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Opeth announce first new album in five years, The Last Will & Testament

“It feels like a dream…” Opeth have announced details of their new concept album – the follow-up to 2019’s In Cauda Venenum.

Right before they headline Bloodstock in a week’s time, Opeth have made a biiiiiig announcement.

The band have confirmed details of their 14th album The Last Will & Testament – the follow-up to 2019’s In Cauda Venenum – and announced that’ll be released on October 11 via Moderbolaget / Reigning Phoenix Music.

“I love this record,” enthuses frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt. “I have to say it (write it). Maybe I’m proud even? There are some familiar ingredients in there I suppose. Most of our music has sprung from the same source, so I guess it’s not much of a shocker if it’s going to sound like 'us’.

“I’m a bit in awe of what we did with The Last Will & Testament. It feels like a dream. There is some ‘coherence’ and ‘songwriting skills’ I hope, but what do I know? I tend to favour the ‘strange’ over the ‘obvious’, but I feel like I’m in the minority, and that’s fine. So… fair warning! Don’t expect an instant rush (as per usual), but if you do ‘get it’ (have you got it yet?) right away, that’s okay too!”

To mark the news, Opeth have also unveiled first single – and album opener – §1.

Check out The Last Will & Testament tracklist:

1. §1
2. §2
3. §3
4. §4
5. §5
6. §6
7. §7
8. A Story Never Told

And the album cover:

Bloodstock Festival takes place at Catton Park from August 8 – 11. Get your tickets now.

Read this: The 13 essential progressive metal albums you need to know