Opeth Triumphs at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre, A Powerful Finale to Their 2026 U.S. Tour
SEATTLE (February 24, 2026) – Seattle’s metal faithful turned out in force Tuesday night, filling the storied Paramount Theatre for what was billed as an evening of Swedish progressive metal mastery. By late afternoon, the line along Pine Street stretched down the block, a sea of black band shirts and eager anticipation that spoke to the city’s deep, enduring connection to heavy music.
For decades, Seattle has nurtured a passionate and knowledgeable heavy music community. From the grit of grunge to the technical precision of modern progressive metal, local fans show up prepared, informed, and loud. Tuesday was no exception. The expectation was a two band showcase featuring Opeth and their countrymen Katatonia, both pillars of Sweden’s dark and evolving metal tradition.
However, the evening took an unexpected turn. On the morning of the show, Katatonia announced that their tour bus had broken down in Eugene, Oregon, preventing them from reaching Seattle in time. Rather than scrambling for a last minute replacement, the night transformed into an extended, headlining performance by Opeth, a band more than capable of carrying the weight of the moment.
Frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt addressed the situation with characteristic wit. He joked that he had dinner with Katatonia the night before and perhaps slipped something into their drinks, a comment that drew roaring laughter from an audience well acquainted with his dry humor. Åkerfeldt’s between song banter is as much a part of the Opeth experience as the music itself, oscillating between self deprecation, absurd observations, and sharp comedic timing. Fans shouted out song requests and playful comments, each met with quick retorts that deepened the sense of intimacy inside the grand old theater.
When the house lights dimmed, the band opened with “§1,” the stage bathed in dramatic darkness before erupting into bursts of yellow, red, blue, and orange light. A massive LED backdrop pulsed with shifting visuals, amplifying the emotional weight of the music. The ornate architecture of the Paramount Theatre, with its sweeping balconies and vintage detailing, framed the performance in cinematic fashion, elevating the atmosphere from concert to spectacle.
Opeth’s setlist was both punishing and poignant, a reminder of the band’s remarkable range. “Master’s Apprentices” and “Godhead’s Lament” delivered crushing riffs and intricate time changes that showcased the band’s progressive roots. “The Devil’s Orchard” and “To Rid the Disease” leaned into melody and mood, with Åkerfeldt’s clean vocals floating through the theater with haunting clarity. “Demon of the Fall” ignited a surge of energy, its ferocity met by a crowd that roared every word back to the stage.
As the night built toward its climax, “The Grand Conjuration” and “The Drapery Falls” demonstrated why Opeth remain one of the most respected names in modern metal, seamlessly weaving brutality and beauty. The encore, “Deliverance,” closed the evening with thunderous precision, its final passages locking band and audience into a shared catharsis.
While the absence of Katatonia initially cast a shadow, by the end of the night spirits were unmistakably lifted. What began as a logistical setback became a testament to Opeth’s depth and to Seattle’s unwavering devotion to heavy music. The city marked the final United States stop of the band’s 2026 tour, with only Vancouver, British Columbia remaining to conclude the North American run.
As fans spilled back onto Pine Street, voices hoarse and ears ringing, there was a palpable sense of gratitude. Seattle’s metal community had once again proven its resilience and passion. And if the reaction inside the Paramount was any indication, Opeth’s return to the Emerald City cannot come soon enough.
Opeth Gallery
