OPETH - 'The Last Will and Testament' - Album Review

[@MacGyver_Lamb]

Opeth is such an interesting band. I spent a lot of time listening to Orchid, My Arms, and Morningrise. Then spent a lot more time with Still Life, Blackwater Park, Damnation, Deliverance, and Ghost Reveries. Watershed felt like a transitional album moving into their prog rock albums. It is a bummer they have received so much negativity evolving their sound. I'm very intrigued by this new album, can't wait to check it out.

[@TheMetalTris]

I think that because they're such an intense listen, with any of their records really, that you really do need to devote a lot of time to them. I remember that I had this period when I think it must have been around 2009 or 2008 where over a summer I just went fully IN on bands and their discographies. Megadeth / Cannibal Corpse / Meshuggah / Death and of course, Opeth. There was something about that kind of truly immersing yourself in their albums that meant they offered so much more I think. Of all of these though, which would you say was your favourite? I think for me it's still going to be Ghost Reveries, I feel like that record really distilled that sense of Opeth - the haunting feeling, the slightly royal atmosphere too and a sense of real reverence. The Last Will and Testament DEFINITELY goes back into the world though! Thanks for checking out the video :)

[@VIGLounge]

I've been a fan of Opeth ever since I first heard the song Under the Weeping Moon. Blackwater Park is one of my all-time favourite albums, and I've even enjoyed some of their progressive rock output particularly Sorceress. It was a challenge for me to get into In Cauda Venenum, but I'm definitely looking forward to hearing what sounds like the best elements of Opeth's death metal and progressive rock elements along with an interesting concept to boot.

[@TheMetalTris]

Oh man, BWP is one of the best albums of all time and also one of my favourites though I think that Ghost Reveries JUST eclipses it for me. That record was something truly incredible. Were you a fan of some of the earlier Prog Rock stuff like Heritage / Pale Communion and Sorceress. Though admittedly I think that Sorceress is a little more Rock in some places and there's definitely some of that as well!

[@VIGLounge]

@TheMetalTris I enjoyed most of Pale Communion, but Sorceress is where it all clicked for me.

[@Evergrimrecordings]

Opeth are my absolute favorite and I highly doubt my band would even exist if not for these guys. Really hyped for this one.

[@TheMetalTris]

Hell yeah! That's awesome to hear, I hope that it lives up to the expectations that everyone's got for it :)

[@HotelHobbies]

Brilliant review mate. Very much looking forward to hearing this one. Great insights here. Love the attention to detail in the review.

[@TheMetalTris]

Thanks ever so much mate! You know what I'm like, when it's something that I'm obsessed with I usually go a little over the top haha - but that's why I make these videos and that's why you write as well! All part of the fun

[@Questformetal]

Already booked ticket to the tour can’t wait to hear the album

[@TheMetalTris]

Hell yeah! That's what we like to hear. I can't wait to see them here in the UK. I haven't missed them since I first saw them on the Heritage tour in Brixton back in 2011. It's been so great to see each of these new eras, I do wish that I might have found them / seen them back in the day but they play so much old stuff that I feel like I've had my fair share these days haha! Thanks for checking out the video :)

[@Questformetal]

@ My first time was on the heritage tour too was cool seeing songs like the throat of winter live

[@WFly101]

ello ma8

[@rubaidaallen2764]

Saw Opeth live recently and they played paragraph 1 and 3. It was great hearing the two masterpieces live and I’m really looking forward to hearing the rest of the album in a few weeks. The show was spectacular. Hearing the new drummer was awesome. Growls are back and that’s great but I think the focus needs to be on the musicianship. Everyone is firing on all cylinders. Wow. From the little I’ve heard I’m getting Damnation, Deliverance, Ghost Reveries, In Cauda, The Sorceress and Black Water park vibes. I agree with you. Absolutely incredible band and I encourage everyone to see Opeth on this tour if you get a chance.

