Opeth - The Last Will and Testament (2024)^{Release ID: 56359}

A few years ago, I really loved Opeth. I understood the essential status of this band within the progressive metal scene. But my interest faded out when I thought they were never going to return to their heavier deathly roots after 4 albums of 70s folk-ish prog-rock. However, the future I predicted has changed when the first single of their new album The Last Will and Testament came out. The brutal heaviness and growls are back! Though there would still be some of the softness the band has had since Heritage...

In a way, this album can be considered the Linkin Park From Zero of Opeth. After a poor metal-less era, the band takes us through the ages. While the rock-ish sections pick up where In Cauda Venenum left off, the heavier compositions will make you remember Blackwater Park, and the balance is closer to that of Watershed.

The songs are shorter and untitled, just a heads-up as I start talking about the aforementioned first track and single "§1". It kicks things off in a bang as the heaviest the band has gone in over 15 years. There's also some spoken vocals by Mirjam, daughter of Mikael Åkerfeldt. Going further down into Opeth's deathly progressive roots "§2". Some background vocals can be heard by Joey Tempest, the lead vocalist of Europe. "§3" is also heavy while keeping some mystical moments from the previous 4 albums.

"§4" is my favorite track in this album. The riffs and rhythms flow together perfectly. Generally, the folk-prog of Heritage is given a darker heavier treatment complete with growls. Next song "§5" has more of the softer prog from their 2010s era while making space for the heavier parts for another well-balanced highlight.

"§6" is the song that is the most likely In Cauda Venenum outtake, as the vocals, bass, and drums return to that clean jazzy vibe for the most part. "§7" is the last part of the album's main concept, another dramatic journey through darkness and light, leading to a climatic ending with everyone singing Latin vocals before grand violins mark the conclusion. The finale "A Story Never Told" is the only track with an actual title, a beautiful ballad with harmonic vocals and soloing.

The Last Will and Testament is a true comeback for Opeth's metal roots, filled with brutal growls, heavy rhythms, and complex drumming by new member Waltteri Väyrynen. It's a great offering that, while still a little prog rock-ish, is what many metalheads have asked for. Lots more potential for me to resume listening to this band in the future....

Favorites: "§1", "§4", "§5", "§7"