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In Cauda Venenum
by
In Cauda Venenum Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

  • Summary: The 13th full-length release for the Swedish progressive death metal group comes in both an English and Swedish versions.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Consequence
    Sep 26, 2019
    100
    Opeth’s chemistry feels as tight as it is playful, heartfelt as it is engaging, as they explore a plethora of intriguing and majestic sounds. The instrumentation and vocals, in both versions, serve to present emotion and instrumental wonder. In Cauda Venenum is among Opeth’s strongest albums when it comes to the band’s progressive sensibilities.
  2. PopMatters
    Sep 26, 2019
    90
    If not for the superior variety and scope of Pale Communion, In Cauda Venenum would absolutely be Opeth's best album in a decade. Like most great records, it takes a few deep listens to appreciate fully, but the reward is easily worth the investment.
  3. AllMusic
    Sep 30, 2019
    90
    On In Cauda Venenum, Opeth have thoroughly revisioned prog rock for the 21st century. While there are referents to the past, they have merely been folded into a brand of heavy music that reflects not progressive rock's history, but Opeth's enduring, evolving image.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 26, 2019
    80
    Fittingly, the emotional alchemy that Opeth muster on album number 13 is a sonic brew that could sedate a herd of buffalo.
  5. The Quietus
    Sep 30, 2019
    80
    There is a playful freedom on display from start to finish. By increasing the importance of the bass and keyboards (a move possibly inspired by fellow Swedish prog compatriots Anekdoten) and simultaneously writing with string arrangements in mind, the innate grandeur at the heart of this band’s music has never been as audible as it is now.
  6. Classic Rock Magazine
    Sep 27, 2019
    80
    If you do like a bit of in-depth rock luxury in your life, In Cauda Venenum delivers by the caseload.
  7. Kerrang!
    Sep 26, 2019
    60
    It’s a good album, though not an Opeth classic. It occasionally meanders and feels in need of a few more truly golden moments to tie its various eccentricities together into a brilliant whole.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. movingpictures
    Apr 25, 2020
    10
    Their best album in a decade. It's a wonderful listen from start to finish. And it's also an album that progresses and peaks in the secondTheir best album in a decade. It's a wonderful listen from start to finish. And it's also an album that progresses and peaks in the second half of the journey... so the back end of the album is stronger than the beginning. They've still got it!… Expand
  2. Geffen
    Dec 5, 2020
    10
    Surprisingly, the best Opeth album in years. For me, In Cauda Venenum holds up along with their finest works. Astonishing!
  4. amirmr
    Oct 1, 2019
    10
    It remind me the great good classic rock albums. the progressive rock that has a lot of different taste from Pink Floyd to Dio.
  5. jafogrits
    Nov 9, 2019
    9
    I am a fan of the newer albums and direction of the band, and I have to say this is the best album since Watershed. You won't find any vocalI am a fan of the newer albums and direction of the band, and I have to say this is the best album since Watershed. You won't find any vocal growling on this album, but the melodies are great and guitar work is amazing. I even find myself listening to the Swedish version, preferring it actually on many songs. The vocal work is amazing. I find a comfort when listening to this album, as I have found with many older prog rock favorites.… Expand
  6. JLuis_001
    Sep 28, 2019
    8
    Of the last four Opeth albums this one is the one I've enjoyed the most. There are certain songs that don't feel so precise but maybeOf the last four Opeth albums this one is the one I've enjoyed the most. There are certain songs that don't feel so precise but maybe listening to them more times the whole album will be more cohesive.

    My favorite tracks:

    Garden of Earthly Delights
    Dignity
    Heart in Hand
    Universal Truth
    Continuum
    All Things Will Pass    … Expand
  7. felipemrtn
    Sep 28, 2019
    8
    It's a great record, not the best, but a good one. The atmosphere remits to, "Dark Side of the Moon" album. The experimental vibe and theIt's a great record, not the best, but a good one. The atmosphere remits to, "Dark Side of the Moon" album. The experimental vibe and the strong prog rock. Opeth makes you first experimental record. And that's good. But, "In Cauda Venenum" have a regular songs, not awful, but regular.
    Best songs from the album: "Dignity", "Heart in Hand", "Charlatan", "Universal Truth", "All Things Will Pass" and "Next of Kin".    … Expand
  8. Zippyz
    Oct 3, 2019
    6
    Out of all of Opeth’s albums since Watershed, this one is definitely the best, but that doesn’t mean it’s great. It certainly has its moments.Out of all of Opeth’s albums since Watershed, this one is definitely the best, but that doesn’t mean it’s great. It certainly has its moments. I wish Mikael’s voice was far less filtered and overly layered at parts. Still no death metal vocals unfortunately, but at least this album actually feels like the growth of Opeth, as opposed to the other albums since Watershed that sounded like prog rock imitation. I can respect that. However, it’s really not for me. Maybe it’ll grow on me, but I still long for their death metal prog sound.… Expand

See all 8 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best Album of 2019

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