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Following a break after their much acclaimed album ‘The Fall Of Hearts’ in 2016, it’s clear that this breather in Katatonia’s ongoing journey has served them well. ‘City Burials’ has arrived, and it would not be hyperbolic to think of it as a majestic soundtrack to the dystopian times we are living.
Lush melodies and dark melancholic lyrics, not unfamiliar to the band’s sound, are turned up a notch here. The heaviness still purveys throughout, but there are some beautiful and serene moments, notably ‘Vanishers’, with a guest vocal from Anni Bernhard. ‘Heart Set to Divide’ opens the proceedings and sets the tone of the story. Although this is not a concept album, the themes, conquering loss and sadness, run throughout. ‘Behind The Blood’ already sounds like it will be a live classic with guitar work and soaring vocals from Jonas. “You’re a torch to the temple of depression”, a particularly poetic line that stands out.
‘Lacquer’ pulses along at a slower pace and leads into the more uplifting ‘Rein’ and ‘The Winter of our Passing’. The listener is brought back down into the aforementioned ‘Vanishers’, where Jonas and Anni’s vocals intertwine to stunning effect. ‘City Glaciers’ and ‘Flicker’ pick up the pace with swirling melodies, before ‘Lachesis’ evokes more melancholic airs. ‘Neon Epitaph’ steers us into heavier waters, and ‘Untrodden’ builds to a mesmerizing guitar solo to conclude the story. ‘Fighters’, one of the bonus tracks, grabs one by the throat and echoes the band’s heavy metal roots as a straightforward, no-nonsense rock track.
‘City Burials’ sees the culmination of the band’s journey so far, containing elements of ‘The Great Cold Distance’ and ‘Dead End Kings’. Like Opeth, there are certain fans that prefer the heavier, growlier Katatonia of long ago, but that ghost has long been laid to rest. Special shout out to Lasse Hoile for the stunning artwork, sure to adorn many t-shirts of fans at the concerts, once our cities open.
Available now on Peaceville Records
Review – Dave Blizzard Shaw
Band image on header – Ester Segarra
