Opeth Unleashes Limited Edition Vinyl of 'The Last Will And Testament'

In a move that has the metal community buzzing, Reigning Phoenix Music has unveiled a strictly limited 2LP edition of Opeth’s magnum opus, 'The Last Will And Testament.' With only 400 copies up for grabs, the urgency is palpable—secure your slice of Opeth history and revel in the haunting melodies that define their legacy.

'The Last Will And Testament' showcases the genius of Mikael Åkerfeldt, whose pen dances alongside the evocative words of Klara Rönnqvist Fors (The Heard, ex-Crucified Barbara). This offering is not just an album; it’s a carefully crafted soundscape co-produced by Åkerfeldt and Stefan Boman (Ghost, The Hellacopters), engineered by an elite team that includes Boman himself, Joe Jones (Killing Joke, Robert Plant), and of course, the band. The meticulous mixing was executed at the renowned Atlantis and Hammerthorpe Studios in Stockholm, ensuring that every note reverberates with clarity.

Delving deeper, the strings were artfully arranged by Åkerfeldt and his long-time collaborator, Dave Stewart (Egg, Khan), who conducted the orchestration at Angel Studios in London. Visual artist Travis Smith returns to Opeth's fold, delivering his 11th cover art—a haunting homage that evokes the chilling essence of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 'Overlook Hotel' photograph. To top it off, mastering and vinyl lacquer cutting are handled by the legendary Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, sealing the deal on this high-caliber release.

In an impressive lineup of guest appearances, Åkerfeldt welcomes the illustrious Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull fame, whose flutes ripple through tracks “§4” and “§7” and provides narration on several others, weaving a rich tapestry of sound. Meanwhile, Europe’s Joey Tempest lends his powerful vocals to “§2,” and Åkerfeldt’s youngest daughter, Mirjam, adds an ethereal touch as the haunting voice in “§1.”

The tracklisting is as enigmatic as the music itself, featuring pieces like “§1” to “§7” and concluding with “A Story Never Told.” Opeth, having just delivered a mesmerizing performance at the Dalhalla Open-Air Theater in Rättvik, is set to embolden their tour with an upcoming show on November 1 at Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile. Stay tuned to their tour itinerary for more electrifying dates.