Opeth released their latest album In Cauda Venenum back in late September, but today (November 25th), two months later, the Swedish prog-metal collective have unveiled an unsettling short film to go with one of the record’s more dramatic cuts, “Ingen Sanning Är Allas.” This is the Swedish-language version of the particular song, of which there is also an English counterpart, and the video for the English version is set for release next Monday, December 2nd.
The cartoon drama was written and directed by Jess Cope, leader of Owl House Studios and the illustrative mastermind behind such works as Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie and the music video for Metallica’s “Here Comes Revenge.” Cope also previously worked with Opeth singer Mikael Åkerfeldt on his side project Storm Corrosion (with Steven Wilson) and its video for the song “Drag Ropes.”
This particular animated adventure follows a man seemingly losing his mind after he’s left by the woman he loves. While drawing in the viewer by building a sense of empathy with and even pity for the film’s protagonist, Cope grows trust between the audience and the main character before revealing his true nature through a deranged puppet show he begins to act out. It becomes clear he was controlling and abusive in his recently failed relationship, and the sadistic games he plays with the string-controlled dolls become more and more unsettling before the marionettes seemingly break free of his grasp, as well.
As we await Monday’s release of the English version, Opeth continue to circle the globe, finishing out their 2019 dates before launching their 2020 North American tour, which kicks off February 13th in Cleveland. The Swedes will pull a nearly month-long lap around the U.S. before heading back to their homeland in June. Find a full list of dates here:
