 Following a few live dates in Europe , Opeth returned to Studio Fredman to begin work on its next album , with Porcupine Tree 's Steven Wilson producing . The band sought to recreate the recording experience of Still Life , and again entered the studio with minimal rehearsals , and no lyrics written . " This time it was tough , " Åkerfeldt said , " I feel pleasantly blown away by the immense result , though . It was indeed worth the effort . " Wilson also pushed the band to expand its sound , incorporating new sounds and production techniques . " Steve guided us into the realms of ' strange ' noises for guitars and voice , " Åkerfeldt said . 
