It's obvious that Opeth will never (unless Lopez recruits) field the same rythmics that there used to be... unless Mikael will write them. But it would be refreshing to hear some blasting and other things similar to death metal.
I have a feeling Axe will be better than Lopez. Seeing both drummers live, I enjoyed Axe way better. Dammit I cant wait any longer for new material. Fredrik and Axe is going to own!