[@TheMetalTris]

Oh yeah! Walt is absolutely brilliant as a drummer, I actually interviewed him back when he was with Paradise Lost and he was the sweetest guy, he had just woken up for the show and then got told that he had to do an interview and was totally cool with it. Such a lovely bloke. I'm not surprised that he was so adept behind the kit, I think that you really have to be when it comes to all of the dynamic push and pull that Opeth have. It's pretty mental! Thanks for checking out the video and please do let me know what you think when the record is out!

[@rubaidaallen2764]

@@TheMetalTris Oh that’s so cool that you interviewed Walter. He seems like a super cool guy and what a drummer. I will let you know about the album for sure. Very excited for this one. You’ve got a new subscriber!! 🤘🤘

[@emperoredu8136]

Can´t wait to hear it!

[@TheMetalTris]

Hell yeah! Thanks so much for checking out the video, I hope you enjoyed it!

[@helenhunt5414]

Looking forward to this one, my AOTY first place is already crowded, and if Opeth releases a masterpiece it will be a five-headed AOTY dragon as a winner!! And I thought that having two bands sharing the first place last year was a lot 😅 2024 is just so generous in terms of amazing releases!!

[@TheMetalTris]

Haha I know what you mean! There’s been a hell of a lot of great releases this year though I have to say that it seems to have all arrived in Sep / Oct / Nov this year! I guess that’s just often the way right?! Thanks for checking out the video!

[@Brandon1984mn]

Cannot wait to spin this tomorrow! Stoked to see the 10/10 👀

[@MoSweiti666]

It's been such a great year. We might also say it's the year of comebacks. JFAC is my AOTY so far and Opeth's new album is my most anticipated. I haven't been this excited for an Opeth album in years. I liked the prog rock era Opeth albums, but this one sounds like an all out album. Opeth experimented with different styles of music throughout the years and this album might be the result of 30 years of experimentation. Great review as always, Tris!! I'm so hyped for this album!

[@TheMetalTris]

Thanks so much my friend!! It's a great record and one that I think you will be really, really stoked with. Especially with the JFAC comparison I think that this really is the year of the comeback. There's something special when a band that you've loved comes back and just shows us all how it's done right?! Thanks so much for checking out the video :)

[@parkercrook7828]

Thanks for posting this! Love your channel and your music taste. Opeth is also my all time favorite band. I'm super excited for this album, have yet to see a negative review of it. The addition of growls back in is cool and all, but I'm most excited to see the fluid amalgamation of all their styles. Plus, I think the production on this album compared to Sorceress and ICV is a big improvement.

[@TheMetalTris]

Ahh thanks so much for the kind words my friend! That really means the world. It's always so nice to hear such positive things from people. Definitely makes all of the struggle of editing it and all of that worth it! I think that considering you're a fan of a lot of the different eras of Opeth that you will really enjoy this one. There's so much to give and it's very much like an onion each time you listen to it. What else have you been enjoying this year?

[@parkercrook7828]

​@@TheMetalTris Of course bro. Your content is awesome keep it up. Well BI's album Absolute Elsewhere is great as of this year but I've been on a big kick listening to the band Disillusion. Their 2022 album Ayam is great. Most Opeth fans dig them you should check them out if you've never listen to them. Listen to their 2004 album Back to Times of Splendour it's amazing!

[@kendallfella]

Great to hear you really rate this one - I have it on pre-order so looking forward to digging into it. I'm currently really digging Cemetery Skyline - have you heard that yet?

[@TheMetalTris]

Oh brilliant!! I think you’ll really enjoy it mate. Especially as I know that you’re into some of the more progressive stuff this will definitely be more interesting for sure. It works well as both a record to listen to but also as a big concept based record that you could just sit back and do nothing with as well. Intrigued to see what you think! I have had Cemetery Skyline promos for a while now and I haven’t got round to checking them out, would you recommend them?

