Swedish progressive metal legends Opeth are set to make their long-awaited return to Australia and New Zealand next week, armed with a brand-new masterpiece, The Last Will and Testament. Marking their first visit in six years, this run promises to be nothing short of extraordinary — with marathon two-hour sets celebrating the full spectrum of Opeth’s sound, from death metal darkness to progressive grandeur.
The tour kicks off November 14 in Auckland before sweeping across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, with several dates already sold out — including back-to-back nights at the Sydney Opera House, a venue that has become synonymous with the band’s evolving artistry.
🎟️ Tickets & Info: metropolistouring.com/opeth-2025
“The Last Will and Testament” — A Darker, Heavier Resurrection
Following up a career defined by innovation and intensity, Opeth’s 14th studio album The Last Will and Testament has already been hailed as their darkest and heaviest work in years, earning the Swedish Grammis Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Album. The record is a conceptual odyssey — immersive, cinematic, and unflinchingly human — and serves as the spine of their 2025 world tour.
In my recent chat with Opeth guitarist Fredrik Åkesson (watch here), Fredrik dove deep into the creative rebirth that shaped the new album.
“Mikael had a clear vision for a concept album,” he explained. “It took us back toward that darker, heavier side of Opeth — with growled vocals returning, but in a way that fits the story. Everything felt natural again.”
Fredrik described The Last Will and Testament as a spiritual successor to Ghost Reveries and Watershed, crafted through months of late-night writing sessions and conceptual exploration.
“We really wanted every solo, every transition, to mean something — the whole record flows like a narrative,” he added. “It’s heavy, emotional, and honest.”
A World-Class Band in Their Prime
Fronted by the ever-charismatic Mikael Åkerfeldt, Opeth continues to push the boundaries of progressive metal, merging jazz and blues textures with the visceral weight of death metal. The band’s chemistry has only intensified, bolstered by the thunderous presence of drummer Waltteri Väyrynen and guest appearances from legends like Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and Joey Tempest (Europe).
The album’s visual presentation, once again designed by Travis Smith, draws inspiration from The Shining — eerie, intricate, and filled with hidden imagery, including ghostly visages of the band and their manager.
For Fredrik, the physical experience of Opeth’s music remains vital.
“Vinyl’s comeback makes sense,” he smiled. “Our records are meant to be held, stared at, and experienced — it’s about connection.”
An Australian Homecoming Worth the Wait
Opeth’s 2025 Australian run is shaping up as a landmark tour — not just for the band, but for the fans who’ve followed them across decades of evolution. The setlist promises deep cuts, crowd favorites, and brand-new epics from The Last Will and Testament. Expect nothing less than transcendence from one of metal’s most fearless and forward-thinking acts.
Tour Dates
🩸 November 14 – Auckland, NZ – Town Hall
🩸 November 17–18 – Sydney, NSW – Sydney Opera House (2 shows)
🩸 November 20 – Brisbane, QLD – Fortitude Music Hall (Few tickets left)
🩸 November 21 – Melbourne, VIC – Palais Theatre
🩸 November 22 – Adelaide, SA – Hindley St Music Hall (Limited tickets)
🩸 November 24 – Perth, WA – Astor Theatre
🎟️ Tickets: metropolistouring.com/opeth-2025
Final Thoughts
Opeth have always defied easy definition — blending brutality and beauty in equal measure. But with The Last Will and Testament, they’ve distilled every facet of their artistry into a record that feels like both a reflection and a rebirth.
