KATATONIA

Re-release of the debut full-length studio album by legendary Swedish Depressive Death/Doom Metal band.
With their first album, Katatonia proved, that classic Death/Doom Metal need not come from England, whence, until then, the genre had flourished at the hands of Paradise Lost, Anathema, and My Dying Bride. In fact, "Dance Of December Souls" manages to drag Heavy Metal to a near-standstill along with the best of 'em, combining cookie-monster growls, slothful riffing, morbid guitar melodies, and slow but busy drumming into a mesmerizing wash of depression. Eight-minute highlight "Gateways of Bereavement" and the desolately beautiful instrumental "Elohim Meth" are both perfect examples of these exquisitely sluggish and gloomy capabilities, although other offerings like "In Silence Enshrined" and the fan favorite "Without God" do eventually pick up the pace somewhat - also with very positive results. Not so the ensuing twin monoliths stacked back to back, "Velvet Thorns (Of Drynwhyl)" and "Tomb of Insomnia", both of which exceed 13 minutes in length and prove simply suicide-inducing for all but the most patient of metalheads - despite any number of memorable passages strewn about their massive girths. Then again, it could be said that, by inspiring such thoughts of self-destruction, Katatonia accomplish their mission.
"Dance Of December Souls" has stood the test of time pretty well, and thus remains one of the Doom/Death genre's important building blocks.
This re-release features new artwork and the new age Katatonia logo.
Black Lodge Records, 1993/2004 (BLOD 017CD). Made in Sweden.


Tracklist:
1. Seven Dreaming Souls 0:45
2. Gateways Of Bereavement 8:13
3. In Silence Enshrined 6:29
4. Without God 6:49
5. Elohim Meth 1:40
6. Velvet Thorns (Of Drynwhyl) 13:55
7. Tomb Of Insomnia 13:07
8. Dancing December 2:18
Total playing time: 53:16 min.

The tenth EP by legendary Swedish Gothic/Alternative/Progressive Rock/Metal band.
Founded in 1991, Katatonia have continually embraced the dark and the light alike and - living through genre evolutions beyond compare - ripened their own particular form of expression. From Doom and Death Metal to soul-gripping Post Rock, they’ve explored endless spheres of the genre, accumulating only the very best aspects.
With their previous album, "City Burials" (2020), ranking #6 on the German album charts, the outfit proved their gravitational force on the scene as an everlasting cycle.
Meritorious masters of Melancholic Metal, founding members Jonas Renkse and Anders Nyström is ready to proudly presenting their hauntingly beautiful next studio album, "Sky Void Of Stars", which out January 20, 2023 via Napalm Records. Before the forthcoming album's release, Katatonia presented a promotional CD "Sky Void Of Stars - EP". Released with the Legacy Magazine #142 (06/2022), EP includes two tracks from the album, two cover songs, and two live-tracks.
Katatonia is one of a kind in a state of perpetual evolution. Significantly shaping the genre while still staying true to their own musical values, they orbit the musical universe - leaving their imprints on the scene. Projecting their sound to the endless realms, "Sky Void Of Stars" shines bright in Metal and beyond!
Napalm Records/Peaceville Records/Devil Inc. Presseverlag, 2022 (DEVIL #142). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Atrium 4:10
2. Austerity 3:43
3. Night Comes Down (Judas Priest Cover) 4:21
4. Fighters (Enter The Hunt Cover) 3:39
5. Forsaker (Live at Summer Breeze 2012) 4:09
6. Liberation (Live at Summer Breeze 2012) 4:22
Total playing time: 24:26 min.


Samples: https://katatonia.bandcamp.com