[@RobertGraefeMusic]

oh boy, pretty psyched for this one. thanks for the review! always enjoy listening to you talking about music :)

[@TheMetalTris]

Hey there Robert! I always enjoy chatting with you about it in the comments as well, thank you so much for your support all throughout these years. It really does mean the world and makes putting the videos together so worth it when people genuinely enjoy it :) You'll have to let me know what you think of it!

[@ickoriss]

Great review, man! Beyond stoked to hear the record. Definitely going to be a contender for my AOTY.

[@TheMetalTris]

Hell yeah! It came in and absolutely bulldozed my albums of the year, ruthlessly haha - I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did :) Thanks as ever for commenting and hanging out my friend

[@edchigliak2844]

I've been really looking forward to hearing the album. I'm now more excited for it after your glowing review. Thanks Tris.

[@TheMetalTris]

My pleasure! They really are one of my all time favourite bands so I am really excited to see what everyone says when this record is released. It's absolutely amazing and I think that it's going to be this and something else duking it out for my album of the year position!

[@edchigliak2844]

@@TheMetalTris I look forward to your annual end of year top albums videos.

[@nunosilvapereira]

Great review. Thanks for the video

[@TheMetalTris]

Thanks ever so much for the kind words my friend! Really appreciate it and thanks for checking the video out. What else have you been enjoying this year?

[@adamstarkey7185]

Feared the worst when I saw your face in that thumbnail haha. Thought it was suggesting you weren't a fan of the album, very glad that's not the case! Can't wait to hear it now. Great review again dude.

[@TheMetalTris]

Hey there Adam! Hahah the power of the thumbnail! In all honesty, I just didn't really know what to do for it this time. A lot of the time I don't tbh. I'm glad that people are being positive for the most part and all of the reviews that I'm seeing are echoing similar feelings. You're in for a real treat my friend!

[@HypnoChode]

We are SO fucking back! Great review as always

[@TheMetalTris]

Hell yeah!!! Couldn't agree more, thanks so much for the kind words. I know you've been here for a long time so really appreciate you

[@SimonTB-uy3qv]

yeah dude! enjoyed the review

[@TheMetalTris]

Thanks so much my friend! Always appreciate your support and I think that this one will be a big one in people’s calendars for Prog / Metal fans too! Let me know what you think of it when you give it a spin for sure!!

[@lostplanet809]

Your favorite track on this record?

[@biorythmicshifter]

The metal elements have been sorely missed in the last few years. The last few albums were good but they would have been great if they included the complete spectrum of light to dark dynamics they are known for. If I want to hear great pure prog I’ll listen to King Crimson, if I want o hear something King Crimson wouldn’t do like heavy as balls riffing with some brutal vocals I go to Opeth. That’s what separates this band from other great prog bands. That was missing, I’m glad it’s back now. It’s like driving a car that has 5 gears but only using 4 of them. I have high hopes for this album as it’s been much harder to be impressed with music anymore. Everything that can be done seems to have been done and nothing new is being put out there. Surely there are exceptions like the new Blood Incantation or the new Alarum albums. Opeth have the skills and talent to do something great and I’m hoping this scratches that itch for me.

[@AnEvolvingApe]

Another band that I was OBSESSED with in past years. I'm not intrigued by the storyline for this record but I can't wait to give any Opeth release a proper listen (soaking in a hot epsom salt bath with flickering black candles).

[@TheMetalTris]

Haha hell yeah! That sounds like the perfect kind of way to experience a new Opeth record. I think the record is both great as a concept album but also stood on its own feet too you know? Let me know what you think of it when you get it though!

[@ChrisLT]

I've been dying to hear this album. Saw them last month on the original release date, and the delay's been unbearable.

[@TheMetalTris]

Oh man! I bet that must have sucked but still, did they play a lot of the new material out there in the states? At least you had Tribulation who were playing their new record as well right? I think that this one is going to shake a lot of Album of The Year's and I really hope that it does incredibly well for the band too!

[@ChrisLT]

@@TheMetalTris Yep, Tribulation was killer. And Opeth only played the two singles, Paragraphs 1 and 3, so the rest of the record is still a mystery!

