OPETH REVIEW
Opeth played at the Sydney Opera House, and it was an amazing experience. The venue’s sound made every part of their music feel bigger, clearer, and almost unreal. When the lights went down and the band walked out, the whole crowd went quiet with excitement. We got to sink our teeth into a two hour plus set, including masterpieces and songs from Opeth’s darkest and heaviest album in decades, The Last Will and Testament.
Caligula’s Horse kicked off the night, and they lit up the stage with one of their most powerful sets yet. From the moment they walked out, the room felt charged. Jim Grey’s vocals were clean, emotional, and effortless and every time he pushed into those huge melodic lines, the crowd locked in with him.
Sam Vallen’s guitar work brought tasteful riffs, fluid solos, and that prog warmth that fans love. The bass punched through with clarity, and the drums shifted between heavy, complex patterns and smooth, beats without ever losing intensity.
The band moved between heavy moments and softer, builds with real confidence. Songs like “Bloom” and “The Ascent” hit especially hard, and you could see longtime fans singing every word. Caligula’s Horse proved why they're one of Australia’s best modern prog bands.
Next up was the one and only Opeth and the set kicked off with "§1, Master's Apprentices and The Leper Affinity" and Mikael Åkerfeldt sounded great all night. His heavy growls shook the room, and his clean vocals were smooth and haunting, and it brought enthusiasm and power to the crowd. He joked with the crowd a bit, which made the show feel relaxed and fun.
As the set continued with "§7, The Devil's Orchard, To Rid the Disease and The Grand Conjuration" Fredrik Åkesson delivered incredible guitar solos, and they were sharp and emotional, and the crowd engaged with every one. Martín Méndez kept the bass lines steady and warm, and they shone through during the quieter moments. The rhythm section held everything together with tight, dynamic grooves and Opeth showed us what they are made of.
The drumming from Waltteri Väyrynen was powerful and tight, and it drove the heavier songs with huge energy. The set charged forward with "§3, Demon of the Fall and Ghost of Perdition" And Joakim Svalberg filled the whole venue with his keyboard sounds, it added atmosphere to every track, and it shot lightning through our veins.
As the final song "Deliverance" played, we were sad to see the night come to a close, and everything sounded amazing in the Opera House. Fans were nodding along, cheering after each song, and fully locked into the music.
By the end, everyone stood up for a massive applause. It was one of those concerts where you walked out feeling like you saw something special, and it was a great show from an incredible band in a perfect venue.