Martín Méndez of Opeth Shares 5 Albums that Influenced His Sound

Bassists have a crucial role in the music industry, and Opeth’s Martín Méndez is one of the standout figures in the genre. His style and sound have been shaped by a range of influences, such as Queen, Stanley Clarke, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, and Jaco Pastorius. Méndez finds inspiration in the melancholic and dissonant tones of musicians like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, paying special attention to the bass register in their recordings to guide his own riff creation.

When it comes to the albums that have had a significant impact on his bass playing, Méndez points to five classics. The first album on his list is Black Sabbath’s “Master Of Reality” from 1971. Known for being a metal band, Black Sabbath and their bassist Geezer Butler stood out for Méndez due to their unique and innovative bass parts that differentiated them from the usual metal sound, making this album a pivotal one for him.

Secondly, Méndez mentions Return To Forever’s self-titled album from 1972, citing Stanley Clarke as a major influence with his fingerstyle playing. Though Méndez has his own distinct style, the impact of Clarke’s technique on him is evident. Another album that shaped him is Stevie Wonder’s “Innervisions” from 1973, introduced to him by Opeth bandmate Mikael Äkerfeldt. The groovy bass playing on this album, particularly the song “Visions,” captivated Méndez and left a lasting impression.

Jaco Pastorius’s self-titled album from 1976 holds a special place in Méndez’s heart. Initially not understanding or appreciating it as a young musician, he later came to appreciate Pastorius’s unparalleled talent as a bass player. His use of fretless bass and innovative techniques influenced Méndez’s approach to playing bass, even though he recognizes the immense skill gap between them.

Lastly, Astor Piazzolla’s “Tango: Zero Hour” from 1986 rounds out Méndez’s list of influential albums. Piazzolla’s unique take on tango music, especially his compositions for the upright bass, left a significant impact on Méndez. The percussive nature of the bass parts in the album, along with the unconventional compositions, sparked Méndez’s creativity and encouraged him to push the boundaries of his own bass playing.

In conclusion, Martín Méndez’s musical journey and bass style have been shaped by the distinct sounds and techniques of the albums that have influenced him. From metal to funk, jazz, and tango, his diverse range of inspirations has molded him into the bassist he is today. By drawing from a rich tapestry of musical influences and exploring the unique sounds of different genres, Méndez has created a bass style that stands out in the world of metal and progressive rock music.