OPETH

There are venues that host concerts, and then there are venues that become part of the performance itself. On this stop of Opeth’s: The Last Will and Testament North American Tour, the Paramount Theatre felt as though it had been architecturally destined for the band’s presence. From the moment fans entered the historic Seattle landmark, its ornate ceilings, intricate moldings, and old-world design evoked another century, a fitting prelude to the atmosphere Opeth would soon construct on stage. The production design amplified that sensation. Intercalated monitors and visual panels framed the stage like windows inside a haunted manor. The backdrop projected imagery of candlelit corridors, antique portraits in gilded frames, and gothic architectural elements, creating the illusion that the audience had stepped inside an old European mansion suspended in time. The lighting remained dark and deliberate, moving slowly and purposefully, allowing the visuals to breathe while enhancing the band’s brooding soundscape.

Originally, Katatonia was scheduled to open the evening, but due to unforeseen circumstances they were unable to perform. As a result, Opeth began earlier than expectedand wasted no time immersing the packed theatre in their signature blend of progressive intricacy and crushing heaviness. Musically, the band delivered a masterclass in dynamics. Their sound moved seamlessly between aggressive, technically complex passages and deeply melodic, almost ethereal interludes. Mosh pits erupted in the centre of the theatre during heavier tracks, a striking contrast against the elegance of the Paramount’s historic interior.

Frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt commanded the stage with virtuosity and warmth. Beyond his commanding growls and clean vocal passages, his personality became one of the evening’s highlights. At one point, after a fan shouted from the crowd, he replied, “Wow, that is a good one — good voice,” drawing laughter across the venue. His humor felt natural and disarming, creating a sense of intimacy within the grandeur of the space. Åkerfeldt also connected with the Seattle audience by referencing legendary bands such as Metallica and Nirvana, and notably mentioning that Alice In Chains is one of his favorite bands. The crowd responded with enthusiastic cheers, a fitting tribute in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. A small extension platform projected forward from the main stage, allowing Åkerfeldt and guitarist Fredrik Åkesson to step closer to the audience. The effect was electric. Later in the set, bassist Martín Méndez joined them on the platform, intensifying the connection with fans in the front rows. In one particularly memorable moment, Åkerfeldt stepped down closer to the crowd while continuing to play, a gesture that elevated the atmosphere from theatrical to personal.

The visual cues extended to instrumentation as well. When Åkerfeldt switched to a green guitar, he playfully hinted, “When the green guitar comes out, you know what album the song means,” drawing excitement from longtime fans. Keyboardist Joakim Svalberg added depth to the performance, incorporating percussion elements that enriched the sonic layers. Before concluding, Åkerfeldt introduced each band member by name and reminded the audience of their Swedish roots, reinforcing the warmth and mutual respect between artist and crowd. By the end of the night, it was clear: Opeth didn’t simply perform at the Paramount Theatre; they transformed it. The combination of gothic visuals, masterful musicianship, humor, and audience connection created more than a concert. It was an experience, dramatic, immersive, and technically extraordinary. Opeth delivered an extreme spectacle in the most elegant sense of the word.

SETLIST
‘§1′, ‘Master’s Apprentices’, ‘Godhead’s Lament’, ‘§7’, ‘The Devil’s Orchard’, ‘To Rid The Disease’, ‘§3’, ‘Demon Of The Fall’, ‘The Grand Conjuration’, ‘The Drapery Falls’, ‘Windowpane’, ‘Bleak’, ‘Deliverance’