Opeth - In Cauda Venenum

In Cauda Venenum is the thirteenth studio album by Swedish progressive metal band Opeth, released in September 2019 via Moderbolaget.

The band have produced a progressive rock album filled with different moods, tempo changes, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, vocal harmonies, sound effects and more. This is an album that delivers in spades. Also for the first time, they have recorded the album in both Swedish and English.

For front-man and founding member Mikael Åkerfeldt, the ten songs on offer feel and sound completely natural. As if years of listening to and being a fan of Swedish rock and hard rock has finally paid off. In a way, Opeth have come home. In Cauda Venenum the album is tricky in its complicated simplicity, resourceful in its ability to charm with delightful if wistful melodies.

Some of the highlights include “Dignity” which feature haunting, almost baroque vocal layers, and the beautiful ballad “Lovelorn Crime” which includes some wonderful guitar solo work. The albums closer “All Things Will Pass” leaves the listener hanging out for more. With a running time of more than 65 minutes, with some songs up to 8 minutes long, it is a piece of work to be listened to end to end to enjoy the mood and tempo swings throughout the album.

The distinctive cover artwork was produced by American artist Travis Smith.

Members of Opeth that recorded the album are:

• Mikael Åkerfeldt – lead and backing vocals, guitars and ramblings
• Fredrik Åkesson – lead and rhythm guitars, backing vocals, whistles
• Martin Axenrot – drums and percussion
• Martín Méndez – assorted bass guitars
• Joakim Svalberg – keyboards and backing vocals

The album has received universal acclaim from music critics, with Wall of Sound writing that it was “the best album the band has ever created in their prog era". This is an album worth adding to any progressive rock collection.

The album to date has reached #59 on the US Billboard 200 albums charts, #13 on the UK and #20 on the Australian albums charts.

This double album 2LP record set is the English version on limited picture disc vinyl, housed in a gatefold sleeve with printed lyric booklet, pressed in Europe.