KATATONIA „Sky Void Of Stars”

Napalm Records, January 2023

Music: Progressive Rock/Metal

Website:

https://katatonia.com/

https://www.facebook.com/katatonia

Duration: 45:47

Country: Sweden

This is  KATATONIA’s 12^th full studio album and it seems the band is quite regular with their releases. They issue new piece of music between every 2-4 years at most, this time however under different record label. Previous three albums were signed with Peaceville Records while new one is sold through Napalm Records.

Winter time is always perfect moment to get such melancholic music from the band. I have been listening to this record over and over again as well as their previous albums in order to get into this unique mood the band can create within the listener. It stayed with me during different moments of the day and night and I recommend the same for those of you who do not know the band and/or did not listen to this new album yet.

It starts with two quite energetic and riff oriented tracks “Austerity” and “Colossal Shade”. They both have characteristic guitar picking style with unconventional time signatures, heavy and dark sound. “Opaline” starts with no guitars and we can hear them only in super melodic refrain which is repeated a few times within this song. It does not get boring though, because this line is so catchy that it makes the song one of the ‘hits’ on the album. “Birds” is powered by very live sounding drum beat and quite heavy guitars throughout the song, so it will surely be played live. It should be one of the songs that will engage the audience into more active participation during the show. Two tracks farther we get very mellow and sad “Impermanence” with emotional guest singing by Joel Ekelöf from SOEN and beautiful guitar solo. “Sclera” starts with similar mood as previous song and is surrounded by some electronic effects which are quite interesting. The refrain with outstanding vocal line by Jonas is what stands out and this is the moment to say some more about his performance. He is KATATONIA’s most recognisable part of the puzzle. Their sound and unique mood of their compositions are inseparable too, but his vocal lines are what make their music one of a kind. Next song “Atrium” confirms this statement too, as the song is dominated by his voice which made it so addictive to listen on repeat mode. I keep asking myself if this song, especially in refrain, is at least a little positive? In my opinion yes, it sounds kind of ‘happy’ to me, however the lyrics do not seem so.

That was more or less the content of the album. The band has their recipe for their unique style and they polish it with each new album. There are a lot of super tasty songs and some unconventional ideas, but still it seems to be another KATATONIA album within their safe zone. Is it good or is it bad? It depends on personal preferences, because melancholic music lovers will adore it as all their previous albums. What about the others who either got kind of ‘bored’ with band’s style or never liked it? I am mentioning that, because I also have this problem. I do adore or at least like most of their songs, but… What if they try to refer to their doom roots again and/or implement some growls here and there as a contrast to such beautiful Jonas’ voice. Anything that will add some fresh touches into their style. I am just speculating for the next album and who knows maybe it will be a good guess. For now strong 8, but I hope that next album will have at least 9.5.

Tracklist:

1. Austerity

2. Colossal Shade

3. Opaline

4. Birds

5. Drab Moon

6. Author

7. Impermanence

8. Sclera

9. Atrium

10. No Beacon To Illuminate Our Fall

11. Absconder (bonus track)

Line-up:

Jonas Renske – Vocals

Anders Nyström – Guitars

Roger Öjersson – Guitars

Niklas Sandin – Bass

Daniel Moilanen – Drums

Rate: 8/10