Opeth Revives Death Growls in First Song from New Concept Album

Opeth have announced their upcoming concept album, The Last Will and Testament, marking a significant return to their progressive death metal roots. This is the band’s first record since 2008’s Watershed to feature the legendary death growls of Mikael Åkerfeldt. For now, the exclusively clean-sung prog rock era of Opeth has come to a close, and the Swedes are back with their classic style in full force.

The Last Will and Testament is set to be released on October 11 on Reigning Phoenix Music, following their 2019 release, In Cauda Venenum. The album unfolds a dark, mysterious concept over its 10 tracks. Intriguingly, only one track, the closer "A Story Never Told," has a proper title, while the others are simply labeled "§" followed by their respective track numbers.

Describing the narrative, a press release summarizes: The Last Will and Testament is set in the post-World War I era, telling the story of a wealthy, conservative patriarch whose last will reveals shocking family secrets. The album explores the patriarch’s confessions, the reactions of his twin children, and the mysterious presence of a polio-stricken girl cared for by the family. The narrative kicks off with the reading of the father’s will in his mansion, attended by the orphaned girl, whose presence raises suspicions among the twins.

The album promises to be a rich subject for progressive death metal, featuring guest appearances by music legends like Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson and Europe’s Joey Tempest. It was co-produced by Åkerfeldt alongside Stefan Boman, known for his work with Ghost and The Hellacopters.

Here are details on the album’s track listing:

1. "§1" (5:57)
2. "§2" (5:33)
3. "§3" (5:10)
4. "§4" (7:00)
5. "§5" (7:29)
6. "§6" (6:03)
7. "§7" (6:30)
8. "A Story Never Told" (7:14)

The personnel for The Last Will and Testament includes:

Opeth Lineup:

• Mikael Åkerfeldt – Vocals, guitars
• Fredrik Åkesson – Guitars, backing vocals
• Martin Mendez – Bass guitar
• Waltteri Väyrynen – Drums and percussion
• Joakim Svalberg – Keyboards, backing vocals

Special Guests:

• Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) – spoken word (tracks 1, 2, 4, 7) and flute (tracks 4, 7)
• Joey Tempest (Europe) – backing vocals (track 2)
• Mirjam Åkerfeldt – spoken word (track 1)

In support of the new album, Opeth will be embarking on a North American tour alongside Tribulation. The tour dates are as follows:

• Oct. 11 — Milwaukee, Wis. @ The Rave / Eagles Club
• Oct. 12 — Cleveland, Ohio @ Agora Theater & Ballroom
• Oct. 14 — Toronto, Ontario @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
• Oct. 15 — Montréal, Quebec @ L’Olympia
• Oct. 16 — Worcester, Mass. @ Palladium
• Oct. 18 — Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Kings Theatre
• Oct. 19 — Pittsburgh, Penn. @ Stage AE
• Oct. 20 — Washington, D.C. @ Warner Theatre
• Oct. 22 — Atlanta, Ga. @ Tabernacle
• Oct. 23 — New Orleans, La. @ Fillmore New Orleans
• Oct. 24 — Austin, Texas @ Emo’s Austin
• Oct. 25 — Dallas, Texas @ Majestic Theatre
• Oct. 27 — Denver, Colo. @ Mission Ballroom
• Oct. 29 — Phoenix, Ariz. @ The Van Buren
• Oct. 30 — Los Angeles, Calif. @ YouTube Theater
• Oct. 31 — San Francisco, Calif. @ The Warfield

Fans eagerly anticipate the blend of complex storylines and the intense musical craftsmanship that Opeth is known for. As always, with Opeth’s releases, expectations are high and the return to their death metal sound is surely a treat for long-time followers.

Source: Reigning Phoenix Music, Opeth Official