[@TheMetalTris]

@@ChrisLT Oh awesome! What did they sound like played live, must have been the first time that they debuted them right?

[@ChrisLT]

@@TheMetalTris Incredible, I believe it was the opening night of the tour, as Mikael kept talking about bring nervous and playing this stuff for the first time. I have a short on my channel of Leper Affinity, though I filmed so much that I should just make a supercut of the show, lol. I've seen them plenty of times and this might be the best live incarnation they've ever had.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

They were great. I saw them a few weeks ago. Incredible 👏👏👏👏

[@hollowman7669]

Opeth is a cool musical machine!! One of the best and more interesting ones out there…but you really need to listen to Iotunn ”Kinship”. For me, the best progressive metalalbum of 2024, so far 🤘🤘

[@TheMetalTris]

You know what, I just can't get my head around Iotunn's record. It's just not landing with me for some reason. I'm not sure why but will definitely go back and give it another go! Thanks for checking out the video all the same and I hope that you like the Opeth record :)

[@GMHG777]

Saw them 2x 3 weeks ago in NYC and DC, and I've seen thme 16x total since 2003/Deliverance, bets they've sounded possibly ever, no hyperbole !! They were heavy and tight as a nuns butthole... Bets of all Mike sounds better than he's sounded in years on the death vox no doubt about it. Also, Walteri seems to have lit a bit of an intensity fire on the live front, loved Lopez' unique style and felt no one could replace that, enter Axe who was incredible then he "disappears", and I figure no way can they find an equal to his style, creative swing, and intensity, enter Walteri and MIND BLOWN, the kid is a beast and is more than equal to the task of handling the old material... Stoked to get my vinyl early next week hopefully !!! Great review, wish I'd gotten a promo for my channel, weird I didn't hmm...

[@TheMetalTris]

Excellent! Sounds like they are absolutely brilliant, I saw them at Bloodstock earlier this year and they were fantastic. Walt in particular was really tight and nailed the Metal sections of the bands sound. Let me know what you think of the record when you hear it and thanks so much for checking out the video!

[@Duckvan79]

Yes Tris can't wait to dive into this 👏🏽

[@TheMetalTris]

Hell yeah! I can't wait to hear what you make of it. It's a brilliant one!

[@drums4life80]

Awesome Cant Wait! 🥃🤘🔥

[@TheMetalTris]

Hell yeah!! Glad that you’re stoked and thanks for checking out the video. I do hope I did it justice - let me know what you think of the album when it’s out there on Friday!!

[@hmetaljustin]

I like that the growls are back, but It's not a make or break thing for me. I enjoy all eras of Opeth.

[@TheMetalTris]

Exactly, I’m the same to be totally honest. I didn’t really want to highlight it too much but I am sure that it will be a talking point for a lot of fans. To me it’s just like the band reaching into their arsenal and pulling something else out, it just works but it’s not shoehorned in, you know? Thanks for checking out the review!

[@Deathstroke-w4p]

What's up brother 🤘🏼 Sushi dude from Portugal Great review as usual Stay safe brother 🤘🏼

[@TheMetalTris]

Sushi dude from Portugal!!! It’s been a minute man. How are you keeping?! Thanks for reaching out again. Are you excited about Opeth? What are some of your favourite records that have come out this year?

[@brianmorrison2578]

Best damn band walking the planet.

[@TheMetalTris]

I couldn’t agree more. Absolutely one of my all time favourites, Opeth. I really hope you enjoy the record and thanks for checking out the video!

[@xazmuthx00]

Well, sounds like its going to a great album. But if i dont dig it there is Ubiquity and they carry that old Opeth spirit pretty well

[@TheMetalTris]

There we go! I love that kind of thing. Where even if it might not be your cup of tea, that’s still totally fine. Everyone likes what they like and that’s totally fine. I hope you do enjoy the album all the same though and thanks for checking out the video!

