As the final breaths of summer come to a close the metaphorical demise of the year begins. The autumnal greeting of cold sees our trees dishevel, leaves fall and wind blow. Turning an amber glow the leaves serve as a reminder of the past, organically fading away to be born anew in the beginning of a new summer. Celebrating their decennium of The Great Cold Distance, Lachrymose romantics, Katatonia return to their wistful memories to deliver a set consisting of the album in its entirety along with a second set following each era of the band’s astonishing twenty five year lifespan. Spanning three hours worth of music before this mammoth undertaking however we were made privy to premiere talent in the new bloods.
Opening the nights proceedings Vola, a band causing quite the ripple in the Progressive pools confidently arrive on stage for their incredibly early opening slot. Fans of a more progressive nature, nearly always do their homework however ensuring the room is suitably full for the band. Often sounding similar, vocals in Progressive Metal of late have somewhat become very nondescript however the pipes exhibited here tonight coupled with the band’s excellent sense of groove ensures that these upstarts will definitely be returning bigger and better in 2017.
Humbling to see, since their debut UK performance at last year’s UK Tech-Fest where we were treated to not just one but TWO sets from the band Agent Fresco have been going from strength to strength. Seeing them come from their very first UK tour right up to now, the Icelandic Progressive indie hybrid are just as excited as we are to see them at the prestigious Shepherds Bush Empire. Flitting between material from their debut A Long Time Listening to their 2015 genius Destrier. The positive sounding “Howls” goes down a treat after the solemn introduction of “He Is Listening” showcasing just the tip of the vocal iceberg with Arnor Dan Arnorson’s impeccable vocals.
Often cooped up in smaller stages each member of the band now has the ability to breathe. Giving an understanding of silence. With both albums dealing with particularly difficult subject matter, of either the passing of your father or the repercussions of being assaulted. The larger than life sections of the band’s music fit perfectly with the large scale venue aesthetic. The combination of “Wait For Me” followed by the somewhat more somber “Dark Water” is yet another example of just how tight the group are as a unit. The tricky time signatures of “Autumn Red” sees their most Metallica delivery of the performance but it’s penultimate “Eyes Of A Cloud Catcher” that pulls on the musical heartstrings. Detailing the exact moment his father passed Arnorson temporarily comes Center stage for a truly emotional delivery. Those who have seen the band before know just how good they are live. Now it seems that, at long last, the band are getting the recognition they so sorely deserve.
Returning back to the year of 2006, the stage is adorned with an ominous red. As the lights are dimmed, the first eerie steps of “Leaders” find their footing to a crowd hanging onto Katatonia‘s every word. Slowly seeing each member of the band trickle out finishing with vocalist extraordinaire Jonas Renkse. Donning the all black outfit, complete with cousin it style hair across the singers face, our avian crooner is primed. The dimly lit atmosphere tonight creates the perfect nest tonight. Not needing gimmicks, tonight’s set up is bare making the likes of “Deliberation” all the more striking ensuring the listener appreciates its subtle qualities. Of course highlights of “My Twin” and “Consternation” receive uproarious approval in tandem with “July“. For the fans who have been waiting years for a moment like this one it’s a true treat and even for those less well versed in The Great Cold Distance, owing to their genius songwriting, get the hang of it quick enough. The studious concentration the band exhibit during their set is something truly remarkable. Reaching the end of their set with “In The White” we close an absolutely astonishing chapter celebrating the band’s ten year anniversary since its release.
Treating our ears to no end the band return, pausing for a brief intermission and change of banner showcasing their more modern artwork. Kicking things off with “Last Song Before The Fade” the band hit a slight speedbump with the aid of technology as their computer shuts down.Revving up the melancholic engine once again this time the band are faultless. A trend which carries on throughout the remainder of their set. Reaching back to their Last Fair Deal Gone Down record the crowd are obviously bawling their eyes out with “Teargas“. Fortified riffing of “Forsaker” sees the band step up the distortion after the subtle caress of “Serein“. Creating a well crafted mix between the band’s discography the likes of “Dead Letters” reaching all the way back to grand finale from the band’s earliest incarnation “Gateways To Bereavement“and the accusatory “Ghost of The Sun“. Yet none compare to potentially the band’s most accomplished release to date. “Old Heart Falls“, a song after my own heart and potentially my favourite single of the year is performed with grace yet a defined sense of self. Making it not only fit perfectly into the band’s already chockablock setlist but rising above it.
Celebrating quarter of a century together, Katatonia are undeniably the puppet masters of sadness. Beautiful clean sections from Anders Nyström coupled with Jonas Renkse’s unfaltering ability even after a three hour long set! Enlisting new guitarist ex Tiamat man Roger Öjersson on lead guitar duties has or one to be an excellent choice, particularly as a truly searing “Lethean” solo section and new drummer Daniel Moilanen hitting with power and finesse flanked by rhythm guru Niklas Sandin. Coming out of the aether the band have created this despondent conduit called Katatonia. Awarded with the remarkable accolade of being one of the best bands around at the moment. Releasing their astonishing new record The Fall Of Hearts and potentially being their best effort yet in such a long career these gloom mongers’ creativity is insatiable, their ability unparalleled making them truly an absolutely essential addition into Metal’s history. Tonight the band have well and truly flown home in Shepherds Bush with a perfect landing.
