A Night of Precision, Power, and Playfulness
On a brisk evening in Montreal, the legendary Swedish band Opeth took to the stage at L’Olympia, delivering a performance that blended their signature mix of progressive rock and death metal with moments of humour and catharsis.
The stage setup was perfect: A screen backdrop projected stunning visuals that complemented the intricate layers of their music, while the two-story stage design added depth to the performance. The drummer and keyboardist were perched on the second floor, while Mikael Åkerfeldt and the rest of the band commanded the ground level. The riser between the two floors acted as a secondary screen, sometimes extending the visuals from the backdrop, creating a more immersive audiovisual experience that elevated the concert.
It was my first time seeing Opeth live, and I have to confess that before tonight, I had only heard a handful of their songs over the last couple of years. My introduction to Åkerfeldt and, consequently, Opeth, came through his collaboration with Steven Wilson of Porcupine Tree on their project Storm Corrosion. A single-album project that has very little in common with Opeth. Yet, even with my limited familiarity, the show left a lasting impression.
The show truly kicked into gear after “The Leper Affinity,” when Mikael Åkerfeldt began interacting with the audience. Fans, clearly passionate, started shouting requests, but in his characteristically calm and witty manner, Åkerfeldt simply asked the crowd to “calm down.”
One thing I didn’t expect was Åkerfeldt’s comedic side. Between songs, he broke out into jokes and anecdotes, recalling past visits to Montreal and expressing genuine gratitude for the city. He reminisced about Opeth’s early days playing at Foufounes Électriques. His charm and humour lightened the brief intermissions between really heavy songs, creating a rapport with the crowd that made the evening feel oddly cordial.
A curious feature of the night was the use of AI-generated imagery during some of the songs, with visuals that transitioned seamlessly between one another, perfectly matching the mood and tone of the music. This was a subtle yet effective use of technology, adding a modern touch to Opeth’s timeless sound.
Now, as for musicianship, Opeth delivered a masterclass in precision and power. Each member of the band played their instruments with surgical precision, bringing both the heavy and melodic elements of their music to life. Mikael Åkerfeldt’s vocal performance was nothing short of impressive, seamlessly transitioning from deep, guttural growls to very harmonious vocals with apparent ease. His range and control were on full display, highlighting why he’s considered one of the most versatile vocalists in metal.
The setlist was a well-crafted journey through their discography, featuring tracks from their upcoming album The Last Will and Testament as well as songs from their extensive back catalogue, stretching all the way back to 2001. While they didn’t go as far back as their debut album from 1995, the selection offered a perfect sampling of the different eras of Opeth. The band effortlessly shifted between the heavier death metal influences and the more progressive, nuanced tracks.
Opeth’s performance at L’Olympia was, for me, a nosedive into their enduring legacy in the world of progressive metal. Their ability to weave together complex musicianship, emotional depth, and Åkerfeldt’s unique brand of humour made for a truly unforgettable evening.
For a first-timer like myself, it was a revelation; for the seasoned fans in the crowd, it was another chapter in the ongoing story of one of Prog Metal’s most beloved bands.
Setlist:
- Seven Bowls (Aphrodite’s Child cover)
- §1
- The Leper Affinity
- The Grand Conjuration
- Demon of the Fall (Tour debut)
- Eternal Rains Will Come
- In My Time of Need
- Face of Melinda
- Heir Apparent
- §3
- Ghost of Perdition
Encore:
12. Sorceress
13. Deliverance
Review – Ricardo D. Flores
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