The Last Will and Testament

4.00

PICKMETER

4.80

HMB

3.73

CRITICS

band:

Opeth

release date: Nov 22, 2024

label: Reigning Phoenix Music

type: Full-length

HMB´S REVIEW

With The Last Will and Testament, Opeth delivers its boldest and most emotionally charged work to date. This concept album takes the listener on a dark and intricate journey, centered around familial betrayals and unsettling revelations that surface after the reading of a will. Musically, the Swedish quintet offers a brilliant fusion of death metal, progressive rock, and theatrical elements, creating an almost cinematic experience.

The album features notable guest appearances that further enrich its sound palette: Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull contributes his unmistakable flute, while Joey Tempest of Europe adds a dramatic touch with vocals and narrations that amplify the work's emotional weight. With the exception of the final track, all songs are labeled as “paragraphs,” reinforcing the idea that the album is a continuous story told through a blend of sound and words.

From the opening chords of “§1,” the atmosphere of tension is palpable. The album constantly plays with contrasts—brutal heaviness and melodic delicacy, chaos and order, darkness and moments of introspection. Mikael Åkerfeldt’s vocal performance reaches new heights, reviving his iconic growls that had been absent for some time, while his ability to craft complex and emotional textures remains as impressive as ever.

The instrumental arrangements are extraordinary, blending Anderson’s ethereal flutes, breathtaking guitar solos, and even spoken word segments that enhance the story’s drama. Each track is an intricate piece of the larger puzzle, with unpredictable dynamics that challenge the listener to absorb every detail. The absence of titles for most songs underscores the idea of a continuous narrative flow, culminating in the melancholic and stunning “A Story Never Told,” the only track to bear its own name.

However, the grandeur of The Last Will and Testament comes at a cost. Its epic scale and complexity can feel intimidating, demanding multiple listens to be fully appreciated. Yet, for those willing to dive deep, the album offers an immense reward: a journey rich in emotion, virtuosity, and creative boldness.

This is Opeth at its most mature, dark, and ambitious, reaffirming its position as a visionary force in progressive metal. The Last Will and Testament is not just an album; it’s a testament to the transformative power of music.

Review by Troadie - HMB´s Staff