[@MartinvonBargen]

I keep trying to convince some of my metal mates from Newcastle to form an Opeth tribute band called How Pet!

[@TheMetalTris]

Hahaha that would be great! They'd have to cover Wey Aye Arms Your Hearse ;)

[@jackbrown4697]

How do you hear albums before they even come out?

[@TheMetalTris]

Hey there Jack! Thanks so much for checking out the video, it's hugely appreciated and I hope that you enjoyed it? So, in terms of hearing albums before they are released, long story short is that I get sent out promos ahead of the album's release. PR's or the record label's themselves sometimes will send out watermarked versions of albums that are sometimes downloadable or stream only. All of these are directly traceable to the person who is sent them to prevent leaks etc... Alongside this you'll get a bio / lyrics / artwork etc... everything that has to do with the record basically. These are always sent out in advance to make sure that people who review in magazines / online or on KZbin in this instance, have it before general release for promotional uses. Hope that answered your question my friend and thanks again!

[@jackbrown4697]

@TheMetalTris No worries man. You're a great channel and I always enjoy your videos

[@DesolateSolitude]

OPETH 🇸🇪 Nature, Death, Love, Heartbreak, Sorrow, Seasons, Occultism.

[@TheMetalTris]

One of the best bands of all time right??

[@DesolateSolitude]

@TheMetalTris , Yes indeed sir. Their entire complete discography Sits right next to my entire complete Discography of KATATONIA. I can’t wait to get my hands on The new album. I’m a hardcore Completist. 💿

[@basildog007]

I've always tried to get into this band, since everyone revered them so much, I really tried, but they said "look dude, you can't even play an instrument, you will NEVER get into Opeth, we are AT CAPACITY!!!"... Which I think was rude.

[@TheMetalTris]

Haha well I mean you can always keep trying right?! That’s one of my favourite things to do is to try something at different points and then you might change your mind depending on what you’ve heard / been through at that time. I find that fascinating about music! Thanks for checking out the review though :)

[@hectorThechilldudeonacouch]

Dropping this one early because you heard it first 😂. This sounds like a soap opera, the story.

[@TheMetalTris]

Nooo how could you say that it sounds like a soap opera! There's so much more of a darkness there and there's definitely that kind of WWI vibe to it. I'm intrigued to see what you think of it dude!

[@hectorThechilldudeonacouch]

@ this are the days of out lives. It will be next week since Opeth did not send me an advance copy.

[@TheSadistNat1on]

I didn't care about the paragraph 1, 2 names..but now if a song is really good on here, the name is such a good way to name it..and theyre all the same name lol kinda sucks but whatever i guess ha

[@jeanfrancozaratemarcial7916]

It´s a concept album you dingus, the paragraphs have to be named... well, paragraphs, since the lyrics are a reading of a last will and testament.

[@TheMetalTris]

I have to say, that it did make it a little trickier to remember whereas when you've got titles it does kind of sign post things a little more but I get why they did the paragraphs to represent the will etc...

[@TheMetalTris]

Play nice now!

[@stuartraybould2574]

I'm worried. I love Ghost Reveries and Watershed. The so called prog rock albums, a style and no longer progressive at all in the real sense, are OK, I still enjoy them but this worries me. Ghost Reveries and Watershed already merged the styles well, so why go back. If this is another amalgamation of all they have done, have they run out of ideas? Is this the last great Opeth album? Only time will tell, for now I'll be buying this but I'm very worried about the future of Opeth. All great bands run out of fuel eventually, is this the end of interesting Opeth? Have we now already seen all they can do? I've got a bad feeling the answer to that is Yes, I hope I'm wrong.

[@TheMetalTris]

I think people need to not take everything so literally, in all honesty, I think that if you have enjoyed their Prog Rock / Metal and all between material then you'll really love this. It's definitely got its own voice and the story as well really does wonders. I don't think that we're looking at the last great Opeth album either, let me know what you think when it's out there and thanks for checking out the video as well!

