Our favourite Swedish prog legends, Opeth, return! Their 14th studio album, The Last Will & Testament, is set to drop on 11th October 2024 via Moderbolaget and Reigning Phoenix Music. It’s been five long years since their last release, In Cauda Venenum, and trust us, the wait has been worth it!
Opeth has just unleashed their first single from the album, titled ‘§1‘, and it’s available on all major streaming platforms. The album was given an exclusive sneak peek at Wacken Open Air 2024, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.
This album is a true testament (pun intended) to Opeth’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of metal. Featuring special guest appearances by Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Joey Tempest of Europe, and Mikael Åkerfeldt’s youngest daughter, Mirjam Åkerfeldt, The Last Will & Testament promises a musical journey like no other.
The album is a concept piece set in the post-World War I era, unravelling the story of a wealthy patriarch whose will reveals shocking family secrets. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions as the narrative weaves through confessions, sibling reactions, and the enigmatic presence of a polio-ridden orphan girl.
Frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt is particularly proud of this record, saying, “I love this record. Maybe I’m proud even? There are some familiar ingredients in there, so it’s not much of a shocker if it’s going to sound like ‘us’. I’m a bit in awe of what we did with The Last Will and Testament. It feels like a dream.”
The album also marks the first with new drummer Waltteri Väyrynen, who has already wowed Åkerfeldt with his skills, and it’s all been captured by Stefan Boman at Rockfield Studios. The album’s artwork, crafted by Travis Smith, adds a haunting visual element reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s infamous ‘Overlook Hotel’ photograph.
Opeth will be kicking off their North American tour on 11th October, coinciding with the album release, and will then head to Europe in February 2025. UK fans, don’t miss their headline set at Bloodstock Open Air festival on 9th August!
Pre-orders for The Last Will & Testament are live now. Get in quick for early access to tickets for their European tour!
Tracklist for The Last Will & Testament:
1. §1 [LISTEN]
2. §2
3. §3
4. §4
5. §5
6. §6
7. §7
8. A Story Never Told
Opeth European Tour Dates 2025:
9th February: Helsinki, FI @ Ice Hall
11th February: Stockholm, SE @ Cirkus
12th February: Oslo, NO @ Sentrum Scene
14th February: Copenhagen, DK @ DR Koncerthuset
15th February: Hamburg, DE @ Docks
17th February: Cologne, DE @ Palladium
18th February: Berlin, DE @ Tempodrom
19th February: Munich, DE @ Muffathalle
21st February: Paris, FR @ L’Olympia
22th February: Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS Live
23th February: Brussels, BE @ Ancienne Belgique
North American Tour Dates (w/ TRIBULATION) in October 2024:
11th October: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave / Eagles Club
12th October: Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theater & Ballroom
14th October: Toronto, ON @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre
15th October: Montréal, QC @ L’Olympia
16th October: Worcester, MA @ Palladium
18th October: Brooklyn, NY @ Kings Theatre
19th October: Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
20th October: Washington, DC @ Warner Theatre
22nd October: Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle
23rd October: New Orleans, LA @ Fillmore New Orleans
24th October: Austin, TX @ Emo’s Austin
25th October: Dallas, TX @ Majestic Theatre
27th October: Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom
29th October: Phoenix, AZ @ The Van Buren
30th October: Los Angeles, CA @ YouTube Theater
31st October: San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield
Get ready to experience the magic of Opeth once again. Pre-order The Last Will & Testament and snag your tickets for the upcoming tours.
For more info, pre-orders, and tour dates, visit Opeth’s official website.
