Renowned for their progressive ethos, Opeth has consistently reinvented themselves with each album. Their just-announced upcoming release, “The Last Will And Testament,” continues this trend, standing as their 14th studio effort. Notably, this album marks the return of Mikael Åkerfeldt‘s death metal growls, a feature absent since their 2008 album, “Watershed.”
“I knew I could go a bit overboard and wild with the music, a bit heavier and a bit more metal, maybe, because I felt it would fit the concept, which is dark and kind of complex,” Mikael says. “You might dabble with the occult in your youth and write songs about Satan, but this felt like I could make a story about real evil, and about human behavior. It felt like the music for this concept should be on the heavier side of things. It’s a pretty heavy topic.”
Åkerfeldt enjoys going against the grain. “I like to be unfashionable, in a way,” he grins. “So, when it comes to bringing that kind of death metal vocal back, I wanted it to happen when people had stopped caring… and I guess that’s now! Maybe it’s a bit surprising, but we did some anniversary-type shows, and we played lots of old songs, and I just thought that my death metal voice sounded good. There’s also been a little push because of our new drummer, Walt. He’s a death metal guy. Mendez (Opeth bassist) has been a bit of a horse whisperer, too, saying ‘Maybe you should do something heavier this time…’ In the end I just thought, yeah, let’s give it a try.”
This album also features new drummer Waltteri Väyrynen, who joined Opeth in 2022. Åkerfeldt praises his drumming prowess, noting the ease of the recording process. “I knew Walt was a great drummer, but I didn’t know how good he was,” Mikael says. “We’re not crappy musicians in this band. We can play. But we sat there at Rockfield Studios, and he just was doing these insane, technical songs in one take. We were almost recording it in real time! [Laughs] He’s amazing.”
After three decades in the music industry, Opeth continues to push creative boundaries. “The Last Will And Testament” is a testament to their progressive and dramatic prowess, reassuring fans that Opeth‘s journey is all about embracing the unexpected.
“It’s a restless record for me,” concludes Åkerfeldt. “It’s an explosion of ideas, which I like. It’s a bit shorter and snappier. But I definitely didn’t want to rehash anything. The only thing that has come back is some of those death metal screams, but the mindset is still much more forward-looking. In typical Opeth fashion, it’s not a direct record that you understand and that you love or hate right away. It takes time and if you put that time into it, you might like it… or hate it! It feels like it was written on a whim. Which it was, in a way! I hear things on this album and think, where the fuck did that come from?”
“The Last Will And Testament” is set for release on October 11 via Reigning Phoenix Music and pre-orders are now available. Stream the first single below.