Opeth at Albert Hall, Manchester – 1st March 2025 – Gig Review
7th March 2025The Venue: Albert Hall
Originally built in 1908, Manchester’s Albert Hall is one of the city’s most visually striking and atmospheric venues. Once a Wesleyan chapel, its towering stained-glass windows, ornate balconies, and vaulted ceilings create an unforgettable setting for live music. The acoustics are just as breath taking, ensuring that every note resonates throughout the space. With a standing floor for those who want to be in the thick of the action and a balcony offering pristine sightlines, it’s a venue that blends historic charm with modern production—a perfect home for a night of heavy metal.
Support Act: Grand Magus
Opening the evening were Swedish heavy metal warriors Grand Magus. Known for their fusion of traditional metal, doom, and power metal influences, they brought a set packed with heroic riffs, thunderous rhythms, and anthemic choruses. But despite their undeniable presence, the crowd initially remained reserved—heads nodding in appreciation but holding back from fully unleashing their energy.
Sensing the room’s hesitancy, JB Christoffersson (vocals/guitar) leaned into the moment, declaring, “I can really tell we’ve got a heavy metal crowd tonight!” Alongside Fox Skinner (bass) and Ludwig Witt (drums), the band powered through track after track, their ironclad sound filling the hall.
It took seven songs before the audience truly cracked. Skinner acknowledged the slow build, and Christoffersson seized the moment, reminding the crowd that this was the second-to-last show of the tour before they closed in Scotland. A few playful boos rang out before he grinned and declared, “Alright then, that means it’s all about tonight, so let’s get loud!”
That was the turning point. Suddenly, fists were raised, voices joined the chorus, and the energy in the room shifted from appreciation to full-blown metal mayhem. One particularly enthusiastic fan let out a primal “YEAHHH, MOTHERF*ER!!” as the crowd surged forward, clapping and chanting without needing any further encouragement. By the time Grand Magus reached their finale, the audience wasn’t ready to let them go, continuing to sing even as the band took their bows and left the stage victorious.
What started as a tough crowd had transformed into a roaring metal battalion. Grand Magus had conquered Manchester, proving once again that true heavy metal, delivered with passion and conviction, always prevails.
The Main Act: Opeth
With the room now fully alive, Opeth took to the stage for a performance that was as theatrical as it was crushing. Touring in support of their latest album, ‘The Last Will and Testament’, the Swedish progressive metal legends turned Albert Hall into the perfect setting for their haunting, cinematic storytelling. The album—a concept piece set in the post-World War I era, exploring family secrets and legacy—was brought to life not just through music but through the carefully curated atmosphere of the show.
From the first note, it was clear that this wasn’t just a typical Opeth set. The band’s return to heavier elements, including Mikael Åkerfeldt’s signature death growls (absent from their work since Watershed in 2008), sent shockwaves through the crowd. The juxtaposition of brutal, guttural roars and delicate, melancholic melodies reminded everyone why Opeth remain one of the most dynamic forces in metal.
Yet, beyond the music, Åkerfeldt himself became the heart of the show. The frontman’s effortless charisma and razor-sharp humour had the entire venue hanging on his every word. Between songs, he playfully toyed with the audience, pretending to introduce unexpected covers by strumming snippets of Shakin’ Stevens, Oasis, and Pink Floyd, triggering waves of laughter.
But for all the light heartedness, there were also moments of deep sincerity. At one point, Åkerfeldt took a pause to reflect on the band’s evolution, stating, “It’s such a pleasure to play these songs of different genres and still have a crowd that accepts that.” The response was deafening, thunderous applause and cheers affirming that Opeth’s willingness to push boundaries is exactly why their fanbase remains so fiercely loyal.
As the night reached its climax, one man in particular stood out, Waltteri Väyrynen. At just 30 years old, Opeth’s newest drummer delivered a performance that left jaws on the floor. His precision, power, and ability to seamlessly navigate the band’s intricate compositions proved that he’s more than just a new addition ,he’s a revelation.
As the final notes rang out and the band took their bows, the energy in Albert Hall remained electric. This wasn’t just another gig, it was a masterclass in progressive metal, a night of musical storytelling, humour, and technical brilliance. Opeth had once again proven why they remain one of the most compelling live acts in the world.
