Swedish progressive metal legends Opeth returned to Dublin on 2 August 2026 as part of The Last Will and Testament Tour, delivering a captivating performance at a completely sold out Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. While the venue’s fully seated layout initially seemed like an unusual choice for a band renowned for crushing riffs and dynamic live performances, any doubts quickly disappeared once the lights dimmed and the band took the stage promptly at 9:00 pm.
Opening with “§1”, Opeth immediately immersed the audience in the dark, atmospheric soundscapes and visuals of their latest material. From there, the band expertly balanced newer songs with beloved classics, showcasing why they remain one of progressive metal’s most respected acts. Tracks such as “The Devil’s Orchard,” “Demon of the Fall,” and “The Drapery Falls” were met with enthusiastic applause, with fans hanging on every intricate guitar passage and haunting vocal melody.
Frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt was in fine form throughout the evening, effortlessly switching between his trademark growls and clean vocals while all the time having a relaxed stage presence. The musicianship across the band was nothing short of exceptional, with every complex arrangement performed flawlessly, reminding everyone why Opeth continue to set the standard for progressive metal.
The 12 song performance concluded with the epic “Deliverance,” whose crushing finale provided the perfect ending to an unforgettable night. Although some fans may have questioned whether a seated theatre was the ideal setting for an Opeth concert, the atmosphere proved that great music transcends the venue. By the time the final notes rang out, the entire audience rose to its feet in appreciation, leaving the theatre having witnessed a masterclass in progressive metal performance.
Opeth photos & set-list:
Set-list:
§1
Hjärtat vet vad handen gör / Heart in Hand
Godhead’s Lament
§7
The Devil’s Orchard
Windowpane
The Grand Conjuration
Demon of the Fall
§3
The Drapery Falls
Hex Omega
__________________________________
Deliverance
Photos & words – Ian Mc Donnell @mcgigmusic
There are few better settings for an artist called Kate Nash to strip things back…
Irish metal band Primordial have just announced a mammoth headline show at 3Olympia Theatre, Dublin, playing two…
Singer-songwriter Benjamin Steer returns with his latest single, Everything Is Right Where It Needs To…
Matt Hansen brought plenty of energy to The Academy on Sunday night as The Orchid…
Having introduced her deeply cinematic world through the heartbreak of ‘Desert Hills Motel’ and the…
The father's legacy. The son's band. The music that defined a generation. Roger Waters Presents…