Review KATATONIA “Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State”

Founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 1991, Katatonia has been one of the most impactful metal bands for over 30 years. Starting as a death metal band, the Swedes’ sound changed dramatically to a more progressive metal style that still embraces mighty riffs but also emphasizes layered music that highlights calmer moments.

After being part of the Peaceville Records portfolio for many years, the band changed labels and inked a deal with the Austrian label Napalm Records. This change is significant, as is the adjustment in the lineup. Roger Öjersson and founding member Anders Nyström both left the band. These departures needed to be compensated for, and today the core of Katatonia is formed by Renkse, Sandin, and Moilanen, with Sebastian Svalland and Nico Elgstrand taking over the guitar duties. They both make their album debut on “Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State”, the band’s latest release.

It is their fourteenth studio album and the first for the new label. Katatonia recorded ten new songs, giving the album a running time of 46 minutes. Needless to say, the album reflects masterful craftsmanship, beginning with “Thrice.” Renkse’s vocals are a defining element of the Katatonia sound.

His unique style of singing is a defining asset of the band’s sound with “Thrice” illustrating this power as well. The opener is a layered introduction to the album that, despite its technical finesse, maintains a focus on the song.

Katatonia evokes emotions, as does “Thrice.” The song sets an excellent tone for the album, and “Warden,” in the second half, has a similar dynamic. The Stockholm-based sound architects find the right formula of throbbing moments and gentle sounds once again, creating a dynamic interaction.

Like the previous release, the newest effort has no weak spots. “Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State” is a touching and mesmerizing journey through progressive rock. The range includes songs like the pulsating “Lila,” which creates special excitement through an alternation of roaring moments and gentle sound collages.

Furthermore, the atmospheric “Temporal” is a treat for the ears, especially for those stressed by the noise of daily life. It is an acoustic oasis after a long workday, as is “Efter Solen.” The latter is a melancholic highlight of the album, with a piano defining the song’s beginning. This soul-pleasing song is followed by “In the Event of.” The closer is another great chapter of the album, summing up everything we’ve heard so far. Emotionally charged and melodically sophisticated, the song concludes an album that is partly a new beginning. With new guitarists and a new label, “Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State” fills the air with a gentle persistence. It’s nearly impossible not to be captivated by the soundscapes created by a band that picks up where they left off with “Sky Void of Scars” without falling into the trap of simple repetition. These ten songs are best enjoyed with headphones and a solid drink.