Opeth: The Last Will And Testament (2LP Rough Seas Variant Exclusive)

The album delves into themes of family dynamics and the complexities of relationships, inspired by Mikael Akerfeldt’s growing interest in how family members can turn against each other. Personal observations and the popular TV show ‘Succession’ have helped shaped the album’s theme and narrative, exploring the idea that blood is not always thicker than water.

Musically, “The Last Will And Testament” is a restless journey reflecting Akerfeldt’s ambivalent relationship with music. The album captures his process of embracing and discarding musical elements, resulting in a collection of songs that are both innovative and true to OPETH’s signature sound.

Akerfeldt expresses immense pride in the album. There’s an extraordinary coherence to the record, yet also a unique kind of strangeness that may not provide the instant rush of the streaming era, but inhabits a complexity and depth that can be savoured over time and will show its true qualities with repeated listens.

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 Akerfeldt. “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!”