Tune In & Deconstruct Episode 2 - Opeth "Last Will And Testament"

In this episode, we delve into Opeth's 14th studio album, The Last Will and Testament, a concept album that takes listeners back to the post-World War I era. The album tells the story of a wealthy patriarch whose will reveals shocking family secrets. The songs are presented as chapters of the will, numbered §1 through §7, with a final track titled "A Story Never Told".
We explore how Opeth blends their signature progressive sound with elements of death metal, including the return of Mikael Åkerfeldt's death growls, which haven't been used since Watershed.
The album is noted for its dynamic mix of guttural vocals, clear vocals, and instrumental passages, also featuring Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull on flute.
The podcast will discuss the album's concept, which centers around the reading of the patriarch’s will at his mansion. Attendees include his twin sons, who discover they are not his biological children and are excluded from the will, and a young polio-stricken girl, who is revealed to be the patriarch’s biological daughter and sole heir. This elaborate narrative is inspired by family secrets and the TV series Succession, creating a relatable story9.
We'll also discuss the album's recording process at Rockfield Studios, where classic albums by Queen and Rush were recorded. The band worked with new drummer Waltteri Väyrynen, whose performance has been praised. The album is the shortest Opeth work since Damnation, clocking in at around 50 minutes.
The episode will touch upon the critical reception of the album, which has been lauded as a return to form, blending Opeth’s past and present styles. We also discuss the contributions of guest musicians, including Ian Anderson, who added flute and spoken word elements, and Joey Tempest who provided backing vocals.
Finally, we'll discuss the band's upcoming European tour in early 2025 with Grand Magus. We will also look at the album's chart performance in various countries. Overall, this episode offers a comprehensive look into Opeth’s latest release, making it a must-listen for fans and prog-metal enthusiasts.