10 Biggest Metal Albums Still To Come In 2019

4. Opeth - "In Cauda Venenum" (27 Sept)

No matter what you might think of the various creative twists and turns Opeth have taken throughout their 29-year career, it's safe to say that their transformation from progressive death metal vanguards to full-on prog noodlers hasn't always been well-received.

Though they tested the waters with 2003's superlative "Damnation," "Heritage" (2011) was a sharp left turn that rocked many a long-time fan. Regardless, Opeth have been treading this path for three full albums now. "In Cauda Venenum" will be the fourth, and they've sharpened their blades with each release since "Heritage," though it feels like they're yet to master it.

"In Cauda Venenum" could be the album that accomplishes this. Lead single Heart in Hand hits harder than anything on the last three albums, and guitarist Fredrik Akesson has promised a release "more complex and more energetic" than anything they've put out since 2008's "Watershed." Frontman Mikael Akerfeldt bringing the death growls back still seems fanciful, though.

Regardless of how it sounds, "In Cauda Venenum" is sure to be amongst the year's most talked-about metal releases. Get ready for it dominate the late-September conversation.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.