Opeth – The Last Will And Testament (Album Review)
Opeth – The Last Will And Testament
Released: November 22nd, 2024
Lineup
Mikael Åkerfeldt // Vocals & Guitars
Fredrik Åkesson // Guitars
Joakim Svalberg // Keyboards
Martín Méndez // Bass
Waltteri Väyrynen // Drums
Online:
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No other moment in the 30-plus year career of Stockholm’s Opeth was more shocking and polarising than the release of their 2011 record Heritage. The Swedish quintet’s complete abandonment of harsh vocals – not to mention a significant shift in the production department – became an immediate dividing point among longtime fans. Though the band eventually reintroduced growling and screaming into their live set for older tracks, it seemed that Opeth were content to move forward solely with clean singing – and over a decade and four LPs, they did just that.
It should come as no surprise then that the unexpected return of brutal vocals on the first single of Opeth’s upcoming 14th full length – The Last Will and Testament – caused a major stir in the metal world; hell, virtually all the album pre-release press and interviews were near-fixated on it. After an initial play-through, it’s a relief knowing that this newest LP is far from a one-trick-pony/fan service; far from it.
Aforementioned first single and opener ‘§ 1’ is the perfect way to kick off this era of Opeth; direct and to the point, the harsh vocals come in fast, with the main refrain quoting the album’s title. The one thing that can be said is that the death metal screams don’t sound forced into this new record in the slightest – Åkerfeldt has lost none of his power, and they work so well you almost forget that they’ve not been a part of the group’s new material for over the last ten years. Things get stretched out and weird during the cut’s bridge, before soothing strings close off the song, seamlessly moving the listener into the heavy, constantly evolving ‘§ 2’.
A concept release with a deep and rich storyline, it’s a proper, listen-to-this-front-to-back album – it wouldn’t be surprising if the Progressive Death Metal turned Prog/Classic Rock heroes played the new LP in its entirety. To further boost the progressive rock credentials, the legendary Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull pops throughout the full length for various spoken and vocal parts, assuming the role of the ‘father’ character in the story. This focused and ominous vibe makes for a darker edge to this effort compared to previous collections; ‘§ 7’ and the Eastern-sounding ‘§ 3’ is brimming with creeping tension and mood; helping make maybe the most consistent tone and atmosphere since 2008’s Ghost Reveries.
The Last Will and Testament is the first release with Waltteri Väyrynen. While the act’s new drummer is solid, the Finn lacks the character of his predecessors, though his excellent feel and groove gets a workout on LP middle point ‘§ 4’. There are plenty of big ‘classic rock’ moments; longtime lead guitarist Fredrik Åkesson cuts loose on ‘§ 5’ and the epic album-closing ballad ‘A Story Never Told’. Though there are throwback elements to The Last Will And Testament, structurally and sonically the record is still on the same path as their previous efforts; the warm, natural production avoids overly saturated guitar tones and sampled drum sounds. Plus, as touched on, it still contains all the classic prog elements and occasional ‘weirdness’ that the band has explored over the last decade. The out-there elements and depth of material does make the album a bit of work; only after a few spins do the deeper aspects of The Last Will And Testament begin to shine through; such as the unexpected melodic outro of ‘§ 6’, to the classical influences on previously mentioned ‘§ 4’.
Opeth sounds fresh, confident, and inspired on The Last Will And Testament – it’s easy to forget that this is a band dropping their 14th album in their fourth decade of existence. Don’t undersell it is a comeback though; if the Watershed/Heritage cycle was a closing and opening of a chapter in Opeth’s legacy, The Last… is certainly the next stage in the Swede’s career. Whilst maybe not quite career-best territory, the balance of timeless influences and an eye on moving forward – to the beat of their own drum – will delight and engross progressive music and longtime (and new) Opeth fans.
Opeth – The Last Will And Testament tracklisting
- §1
- §2
- §3
- §4
- §5
- §6
- §7
- A Story Never Told
Rating: 8/10
The Last Will And Testament is out November 22nd on Reigning Phoenix Music. Order here
Review By – Andrew Kapper. Twitter: @andrew_kapper
Revisit our interview with Fredrik Åkesson chatting all things Last Will and Testament here
