In Cauda Venenum by Opeth

In Cauda Venenum, which in Latin means “the poison is in the tail” (a saying to indicate something that starts well but ends badly), is a truly unusual album in Opeth’s discography.  It was recorded and released in two full versions: one entirely in Swedish (which Mikael Åkerfeldt considers the original version) and one in English, which I’m discussing here in this review.

Recorded at Park Studios in Stockholm and produced by Åkerfeldt himself, In Cauda Venenum continues the progressive rock path begun with the previous records.  One thing that makes it unique is that there are no growl parts, only clean and melodic vocals.
At about 68 minutes, In Cauda Venenum is also the longest studio album Opeth have ever made.

It’s not a concept album in the classic sense; rather, it’s a thematic work full of existential and social reflections. The title suggests that something that seems harmless or sweet at first can reveal a dangerous or bitter nature in the end. Mikael Åkerfeldt explained that this title fits perfectly with the album’s “schizophrenic” atmosphere, where melodic moments alternate with unsettling, dark passages.

The album’s lyrics explore different aspects of the human condition in the 21st century. The main theme is loneliness and isolation, shaped by the digital era and its impact on our relationships.  The album also includes samples of interviews with Swedish children from the ’70s talking about God and death, adding a touch of innocence that contrasts with the gloomy music.
There are tracks that offer social criticism, touching on themes like greed, lack of empathy, and power dynamics in modern society.  Finally, some songs reflect on loss and the fleeting nature of life, also drawing on the author’s personal experiences. 

The artwork by Travis Smith depicts a house set on the extended tongue of a demon, with the band members looking out from the windows. 

In Cauda Venenum is the peak of Opeth’s progressive rock journey.  Forget death metal: here the sounds are rich, orchestral, with a vintage touch that makes you dream.  The album is a tribute to ’70s prog, and the songs are a labyrinth of time changes, theatrical moods, and a generous use of Mellotron and analog keyboards that deliver a warm, nostalgic sound.
As on the three previous albums (Heritage, Pale Communion and Sorceress), Mikael Åkerfeldt relies only on clean vocals. But this time it’s a killer performance, among the most intense of his career, with vocal lines full of dynamism and drama.  Even without extreme metal elements, the album is one of the band’s darkest.  It moves from acoustic and folk moments, with classical guitars and a hint of melancholy, to heavy, doom sections, with distorted guitar riffs but a rock groove that hits hard.  And then there’s jazz experimentation with nocturnal, unsettling jazz tones, almost film-noir-like.

I have the Atomic Fire version – AF0090V, the “Connoisseur Edition” released in 2022.  It’s a special edition for audiophiles and collectors, with a double black vinyl (2LP) at 180 grams.  It was remastered at Atlantis Studio in Stockholm, and Mikael Åkerfeldt wanted a warmer, more dynamic sound.  To do that, they transferred the digital tracks to magnetic tape before cutting the lacquers for vinyl. This version has the album in English.

The packaging is extremely well done: there’s a 16-page booklet with previously unseen illustrations by Travis Smith, liner notes, and the song lyrics.  Unlike the first 2019 pressing (released on Nuclear Blast), the Atomic Fire version aims for a sound that recalls the great ’70s prog classics, with less compression to let the instruments stand out more. 

“Garden of Earthly Delights” opens with an electronic, ambient instrumental intro that wraps around you right away. Joakim Svalberg’s synthesizers take center stage, creating an atmosphere that recalls ’70s horror films, like those with soundtracks by Goblin.

“Dignity” is a majestic heavy-prog track, full of contrasts. Martin Axenrot’s drumming is killer, jumping from jazzy rolls to powerful hits in an instant. The main riff is classic hard rock, but then a central acoustic section arrives that highlights Åkerfeldt’s layered vocal harmonies, and here he sings incredibly.

“Heart in Hand” is a progressive hard-rock track that hits hard. Fredrik Åkesson’s guitars are the beating heart, with tight riffs and a technical solo that sticks in your head right away. Martín Méndez’s bass is powerful, steering the time change toward the acoustic ending, where Mikael’s voice becomes almost a whisper, melancholic and intense.