[@stuartraybould2574]

@@TheMetalTris I'm looking forward to it, I do hope I'm wrong as I love Opeth and want them to continue at the same top quality level.

[@alpinestar6125]

Haven’t bothered with Opeth since Ghost Reveries.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

You’re missing out. Love Ghost Reveries. Everything after that is worth a listen.

[@alpinestar6125]

MAYH is still my favourite Opeth album.

[@TheMetalTris]

How come you haven’t bothered with the band since then my friend? Is it because you just don’t like more of the Prog Rock style of things? Watershed was a great record following that album up and in all honesty I still think that every album they have written has that quintessential Opeth ‘feel’ to it still! Will you listen to this one?

[@kingIgor]

Opeth have always been Prog Metal... The only thing that changed is they went from Extreme Progressive Metal to Traditional Progressive Metal... Would never call them Prog Rock their not a Degressive Metal band... "How they've been able to combine the Metal Era & the Prog Era together" No this statement doesn't make sense... They are still Metal, still Evolving (never really completely going backwards) ... Some elements of Rock are part of Traditional Metal ... Progressive Metal is the Evolution of the Classic Prog Era... New drummer doesn't feel as Unique/Creative/Metal as Martin Lopez & Martin Axenrot did ... Blood Incantation aping Pink Floyd on Absolute Elsewhere is an example of Degressive Metal... (Going backwards in time to what has already been done death is not Progressive)... Yeah its a good album (but thats lame)... Hidden History of the Human Race is a better album (It's Progressive devoid of the Degressive elements)

[@TheMetalTris]

Hey there my friend! I do agree that Opeth have always been progressive, it's a state of mind more than anything to me. I don't get bogged down in the semantics of the definitions of the genre. For me there's definitely been Prog Rock and Prog Metal elements which is what I was mentioning there. I also disagree that BI bringing in moments of Floyd is degressive, I've never heard a Death Metal band fuse Floyd and Tangerine Dream-esque ideas in genres that are on paper complete polar opposites. That for me is why it's progressive. Walt is going to be different from Lopez and Axenrot because it's his first record with the band and he's got a different feel. Anyway, it's all good! I'm not fussed on categorising music, as long as it's good and I enjoy it, that's good enough for me!

[@kingIgor]

​@@TheMetalTris Yeah Cool... 2 each their own ... but i still feel going backwards in time to what has already been done to death is the opposite of Progressive, quite boring (even if it wasn't Plagiarism) ... The Electronic Music influences are not as worn out yet but Genre Hopping is nothing new ... So "Absolute Elsewhere" is a Degressive Metal album with some Progressive Metal Elements as far as i'm concerned ... There might be Prog Rock elements but every Phase/Album of Opeths has been Progressive Metal, thats my point (Semantics are important because were talking about Art & Genres were prejudice can always be a factor, etc)... Hopefully when i hear the whole album a few times the new drummer grows on me ... (i don't think hes bad, but i don't feel i will ever connect with his playing as much as did with the 2 Martin's)

[@themetalpig7613]

I really hope this feels like an evolution of Watershed. I love Opeth and really tried to get into their post Watershed material, but I found it consistently boring as batshit...and I tried numerous times, thinking I was missing something. I wasn't.

[@TheMetalTris]

In all honesty, I would say that this record is the closest to both Watershed and Heritage maybe. There's kind of a combination of it but then equally there are more moments that definitely recall their previous works and also their more modern ideas too. I really do hope that you enjoy it! You'll be in for a treat!

[@TheSadistNat1on]

well i can say, In Cauda..u dont like the other 3, thats that...but try a few times in cauda..itll hit, as if u dont like that, then u dont like old opeth as much as alot of fans, like myself, cuz it is opeth. but u will, In Cauda is truly the dankest outa those 4, and thats why they moved on back to growls and different sound again. they perfected the prog era with in cauda, way darker, deeper, opethier. i even knew that prior to mikael saying it, i do that with bigger stuff too ha i digress. now we get a new era with that perfection and the old death metal perfection combined. woo