Album Review: Opeth – The Last Will & Testament (Reigning Phoenix Music)

‘The Last Will & Testament’ is the new album of iconic progressive metal band, Opeth. A concept album set in the post-World War I era, telling the story of a wealthy, conservative patriarch whose last will and testament reveals shocking family secrets. It will be released on November 22nd, 2024, via Reigning Phoenix Music.

An epic in every sense of the word, but an Opeth epic, which means it’s also like nothing else you’ve heard in recent times. The legendary band strive to be original, prove that they have unending layers of creativity, and never fail to set the imagination aflame with their musical detail. Something that perfectly summarises this impressive and imposing new album, especially when you consider the detailed narrative too.

A narrative that is told in fascinating fashion, beginning with the reading of the father’s will that results in unwelcome revelations for his twin children. They are not in the will, and as this album goes on, the why of that is revealed via the mysterious presence of a polio-ridden girl who the family have taken care of. This narrative told through a mixture of vocal styles, all while the music takes us on an immense progressive journey given even more life via errant touches of atmosphere. The opening track, §1, sets the scene impressively and shows that this album has the strong possibility to be far more listenable than first expected.

Not that Opeth ever really release anything that isn’t listenable, but The Last Will & Testament certainly has more replay value than expected. Opeth aren’t called a progressive metal band for fun, it’s at their core and this album is as truly experimental as ever, if not more, when you hear a track like §2 that pushes and pulls the melody, ambience, heaviness, playfulness, and storytelling in so many different directions. Challenging? You don’t know the half of it, but it is exciting, which, on a personal level, is not something I often enjoy about Opeth. Yet, this album has my attention, and it will have yours, not just because of how creative Opeth are, but because of the story-telling depth.

Learning about the father’s misdeeds, the origins of this polio-ridden girl, how that changes everything for the twins, and what it means going forward, is fascinating. Mikael Åkerfeldt is on such form here, his vocals soaring at stages and growling with intensity at others, delivering clever lyrical content that speaks more of feelings, rather than outright stating the events that are happening. Feelings that everyone can relate to, and feelings enhanced by an array of instrumental power that constantly surprises. Heck, out of the blue, there’s striking guitar solos in both §3 §4, just more aspects of this album that burn with progressive brightness.

How about §4 though? Opeth at their heaviest in places (old-school style), but also at their most dramatic. Smoothly shifting between styles, creating burgeoning atmosphere, and delivering more lovable weirdness than ever. It’s one of the album’s best efforts, but, and this is really important, is made better because of what it is surrounded by. The Last Will & Testament is not an easy record to carve up, and to really appreciate it, it should be heard in full.

It’s why they continue to have mine, and no doubt yours, full attention as §5 continues to push the limits of Opeth’s imagination to near-breaking point. Something that is reflected in a track that is all over the place from a musical perspective, even if it delivers aspects of the story in spectacular fashion. If there’s one track that is up for debate as being ‘too much’, it might be this, but that’s the fun thing about Opeth, they create debate.

Although the band’s overall quality is rarely in question and §6 and §7 prove this unequivocally. With the former having some brilliant rock-infused passages and big cinematic vibes, whereas the latter is majestically melodic as the story begins to reach its dramatic conclusion. The twins getting their reward, even though it’s so far from what they expected, and their lives have been irrevocably changed for ever.

It’s not just them though, as the finale of the album reveals a letter that creates even more questions. Questions never to be answered and Opeth portray this with subtle, but striking, melodic grandeur. Ensuring this album eases out, feeling like it has come to its natural conclusion, and leaving most listeners satisfied. Especially as this album does feel like the most complete Opeth album in some time. They had a story they wanted to tell, the music to fit it, the lyrics to explain it, the talent to deliver it, and did all that in impressive fashion. Is it going to win over any haters? Maybe, but it’s also not unrecognisable as an Opeth release and if big progressive sounds and ideas are your kryptonite, then you’re not likely to enjoy it as much as others.

Me? I enjoyed it way more than I expected and it will be getting plenty of replays going forward.

Opeth – The Last Will & Testament Track Listing:

1. §1
2. §2
3. §3
4. §4
5. §5
6. §6
7. §7
8. A Story Never Told

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