“Next of Kin” is an orchestral, heavy Doom-Prog song, the slowest and most imposing on the album. Svalberg’s Mellotron creates a dramatic atmosphere, while all the musicians work together to build a dark “wall of sound” that supports an epic, almost operatic chorus.

“Lovelorn Crime” is a progressive power ballad built on a strong piano. Åkesson delivers a solo that is his masterpiece on the album (and maybe in his whole career with Opeth), packed with an engaging bluesy feel. Åkerfeldt’s voice is clean, crystal-clear, and loaded with emotion, similar to “Damnation”.

“Charlatan” is an experimental, dissonant track that leans toward “Djent-Prog”. In the main body of the song there are no electric guitars, only three distorted basses played by Méndez, Åkesson and Åkerfeldt. This creates a claustrophobic sound, ending with a ghostly liturgical organ finale.

“Universal Truth“ is a symphonic-prog piece with a folk touch.  The string arrangement is simply fantastic. Méndez on bass is flawless, especially in the more acoustic passages.

“The Garroter” is a truly bold track, a mix of Dark Jazz and Noir that grabs you immediately.  Axenrot brings out the brushes for that jazz touch, while the acoustic guitars weave with Spanish-tinged melodies that create a unique atmosphere. Mikael’s voice is theatrical. A real masterpiece of mood.

“Continuum” is a Prog Rock track with a fusion touch.  Drums and bass lock in perfectly, creating a crazy groove.  Toward the end, there’s a flute solo that bridges into a transition leading straight to the album’s close.  Great balance between technique and melody.

“All Things Will Pass” is an epic closing piece, a true progressive anthem.  The ending is a sonic release, a catharsis that leaves you speechless. Åkesson’s guitar and Axenrot’s drums merge into a wild crescendo, an explosion of energy that sweeps you away. And then Åkerfeldt’s voice, rising high and powerful in the final chorus that gives a sense of grandeur and resignation, closing the record beautifully.  A spine-tingling finale.

Strings and horns are perfectly integrated into the arrangements. The production, handled by Åkerfeldt together with Stefan Boman, creates a complex but precise wall of sound, where every instrument finds its space.  The album is enriched by audio samples that aren’t there by chance, but create a cinematic thread between the tracks, increasing the sense of mystery and unease. 

An album that grabs you and takes you on an unforgettable musical journey. Excellent!

My Version

Label: Atomic Fire – AF0090V, Moderbolaget Records – AF0090V
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Remastered, English
Country: Europe
Released: 19 Oct 2023

Tracklist

A1        Garden Of Earthly Delights
A2        Dignity
A3        Heart In Hand
B1        Next Of Kin
B2        Lovelorn Crime
C1        Charlatan
C2        Universal Truth
C3        The Garroter
D1        Continuum
D2        All Things Will Pass

LineUp
Bass Guitar [Assorted] – Martin Mendez
Drums, Percussion – Martin Axenrot
Effects, Other [Old Rusty Things] – Stefan Boman
Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Joakim Svalberg
Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals, Whistle, Other [Coughs] – Fredrik Åkesson
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Guitar, Other [Ramblings] – Mikael Åkerfeldt
Voice [Spoken Word] – Alva Åkesson/Ahlberg, Bruno K. Öijer, Klara Rönnqvist Fors, Melinda Åkerfeldt, Mirjam Åkerfeldt, Olof Palme, Tora Ahlberg

Listening links on the main streaming platforms at the following links:

• Spotify: Listen to the full album on Spotify. The Extended Edition is also available.
• Apple Music: Available for streaming on Apple Music.
• Amazon Music: You can find the album on Amazon Music Unlimited.
• Deezer & Others: The label’s official link lets you choose among various services like Deezer and Tidal.
• Qobuz: For high-quality listening, you’ll find the album on Qobuz.

Note: All links to the musicians’ works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists"