{"id":26829,"date":"2025-04-02T06:09:23","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T06:09:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skylight.gr\/?p=26829"},"modified":"2025-04-02T06:09:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T06:09:25","slug":"opeth-win-best-hard-rock-metal-at-swedish-grammis-for-critically-acclaimed-new-album-the-last-will-testament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skylight.gr\/index.php\/2025\/04\/02\/opeth-win-best-hard-rock-metal-at-swedish-grammis-for-critically-acclaimed-new-album-the-last-will-testament\/","title":{"rendered":"OPETH Win Best Hard Rock & Metal at Swedish Grammis for Critically Acclaimed New Album \u2018The Last Will & Testament\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Acclaimed progressive metal legends OPETH<\/strong> have been honoured with the prestigious Best Hard Rock & Metal<\/strong> award at this year\u2019s Swedish Grammis<\/strong>. This achievement marks yet another milestone in the band\u2019s illustrious career, further cementing their legacy as one of Sweden\u2019s most influential and celebrated musical acts.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The award follows the release of \u2018The Last Will & Testament\u2019<\/strong>, the band\u2019s fourteenth studio album, which is available now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buy\/Listen \u2018The Last Will & Testament\u2019 <\/strong>HERE<\/strong><\/a>
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The album, composed by frontman Mikael \u00c5kerfeldt<\/strong>, features lyrics co-written with Klara R\u00f6nnqvist Fors<\/strong> (The Heard, ex-Crucified Barbara) and showcases a masterful blend of Opeth\u2019s signature progressive sound. Stefan Boman<\/strong>(Ghost, The Hellacopters) co-produced the album with \u00c5kerfeldt, while engineering was handled by Boman, Joe Jones<\/strong>(Killing Joke, Robert Plant), and Opeth<\/strong> themselves. Mixing took place at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe Studios<\/strong> in Stockholm, helmed by Boman, \u00c5kerfeldt, and the rest of the band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding to the album\u2019s sonic depth, the string arrangements were orchestrated by \u00c5kerfeldt and Dave Stewart<\/strong> (Egg, Khan), with Stewart also conducting at Angel Studios<\/strong> in London. The album\u2019s haunting cover artwork was created by visual artist Travis Smith<\/strong>, marking his 11th collaboration with the band. Miles Showell<\/strong> (ABBA, Queen) returned to master the record and cut the vinyl lacquer at Abbey Road Studios<\/strong> in London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A highlight of \u2018The Last Will & Testament\u2019 is the participation of legendary Jethro Tull<\/strong> frontman Ian Anderson<\/strong>, whose unmistakable flute graces the tracks \u201c\u00a74\u201d and \u201c\u00a77\u201d, while his narration is featured on \u201c\u00a71\u201d, \u201c\u00a72\u201d, \u201c\u00a74\u201d, and \u201c\u00a77\u201d. In addition, Joey Tempest<\/strong> of Europe<\/strong> contributes backing vocals on \u201c\u00a72\u201d, and Mirjam \u00c5kerfeldt<\/strong>, Mikael\u2019s youngest daughter, lends her ethereal voice to \u201c\u00a71\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From start to finish, \u2018The Last Will & Testament\u2019 is a gripping musical journey, representing some of Opeth\u2019s finest material to date<\/strong>. With its evocative storytelling and intricate musicianship, the album continues to push the boundaries of progressive metal. \u2018The Last Will & Testament\u2019 is available now. Buy\/Listen <\/strong>HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than three decades on from their formation, that Opeth can manage<\/p>\n\n\n\n

to surprise is a massive feat. That their music can still be so innovative and exciting is nothing short of astounding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Metal Hammer \u2013 UK<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The style is restlessly omnivorous, deftly changeable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

between moments of brutal death metals bucolic folk, orchestral segues, power balladry and the head-spinning melodic complexity of 1970s progressive rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Wire – UK<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe it’s because he’s growling\/roaring again, who knows, but the band are on fire throughout this release<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fireworks – UK<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opeth tell a macabre story through a concept album mastered from start to finish. Wrapped in elegant imagery, The Last Will and Testament is a work that’s right in every way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolling Stone \u2013 FR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Last Will And Testament is not only the album of the year, but OPETH’s definitive ascent to the Olympus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock Hard \u2013 DE (Album of the Month)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opeth has once again stirred together a new remedy against genre simplicity from the ingredients of prog, jazz and krautrock, tinted with a few knife-edge tips of death metal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rolling Stone \u2013 DE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While maintaining the dark approach of their beginnings, Mikael Akerfeldt’s band have intersected metal, prog and doom exploring intriguing new solutions. (…) So far one of the most important bands in the metal scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8\/10<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classic Rock – IT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This album seems to be the perfect blend of everything the band has done in the past and yet it is totally another. Sublime! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9\/10<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rock Tribune – BE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The Last Will and Testament” is probably their most complete and fine album of the past 15 years. (\u2026) The songs, the concept and the final result are truly outstanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Metal Hammer – DE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mikael \u00c4kerfeldt can’t quite hide his origins in death metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the growls sound particularly powerful and the guitars are particularly heavy, the beginnings of the Swedish prog rocker flash through the music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Audio \u2013 DE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opeth once again make it clear that their greatest quality lies in their masterful play with contrasts – which once again works to perfection here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visions \u2013 DE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStill one the most relevant metal band on the scene\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4\/5<\/p>\n\n\n\n

