Conjuring memories through the vapour of nostalgia Katatonia stand alone. Though the sun might be beginning to shine these doom mongers bring a very much autumnal sound as we begin Spring. Celebrating their ten year anniversary of the classic The Great Cold Distance the band unveil their latest masterstroke, The Fall of Hearts.
[tracklist]
- Takeover
- Serein
- Old Heart Falls
- Decima
- Sanction
- Residual
- Serac
- Last Song Before The Fade
- Shifts
- The Night Subscriber
- Pale Flag
- Passer
[/tracklist][details]
[length]69:00[/length]
[record_label]Peaceville Records[/record_label]
[release_date]May 20th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Seasoned navigators of the soul the band immediately put listener under their spell as the silk woven words of “Takeover” cross the threshold into emotion instantly creating lyrical landscapes captivating the listener. Multifaceted in their approach the slight Celtic leanings of “Decima” with acoustic guitar being the track’s luminescence put next to Renkse’s fragile vocals makes the song poignant yet minimalist. Beautiful use of keyboards envelop the likes of second single “Serein” before flamboyant yet restrained guitar work from Nystrom and Renkse. However The Fall of Hearts secret weapon lies with singer Jonas Renkse who’s delivery and melancholic phrasing is simply masterful. Going against the grain of contemporary artists the singer uses syllables as his ally creating slightly jarring but identikit delivery. Acting comfort to the bed of sorrow Katatonia have an ability that many bands seldom will ever reach as the metaphorical dropping leaves of melody “Last Song Before The Fade” glide gracefully through the pitch perfect mix by Bogren.
An indelible amount of layers, the lachrymose onion that is The Fall of Hearts exhibits fleeting vulnerability. “Residual” being a prime example, a facade of strength hides behind the far weaker, honest truth behind the band. Returning once more to the more subtle caress of “Pale Flag” animates the wistful old soul the band are know for whilst retaining their now patented sense of sorrow. Ending the album with the incredible “Passer” showing how Tiamat man Roger Ojersson absolutely shines behind the guitar ripping into a solo that sees the guitarist merely cutting teeth. Renkse’s words simultaneously emotionally charged yet delicate create a sense of frailty within the band highlighting their futility. Aided by careful choice of vocabulary, diction and release, coupled with the bleak soundscapes triumphantly helmed by new drummer Daniel Moilanen and Niklas Sandin create a paradoxically beautiful picture.
The absolute standing ovation should be reserved for “Old Heart Falls” perfectly encapsulating Katatonia’s purpose. A shorter track delivering no less of an emotional vivacity the song led by Renkse’s intricately placed syllables. Acting like a trail of breadcrumbs to the songs morose chorus work perfectly coaxing the listener into their sepia tinted lullabies. Twenty plus years on Katatonia have pooled their musical and emotional resources together to create what could quite easily be the album of their career. Cohesive, perpicacious and most importantly unguarded The Fall of Hearts is truly reverential and will no doubt go down as one of the bands strongest releases to date.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]The Fall of Heats sees Katatonia reach their potential as true wilders of woe. Captivating songwriting, graceful lyrics and beguiling melodies lead the record to be one of the bands highest points yet.[/why]
If you like what you read / heard then you can pick up the brand new album here!
