Katatonia formed in Sweden in 1991 by Anders Nyström and Jonas Renkse. Their debut album Dance of December Souls was released in 1993, gaining the band recognition for their eclectic brand of gothic doom/death metal, joining acts such as Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride as one of the genre’s defining bands.
On future albums, a newer, sleeker Katatonia sound came to the fore, starting with a streamlined and structured collection of melodic dark rock songs that became third album Discouraged Ones. This was to be the main evolution point for modern day Katatonia, where the band stand at the pinnacle of the dark and progressive rock genre. A continuation of 2009’s inspired and acclaimed Night is the New Day, as well as a leap forward into the unknown, Dead End Kings saw the quintet conjure yet another milestone in audial melancholy and angst.
“Looking back on ‘Dead End Kings’ 10 years after its release brings memories of busy and good times. We were eager to keep the momentum that we had built around ‘Night Is The New Day’ and I remember we finished off the mastering just in time (I think it was actually the same day!) for the press listening session we had in London. Some songs on the album turned out to be Katatonia evergreens that we keep in our live setlists to this day. I also must mention the cover art (and interior as well) that is probably our most ambitious. Took a long time to finish but the result is a classic. Happy 10 years to DEK!” Jonas Renske
Pre-orders available: https://katatoniaband.lnk.to/reissues
Watch the trailer below.
