Tonight, the Barrowland will be dominated by some of the finest Heavy and Progressive Metal from Sweden, featuring Opeth and Grand Magus. As the Last Will and Testament tour wraps up in Glasgow, crowds have gathered around the venue, creating one of the most impressive turnouts I’ve seen in a while. Fans are eager to get in early to enjoy the incredible opening act, Grand Magus.
Grand Magus, led by the talented Janne JB Christoffersson, delivered outstanding vocals during their performance. This three-piece band from Stockholm, Sweden, truly knew how to engage the Glasgow crowd and put on an impressive show. Reflecting on their experience at the Cathouse, Christoffersson acknowledged the contrast when an audience member mentioned the other Glasgow venue, Audio.
Among the standout moments of their performance were “Steel Versus Steel” and “Sunraven,” but the real gem was the remarkable “Like The Oar Strikes The Water.” This three-piece band boasts a fantastic sound and knows how to engage an audience, making a lasting impression. They wrapped up their set with “Hammer of the North,” earning a warm reception from the loyal Glasgow crowd as they bid farewell.
The main act, Opeth from Stockholm, Sweden, took the stage next on the final night of their Last Will and Testament tour. The audience in Glasgow was eagerly anticipating their performance, with an electric atmosphere both inside and outside the venue.
As the lights dimmed, it was time to welcome Opeth, featuring Mikael Akerfeldt, Martin Mendez, Fredrik Akesson, Joakim Svalberg, and Waltteri Vayrynen. The moment they stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in an incredible reception. With the audience buzzing with excitement, it was up to the band to deliver the music that would channel all that energy in the room.
The performance kicked off with the first track §1 from the new album, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Watching the band play felt like witnessing a masterpiece. The crowd joined in, fully immersed in every element of the music. They were also gifted with the timeless “Master’s Apprentices,” showcasing all the iconic Opeth roaring and sound. It was a memorable night, the electric atmosphere in the venue palpable.
The show featured several standout moments, including performances of “In My Time Of Need,” “Ghost of Perdition,” and the impressive “A Story Never Told” from the new album, which capped off the set and is sure to become a classic in Opeth’s future tours. The fans were left in awe, with many having travelled from various parts of the UK to witness the band’s final night of the tour.
It wouldn’t be an Opeth show without a few classics, and this was evident when the band returned to the stage following a brief intermission before the encore. They kicked off the encore with the outstanding “Sorceress,” which provided the audience with a musical masterclass, leaving first-time listeners utterly captivated. They concluded the set with “Deliverance,” and tonight, they truly delivered an unforgettable experience to the Glasgow audience and much more.
Opeth delivered a stunning performance, seamlessly blending both new and classic tracks, creating an unforgettable evening at the Barrowland Ballroom. As the band exited the stage, they were met with an enthusiastic ovation from their thrilled fans. If you haven’t had the chance to see them live or listen to their music, it’s never too late to start. You’ll be amazed by the band’s exceptional musicianship, and who knows, you might catch them performing in a city near you one day.
Tonight was the ideal conclusion to the tour, and you could see the joy on the band’s faces—they enjoyed it as much as the audience did. Make sure to check them out and catch them live on their next tour; you won’t regret it!
Review & Photographs by James Edmond Photography
