One of the most expected releases of the year. We’ve had to wait three years for it but here it is at last! It will be a surprise for many, who still don’t know much about this band, that this is their seventh studio album. They’ve also been masters of melancholic gloomy emotional metal for years and their music has grown on me album by album. Well, they’ve completely caught me now, this is undoubtedly Katatonia’s best album to the date.

If you’ve been following the Swedes for sometime, don’t expect big changes or surprises, this might not be a terribly innovative album but it’s complex in its composition and crystal clear in its production. The arrangements are diverse and the vocals (by Jonas Renske) beautifully melodic and utterly emotional. It is also the heaviest the Swedes have sounded in quite awhile (opener ‘Leaders’ or ‘Consternation’ being great examples) without adding any muddiness to their sound. Each of the 12 tracks is great in its own way, from first single ‘My Twin’ to my personal favourite ‘Rusted’.

Katatonia haven’t compromised an ounce of their style and you have to respect them for that. In a world where many go for the easy instant hit, they’ve patiently cultivated their music and it’s about time they collect the fruits of their labour.

If you already are a fan of the band you’ll love the album and you’ll recognize many elements present along their career. If you are unacquainted with their music I encourage you to give it a try, but beware, if you’re prone to depression and melancholy, make sure to take it in small doses, this isn’t happy music and it can send your heart down a well of sadness. Having said that, who wants happy music with beautiful music like this?