I’ve been following these KATATONIA chaps for a long time now, and they’ve come a very long way. From their semi-black metal roots in “Dance of December Souls” to the near alternative sounding “Viva Emptiness”, they’re barely recognizable as the same band from beginning to end. So what allows a band like this to keep their metal fan base while successfully branching out? The answer is a lot simpler than you’d think: amazing songwriting skills. Anders Nystrom has proven himself over the years a master at guitar layering, and Jonas Renkse is an expert at introspective lyrics that are clever and not overly whiny. Simply put, these morose motherfuckers have carved quite a niche for themselves and have managed to have a rabid following that follow them every step of the way.

That’s why I was giggling like a little schoolgirl when “The Great Cold Distance” came in the mail, and I’m pleased to announce that what you’re going to be getting with this new one is more of the same. At this point in their career, KATATONIA seems to have found a nice, comfortable style to settle into and don’t seem to be making any effort to stray radically from it (hell, they’re still on Peaceville, aren’t they?). Basically, if you liked “Viva Emptiness”, this one is not much different. The lower tuning’s still here, but what’s different is that they now dip into B flat territory now, giving a similar vibe to that of their E flat days a la “Discouraged Ones”. Also, like “Viva Emptiness”, you have the band going for a slightly heavier rock approach as opposed to the somber mood of their mid-period albums, and this can be pretty much solely accredited to drummer Daniel Liljekvist, who has brought back elements like double bass and, depending on the song, can beat the hell out of those things when he wants to. Also, not to worry—Anders’ songwriting is still as good as you’d expect (personally, I think it’s actually improved since the last album) with all the multi-dimensional riffs and tone that you’ve come to expect. I also like the fact that over the years Jonas doesn’t sound nearly as much like a Robert Smith clone. He’s really found his own style, as has the band as a whole.

It takes a lot for me to accept a more structured rock style that a band adopts after their raw and brilliant beginnings (in this case, the doomdeath of albums like “Brave Murder Day”), but I truly feel like what made KATATONIA great since their inception they’ve carried with them throughout their career. The fact that they have kept the same audience is something to be commended, and they show no signs of slipping up now. I don’t think there’s any other band remotely like them that can touch them right now. Bottom line: mark April 4th on your calendar (or earlier if you’re on the other side of the Atlantic), because you have some buying to do.

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: http://katatonia.com/

MP3 SOUND SCRAP: My Twin

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