Hey guys, thanks for your comments
I posted this a while ago and was a little concerned when no-one replied, thinking I might have offended some Opeth fans (which was never my intention)
Biggsy - You ask my opinion on Axe vs. Lopez. This is an easy one. Basically, Axenrot is a superb drummer, no doubt one of the best Opeth could have got on board. However, Lopez is an exceptional and inimitable drummer, and Opeth will probably miss his moments of unique genius. I am holding back on passing full judgement until I hear Axenrot's studio work with Opeth, though I imagine he will impress us all and silence the doubters.