In Cauda Venenum
by Opeth
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 39 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 39
  3. Negative: 1 out of 39
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  1. 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. 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 likeOut 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

Awards & Rankings

39
#39 Best Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. The Wire
    Nov 20, 2019
    80
    In Cauda Venenum is a peculiarly convincing example of retro rock but that’s not to say the album is anchored to one particular scene or era. ... What’s also helpful is that frontman and bandleader Mikael Åkerfeldt has one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary rock, an impassioned croon whose soulfulness defuses any potential for pomposity. [Dec 2019, p.57]
  2. Exclaim
    Oct 2, 2019
    80
    The writing is catchy and memorable, interesting and complex, giving the ten-track release tremendous depth that offers a brand new listening experience with every listen. It's an album that requires a lot of consideration, but the reward is well worth the attention.
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  3. 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.
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