Event: Opeth ‘The Last Will and Testament’ Australian Tour

Organiser: DRW Entertainment / Metropolis Touring

Venue: Palais Theatre, St Kilda (Melbourne)

Photography: Richie Black Photography

Editor’s Foreword:

Welcome to our 11th addition to the Gallery of Brewicide! An ongoing series where, either as additions to our Gig Reviews or standalone posts (such as the current article), we support the amazing works of photographers and the entertainers they provide coverage for.

Whilst I wasn’t assigned to provide writing coverage on this one, I’d like to say a few words about a band whose live show occupies a special nook in my metal-heart.

I’ve been going to as many gigs as media passes and personal finances will allow for just over 20 years now. Few bands have ever had such a dramatic personal impact on me as our kings of Swedish progressive death metal.

So floored was I by that first performance that I made it a personal mission to try and never miss any Australian tours from this band. To date, they’re one of few I’ve been able to see in multiple states as well as overseas. Heck, after one show in Brisbane I was so thoroughly impressed that I went and got the ‘O’ from the logo inked on me. Haven’t done that for any artist since!

Those who attended will know, those who have seen Opeth live before will know. Even if they’re not your favourite band, the experience they provide is one-of-a-kind. I can throw all sorts of superlatives and hyperbole around - transcendent, ethereal, cinematic, etc. They’re all that and then some, almost beyond the scope of writing about (good thing a picture’s worth a thousand words, right?).

Slotting in as an almost 1:1 prog-mold in terms of most appropriate supports were Brisbane lucky-buggers Caligula’s Horse, who put on a powerful performance as well.

Richie’s done a fantastic job translating some of Friday night’s majesty from both bands into visual form - please show him some support via the artist links below (where you’ll also find links for bands, promoters etc). I’ve also included some recorded footage from the show, via our Youtube channel.

Thanks Are In Order To:

Our lens-maestro Richie Black, Opeth, Caligula’s Horse, DRW Entertainment/Metropolis Touring, Palais Theatre staff and John Howarth.

It’s truly a privilege and pleasure to be covering an Opeth show in any capacity, so we are supremely thankful!

Link to our review of most recent Opeth LP The Last Will and Testament (Dec 2024)

Link to Episode 35 of Inner-Strength Check Podcast - Interview with bassist Martin Menendez

Okay, here’s a bunch of tasty pics: