Opeth The Last Will and Testament 180g 45rpm 2LP (Black Vinyl)

Consequence 50 Best Albums of 2024 - Rated 37/50!

"The Last Will and Testament is a concept record of sorts. A restless musical journey in a way mirroring my own relationship with music as a consumer of it," narrates band leader Mikael Åkerfeldt. "I pick up something here, dismiss something there. I worship and I hate music at the same time. This ambivalence leads me down some type of creative path of my own and then, all of a sudden, a collection of songs has been written. Best case scenario, these songs are good enough to impress the band. Good enough for the 'powers that be' in terms of the industry. Good enough for 'you?! I' love this record. I have to say it (write it). Maybe I'm proud even? There are some familiar ingredients in there I suppose. Most of our music has sprung from the same source, so I guess 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. There is some 'coherence' and 'songwriting skills' I hope, but what do I know? I tend to favour the 'strange' over the 'obvious,' but I feel like I'm in the minority, and that's fine. So…fair warning! Don't expect an instant rush (as per usual), but if you do 'get it' (have you got it yet?) right away, that's ok too!"

a fascinating, striving, and endlessly replayable return from the masters of Swedish progressive death metal

Opeth at their most groundbreakingly brilliant

This is a masterfully constructed album, celebrating the history of the band, and forging an incredible mix of styles and influences. With top notch production added in, this is certainly one of the best releases of the year.

the monumental return of one of progressive metal's finest bands

Throw another big W on the board for Mikael Åkerfeldt and Opeth. The Last Will and Testament is the latest stunning triumph in a long history of stunning triumphs from this singular musical institution.

Last Will and Testament is among Opeth's most adventurous and sophisticated outings. Like a cross between Watershed and In Cauda Venenum, it's heavier and more adventurous than either while bringing the band's past, present, and future under a single creative umbrella.