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Opeth

Opeth are one of the most respected progressive metal bands of the last three decades. Formed in Stockholm in 1990, they became famous for blending progressive death metal, acoustic passages, long song structures and later increasingly progressive rock elements. Their latest studio album is The Last Will and Testament.

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Opeth band photo
Formed 1990
Origin Stockholm, Sweden
Genre Progressive Metal
Latest Album The Last Will and Testament

About Opeth

Opeth formed in Stockholm in 1990 and gradually became one of the most admired bands in progressive metal. Their early records mixed death metal growls, acoustic guitars, atmospheric passages and long evolving compositions in a way that felt unique in heavy music.

Over time, Opeth expanded further into progressive rock, especially on albums like Pale Communion and In Cauda Venenum, before bringing back heavier elements on The Last Will and Testament. Their official biography describes that 2024 album as darker and heavier than much of their more recent work.

Where To Start With Opeth

Biggest songs Ghost of Perdition • Windowpane • Harvest
For classic heavy Opeth Blackwater Park • Deliverance • Demon of the Fall
For melodic / prog Opeth Windowpane • The Drapery Falls • Sorceress

Top 10 Opeth Songs

1. Ghost of Perdition One of Opeth’s defining epics, combining brutality, atmosphere and progressive songwriting into a perfect introduction to the band.
2. Blackwater Park A landmark progressive death metal song and one of the most important tracks in the band’s entire catalogue.
3. Windowpane A softer and more melancholic Opeth classic that shows just how powerful the band can be without relying on heaviness alone.
4. The Drapery Falls Beautiful, dark and deeply atmospheric, this is one of the best examples of Opeth’s balance between melody and weight.
5. Deliverance A crushing and relentless song with one of the most famous heavy endings in modern metal.
6. Harvest One of Opeth’s most approachable songs, built around acoustic guitars and a haunting emotional mood.
7. Demon of the Fall An early classic that helped establish Opeth’s identity in the 1990s and remains a fan favourite.
8. Bleak A standout from Blackwater Park, made even more notable by Steven Wilson’s contributions.
9. Sorceress A strong example of the band’s later progressive rock direction, full of groove and dark melody.
10. In My Time of Need A fragile and moving track that highlights the emotional and melodic side of Opeth’s songwriting.

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Opeth Fun Facts

  • Opeth formed in 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden.
  • Mikael Åkerfeldt has been the key creative force behind the band for most of their history.
  • Blackwater Park is widely considered one of the greatest progressive metal albums ever made.
  • Their 2024 album The Last Will and Testament marked a return of heavier death metal elements, according to both their official biography and album coverage.

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Buy Opeth Albums

Opeth Blackwater Park album cover Classic Album

Blackwater Park (2001)

A landmark progressive death metal album and one of Opeth’s most celebrated releases, featuring Bleak, Harvest and the title track.

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Opeth Damnation album cover Fan Favourite

Damnation (2003)

A softer and more atmospheric record that showed Opeth could be just as powerful without extreme metal vocals.

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Opeth The Last Will and Testament album cover Latest Album

The Last Will and Testament (2024)

Opeth’s 14th studio album, described on their official site as darker and heavier than much of their recent material.

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Opeth FAQs

When did Opeth start? Opeth formed in 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden.
What is Opeth’s most famous song? “Ghost of Perdition,” “Windowpane” and “Blackwater Park” are among the band’s best-known songs.
What is the best Opeth album? Many fans rank Blackwater Park as Opeth’s best album, though Damnation and Still Life are also highly rated.