Mikael should make a solo acoustic album

too much layering can make the soundscape sound forced or too bombastic.

i think if you write good music, and you have good vocal harmonies, and you can make the music sound "emotional" then stripping it down to just vocals and guitar is great. and i definitely think mikael is capable of all of that.

go listen to the blood on the tracks record by bob dylan
 
I would love to see this. I think Mike could do this before going on with the next album. With Lopez' health issues and all, maybe the band should take some more time off before another album and tour.
 
Mr. Josey Wales said:
too much layering can make the soundscape sound forced or too bombastic.

Of course, and that's where the challenge lies. You need to be a truly adept composer to be able to incorporate a wide variety of elements in your music without sounding too contrived.
 
I think it would be a great idea but I think Mike should wait until Opeth disbands to do so.