After 'Sorceress' in 2016 who had made a strong impression (see here), the Swedes of 'Opeth' released a new album 'In Cauda Venenum' in 2 versionsn one in Swedish and the other in English, the original version in their language bringing for me more authenticity. The direction taken in 'Sorceress' is confirmed with an elaborate and rich progressive style that must be tamed with the wire of listenings, each composition bringing its share of ruptures of intensity and changes of melodic lines which is now the trademark of the group.
After the atmospheric instrumental introduction 'Livets Trädgard', we get into a metal full of energy in the first 2 minutes of 'Svekets Prins' then, it is a first break that introduces a very calm first sung part which is resumed in an explosion of power thanks to a heavy rhythm and an epic and atypical melody. Follows 'Hjärtat Vet Vad Handen Gör' in the same vein as 'Svekets Prins' with remarkable instrumental parts and a last semi-acoustic part falling in intensity, and 'Närmast Sörjande', with its influences mixing east and west, unfolds several sections melodic and rhythmic quite different which, for my part, makes it one of the most difficult titles to integrate. Change of scenery with 'Minnets Yta' which is much more accessible and which is an atmospheric track with 'Floydiennes' influences, then, 'Charlatan' embarks us in a composition with breaks of rhythm with a remarkable work of 'Martin Mendez' on the bass and with a completely offbeat final containing children's lyrics and religious songs. As for 'Ingen Sanning Är Allas', even if it has several sections rather different from each other, integrates melodic lines quite accessible and is an affordable gateway for all those who would like to enter the world of music of 'Opeth. With 'Banemannen', we are taken to several musical worlds that merge marvelously to make one of the most endearing tracks of the album, then, 'Kontinuerlig Drift' brings us back to the universe while breaking Opeth ' with the same melodic line that alternates power and serenity, the album ending with 'Allting tar slut' which starts with a contemporary section and whose suite has beautiful melodic lines modulated in a remarkable way.
In summary, the Swedes of 'Opeth' release still a major work completely apart in the progressive musical landscape and which requires multiple listening to take advantage of all her refinements and richness which consequently intends 'In Cauda Venenum' to an informed public... | |
