Swedish progressive metal legends Opeth have released an official band performance video for “§1,” the opening track from their 14th studio album The Last Will and Testament, via Reigning Phoenix Music. The album, released on November 22, 2024, through Moderbolaget/Reigning Phoenix Music, marked frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt’s return to growling vocals after 16 years, earning widespread acclaim and a 2025 Swedish Grammi award. The video, shot in an industrial area of Birmingham, UK, during their recent European tour, was directed by Ash Pears of ASH TV. Åkerfeldt commented, “It’s a performance video, no less… We figured it’s a bit more happening to look at than a lyric video… We shot it in some industrial area in Birmingham on the latest Euro tour… Much thanks to Ash Pears and ASH TV, who were really professional (ie: quick!).”
The release aligns with the start of Opeth’s summer festival run, beginning today at Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg, Sweden. The band—Åkerfeldt (vocals, guitars), Fredrik Åkesson (guitars, backing vocals), Martín Méndez (bass), Waltteri Väyrynen (drums, percussion), and Joakim Svalberg (keys, backing vocals)—will continue their The Last Will and Testament world tour with stops like Mystic Festival in Gdansk, Poland, on June 6, Download Festival in Derby, UK, on June 13, and a newly added Malta Metal Weekend in St. Julian’s, Malta, on July 4. A second European leg begins September 29 in Hamburg, Germany, followed by Australia, New Zealand, and Japan dates in November, including sold-out shows at Sydney’s Opera House on November 17 and 18. Tickets are available at opeth.com/tour-dates.
The Last Will and Testament features guest appearances by Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson (flute and narration on multiple tracks), Europe’s Joey Tempest (backing vocals on “§2”), and Åkerfeldt’s daughter Mirjam (voice on “§1”). Produced by Åkerfeldt and Stefan Boman, with mixing at Atlantis and Hammerthorpe Studios in Stockholm, and mastering by Miles Showell at Abbey Road, the album includes strings arranged by Åkerfeldt and Dave Stewart, conducted at Angel Studios in London. The haunting cover art, marking Travis Smith’s 11th collaboration with Opeth, evokes Stanley Kubrick’s Overlook Hotel photograph.
Stream or order the album at opeth.rpm.link/lastwillPR.