Swedish progressive metallers OPETH will release their new concept album ‘The Last Will And Testament’ on October 11, 2024 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
OPETH’s fourteenth album was composed by Mikael Åkerfeldt, while the lyrics were assigned to Klara Rönnqvist Fors (THE HEARD, ex-CRUCIFIED BARBARA). “The Last Will And Testament” is a co-production between Åkerfeldt and Stefan Boman (GHOST, THE HELLACOPTERS), recorded by Boman, Joe Jones (KILLING JOKE, ROBERT PLANT) and OPETH, with Boman, Åkerfeldt and the remaining members of OPETH to have mixed the album at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe Studios in Stockholm. The strings on “The Last Will And Testament” were written by Åkerfeldt and his old prog friend Dave Stewart (EGG, KHAN) and conducted by Stewart at Angel Studios in London. Miles Showell (ABBA, QUEEN) also revisits mastering and vinyl lacquer cutting at Abbey Road Studios in London. Graphic artist Travis Smith returns to create a Swede’s album cover once again, a haunting “photograph” reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s infamous “Overlook Hotel” photograph.
You can check out the cover art for OPETH’s new album right below:
“The Last Will And Testament” is a concept album set in the post-war era, unfolding the story of a wealthy, conservative patriarch whose last will and testament reveals shocking family secrets. The narrative recounts the confessions of the patriarch, the reactions of his twin children and the mysterious presence of a polio-ridden girl who was raised by this family. The album begins with the reading of the father’s will, inside his mansion. Among those present is the young girl with polio, who, despite being an orphan, has been raised in this family. Her presence at the reading of the will raises suspicions and questions for the twin brothers…
Here is the “special” track list of “The Last Will And Testament” album:
- §1
- §2
- §3
- §4
- §5
- §6
- §7
- A Story Never Told
“The Last Will And Testament” mixes some of OPETH’s best material to date and – most importantly – Åkerfeldt’s growls on the mic are back on this release!
Right below you can listen to the first single from the forthcoming album “The Last Will And Testament” entitled “§1”:
In other related news, OPETH will be touring in North America this fall. Their journey will begin on October 11th, 2024 in Milwaukee and includes stops in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, Austin, Denver and more. Check out the tour poster below:
source: blabbermouth
