IN CAUDA VENENUM

The most cinematic Opeth album of them all has to be 2019's 'In cauda venenum' and its brooding eclecticism and cosmic moodiness, the band's thirteenth studio album is the creative culmination of the so-called "prog rock era", even if this record remains a work defying any categorizations but inherently progressive in nature, if we have to consider this musical realm. 'In cauda venenum' encompasses a wide range of influences, sounds, moods and recording techniques, it sees the use of various instruments (some of which might not necessarily be typical for a metal band) as well as the wide usage of string arrangements, making it an incredibly demanding listen that shall even challenge avant-prog addicts, for example. Some might see this release as a summation of everything that Opeth stand for as there really is a bit of everything in what is to this day the band's longest album, an expansive listen that transcends genre and structure and subordinates itself more to the likes of a soundtrack or a score.

Released both in Swedish and English, this album ventures into psych-prog territories with ease, capturing some majestic moments of instrumental brilliance, combining lustrous riffage with melodically alluring acoustic arrangements. The immersive use of keyboards and effects adds a further layer of depth to the sound of the album, which would necessitate repeated listens in order to fully consume all that is being "served" here. A good suggestion would be trying out the Swedish-language version first (which is also the original one), perhaps offering the most authentic taste of this esoteric rendition of the Opeth sound. World music, folk music and art rock notches prevail on one of the most delirious, dreamy and memorable releases of 2019, and definitely one of the most consistent recordings from the band. With its evasive melancholic atmosphere, unorthodox sounds and infectiously satisfying shifts between light and dark as the songs' different sections ebb and flow with grace, 'In cauda venenum' deservedly remains a highly-rated album from a band that is free to experiment in every imaginable way; plus, it is difficult to discuss any highlights from an album that should be taken as a continuous whole.

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