Katatonia – Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State
Napalm Records
6,0/10,0
Brief:
Nightmares have never sounded so beautiful! Swedish grandeurs of melancholic heaviness, KATATONIA, return with Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State. Once again, the Stockholm-based unit masterfully navigates the tightrope act between nocturnal darkness and Scandinavian despair while subtly weaving a sense of hope into the listener’s heart. Since emerging in the early nineties, KATATONIA has projected a beacon of light for the forgotten and the lonely ones, offering solace to those willing to lose themselves in the band’s immersive soundscapes. From their roots in death-doom metal to the post-metal entity they embody today, their art remains as haunting as ever.
Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State marks the next step in KATATONIA’s evolution, building upon the foundation of their previous album, Sky Void of Stars (2023). Crystal-clear production highlights the interplay between silence and intensity, while the contrast of heavy riffs, delicate guitar harmonies, ethereal synthesizers, and atmospheric nuances create captivating tension. Tracks like “Thrice” and “Warden” pulse with dynamic energy, while “Lilac” sees Jonas Renkse’s unmistakable vocals intertwining with hypnotic rhythms and progressive elements. A near-ceremonial piece, “Wind of No Change”, merges subtle electronic textures with KATATONIA’s enigmatic soundscapes, while “Temporal” balances fragility and strength – its intense verses culminating in a soaring, emotionally charged chorus. The breathtaking “Efter Solen” (Engl. After the Sun), featuring Swedish lyrics, mesmerizes with minimalistic yet striking instrumentation.
Even after more than 30 years, KATATONIA continues to redefine the emotional spectrum of their genre, effortlessly shifting between haunting vulnerability and commanding artistry. With sonic landscapes that evoke dystopia, inner demons, purity, and beauty alike, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State stands as a testament to their enduring brilliance. KATATONIA is composed of vocalist Jonas Renkse, bassist Niklas Sandin, drummer Daniel Moilanen, and guitarists Nico Elgstrand and Sebastian Svalland. The album was produced by Jonas Renkse, recorded by Lawrence Mackrory at NBS Audio and The City of
Glass, mixed by Adam Noble, and mastered by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering.
[Edited Press Release]
Tracklist:
- Thrice
- The Liquid Eye
- Wind of no Change
- Lilac
- Temporal
- Departure Trails
- Warden
- The Light Which I Bleed
- Efter Solen
- In the Event of
Main Focus Tracks:
- Temporal
Other Recommended Tracks:
- Wind of no Change
- Lilac
- The Light Which I Bleed
Line-Up:
Jonas Renkse – Vocals
Niklas Sandin – Bass
Daniel Moilanen – Drums
Nico Elgstrand – Guitar
Sebastian Svalland – Guitar
Comments:
This is not a particularly memorable album from Katatonia. Despite some strong moments, it offers a production style that feels overly familiar.
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Selected Discography:
Dance of December Souls – 1993
Brave Murder Day – 1996
Discouraged Ones – 1998
Tonight’s Decision – 1999
Last Fair Deal Gone Down – 2001
Viva Emptiness – 2003
The Great Cold Distance – 2006
Night Is the New Day – 2009
Dead End Kings – 2012
Dethroned & Uncrowned – 2013
The Fall of Hearts – 2016
City Burials – 2020
Sky Void of Stars – 2023
Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State – 2025
Photo Credit: band