8. Opeth – “In Cauda Venenum”

When is a Metal band not a Metal band, the answer is when you are Opeth. Up until 2011, Opeth made the most progressive Death Metal, intricate, brutal and stunning in complexity. However, from 2011’s “Heritage” they dropped (at least on record) the death part. “In Cauda Venenum” is the fourth record in their “Prog Period” and it is sumptuously beautiful. There is no trace of Metal here, instead we get warm Hammond organ lead Prog. It is full of melody and gorgeous instrumentation. Yes, it is still highly complex in its time signature changes and shifts in tempo but it feels accessible and enticing. For all its layers, it is actually a really easy listen. It baths the listener in exquisite acoustic guitar and lilting vocals. Wonderful, by far and away the best thing they have done since the game changing “Blackwater Park”. By the way, I’ve been listening to the Swedish language version and that is the one that I have put on the Spotify list. There is an English language version as well, but it doesn’t sound as magical.