Here is what Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth said about SW's involvement:
"SW is not part of the band, he's co-produced 3 Opeth albums. Literally he's been in the studio for a total of maybe 5 weeks for the last 3 albums. You are forgetting about the other 3+ months of recording and producing we've done when he's not around. Quite simple, don't be so quick to jump to conclusions when you've literally seen a few DVD minutes of a loooong process.
A producer who doesn't help, come up with ideas is NOT a producer. It's never been the case where we've relied on him to WRITE us a record. He has ideas on top of the basic arrangement, and that's that.
I would never be run over by ANYONE, SW or anyone else. I want the outcome to be as good as possible and will appreciate all the help I can get. It's quite irritating that some of you seem to think he's bossing us around when that's not the case at all. You're blaming HIM for not liking our stuff....please, blame us, me! I take the desicions with what's done with the stuff I've written.
Just setting the record straight.
Ease down the road + happy new year!
Mike"