L\u2019Echo \u2013 BE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After conquering North America this past October, OPETH will embark on a headlining tour throughout South America, Europe and the UK, Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET TICKETS HERE<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n



OPETH Tour Dates 2025:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

April 19, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 S\u00e3o Paulo, Brazil \u2013 Monsters of Rock
April 23, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Santiago, Chile \u2013 Masters of Rock
April 30, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Bogot\u00e1, Colombia \u2013 Monsters of Rock
May 4, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Mexico City, Mexico \u2013 Monsters Tour<\/p>\n\n\n\n


June 4 – 7, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Gdansk, Poland \u2013 Mystic Festival
June 4 – 7, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 S\u00f6lvesborg, Sweden \u2013 Sweden Rock Festival
June 13 – 15, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Derby, United Kingdom \u2013 Download Festival 2025
June 25, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Athina, Greece \u2013 Rockwave Nights
June 26, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Thessaloniki, Greece \u2013 Rockwave Festival 2025
June 27 – 29, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Lisboa, Portugal \u2013 Evil Live Festival 2025
July 6, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Sar\u0131yer, Turkey \u2013 Headbangers’ Weekend 2025
July 17 – 19, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Peurunka, Finland \u2013 John Smith Rock Festival 2025
July 17 – 19, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 M\u00e1laga, Spain \u2013 Sun And Thunder Festival 2025
July 30 – Aug. 2, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Bergen, Norway \u2013 Beyond The Gates 2025
Aug. 6 – 9, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Jarom\u011b\u0159, Czech Republic \u2013 Brutal Assault 2025
Aug. 15, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Eindhoven, Netherlands \u2013 Dynamo Metal Fest 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Sep. 29, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Hamburg, Germany \u2013 Laeiszhalle
Sep. 30, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg \u2013 Rockhal
Oct. 1, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Mannheim, Germany \u2013 Congress Center Rosengarten
Oct. 2, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Zurich, Switzerland \u2013 Komplex
Oct. 4, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Wien, Austria \u2013 Vienna Metal Meeting 2025
Oct. 6, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Milan, Italy \u2013 Alcatraz
Oct. 7, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Zagreb, Croatia \u2013 Tvornica Kulture
Oct. 8, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Budapest, Hungary \u2013 Barba Negra
Oct. 10, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Sofia, Bulgaria \u2013 Asics Arena
Oct. 11, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Bucure\u0219ti, Romania \u2013 Laminor Arena
Oct. 14, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Dresden, Germany \u2013 Alter Schlachthof<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Nov. 14, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Auckland, New Zealand \u2013 The Trusts Arena
Nov. 17, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Sydney, Australia \u2013 Opera House
Nov. 18, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Sydney, Australia \u2013 Opera House
Nov. 20, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Brisbane, Australia \u2013 The Fortitude Music Hall
Nov. 21, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Melbourne, Australia \u2013 Palais Theatre
Nov. 22, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Adelaide, Australia \u2013 Hindley Street Music Hall
Nov. 24, 2025<\/strong> \u2013 Perth, Australia \u2013 Astor Theatre<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lineup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mikael \u00c5kerfeldt \u2013 Vocals, guitars<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fredrik \u00c5kesson \u2013 Guitars, backing vocals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Martin Mendez \u2013 Bass guitar<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waltteri V\u00e4yrynen \u2013 Drums and percussion<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joakim Svalberg \u2013 Keyboards, backing vocals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special Guests:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) – spoken word (tracks 1, 2, 4, 7) \/\/ flute (tracks 4, 7)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joey Tempest (Europe) – backing vocals (track 2)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mirjam \u00c5kerfeldt – spoken word (track 1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All Music and Lyrics written by Mikael \u00c5kerfeldt<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lyrical concept by Mikael \u00c5kerfeldt, dramatic consultation by Klara R\u00f6nnqvist Fors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Produced by Mikael \u00c5kerfeldt<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Co-produced by Opeth and Stefan Boman<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Engineered by Stefan Boman, Joe Jones and Opeth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mixing by Stefan Boman and Mikael \u00c5kerfeldt and Opeth at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe, Stockholm, Sweden<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mastering and vinyl lacquer cut by Miles Showell at Abbey Road studios, London, UK<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artwork by Travis Smith with directions from Mikael \u00c5kerfeldt<\/p>\n\n\n\n


FOLLOW OPETH:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Facebook<\/a> |X<\/a> | Instagram<\/a> | Youtube<\/a> | Spotify<\/a> | Apple Music<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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