Album Review: Katatonia - Dead End Kings

After excelling in their studies at Death/Doom University long ago, Katatonia graduated with honours and have achieved even grander things in the big, scary outside world. Perhaps too cerebral or ambient for some hard rock/metal fans and too heavy for prog devotees, the Swedes' intricate arrangements and refusal to be become shoehorned, more palatable or marketable has kept them vital creatively while ensuring they remain somewhat of an acquired taste.

Seldom does a vocalist give the most sublime, urgent performance of their career 20 years in, but Jonas Renkse has managed it. No small claim, either. This is reflective of the refreshing feel of the melancholic maestros' ninth LP. They have a signature sound, but are pushing performance quality further, while being unafraid to explore ever-so-slightly outside their renowned parameters. These ethereal, sophisticated songs still carry more emotional baggage than a three-time divorcee; doom-laden riffs, low-key harmonies, gothic keyboards and strings interwoven throughout masterfully executed. Opener The Parting's cellos add another sorrowful layer. Renkse has instant chemistry with The Gathering's Silje Wergeland on The One You Are Looking For Is Not Here, the siren providing an appropriate foil. Dead Letters' Tool-esque chug and Buildings bring their metallic leanings to the fore without sacrificing subtlety, while The Racing Heart, Lethean and Hypnone contain carefully sharpened hooks that will bury their way deep into your psyche after a few spins. Leech channels Opeth's Heritage via jazz-infused melodies.

There will be a few dour spots, especially for the uninitiated, by the time these 48 minutes have elapsed. Despite some new members, heavy music's leading miseryguts aren't lightening up anytime soon.