece. All three shows we're sold out! The plagued scheduling of Opeth's first middle eastern show in Amman/Jordan has again lost it's track. The band was supposed to play in Amman on the 12th of March but the promotor of the show decided to cancel the gig as he didn't think the date was good enough. Opeth sincerely apologize to all fans who had been looking forward to this event, and hope that whenever a new opportunity rises, the fans in Jordan and all countries nearby will come and support them. Opeth were nominated for a Swedish grammy award for the "Damnation" record. This was the 3rd year in a row that Opeth recieved nominations. The band picked up the award in 2003 for the "Deliverance" album, but this year the award went to The Haunted for their "One kill wonder" album. The band are turning down offers for Summer festival slots due to a well deserved upcoming rest. The only festival scheduled is the classic Sweden Rock festival in the south of Sweden. Appearing on the bill apart from Opeth are acts such as: Judas Priest, Scorpions, Dio, Europe, White lion etc....not exactly Download or Ozzfest in other words. Opeth are leaving on the 20th of March for their last tour of 2004. 6 gigs in Australia have been arranged and are selling well. Support on some of the shows will come from Oz band, Dungeon. Mikael Åkerfeldt and the band will go into writing mode sometime in May of this year. The band are currently looking into studios in which to record the next (8th!) album. Steven Wilson has already agreed to produce the next observation. Possible time of recording might be early 2005 with a release before the Summer of the same year. Mikael Åkerfeldt has made a guest vocal appearance on the new Ayreon album entitled "The human equation". The Cd is set to be released on the 24th of May in Europe and on the 25th for the US. Mikael plays the part of "Fear" in a big-ass concept story conducted by Arjen Lucassen. Check out www.ayreon.com/thehumanequation for more information."