Dead End Kings

Katatonia are a band who don't rest on their laurels, and have undergone quite the evolution in their history. Starting as death/doom band they have gradually moved away from the death elements in their sound, to a great effect. After the solid The Great Cold Distance and the acclaimed Night Is the New Day the pressure was on for Katatonia to release an album that continued their upwards projection without compromising their melancholic sound.They responded with "Dead End Kings." I will say right off the bat, this was my favourite album of 2012, and is swiftly becoming one of my favourite albums ever.Every song on this album is excellently crafted and perfectly executed. Starting with "The Parting" and ending with the first single off the album "Dead Letters", the whole album takes you on a journey of emotions that will leave you breathless.Musician wise this album is excellent as well: Guitars are crisp when heavy, and well executed during the softer moments as well. The Rhythm section add brilliant layers of light and shade with aggressive groves or very subtle undertones. Renske gives another excellent Vocal performance, demonstrating heartfelt emotion and feeling throughout.My personal favourite tracks are "The Racing Heart" and "Leethan" which both have strong groves but a really soft melody. In all, the whole album is wall to wall brilliance and highly recommended.

I had a copy of 'Night is the New day' which I loved, I didn't find this recording quite as enjoyable (if that word is appropriate given the general gloom of their sound) - maybe because the singers pitch always falls within quite a small range and after two albums I have had my fill of it, but also I don't think the melodies are quite as haunting on this recording. Still a good album though, accomplished musicianship and atmospherically dark.

Kataonia have grown on me since I was introduced to them a year or so ago. They have a distinctive sound which, although very full and heavy, shows a lot of quality in the construction. This album is one of those 'without a bad track on it', and although that is usually over generous I don't think it is in this case. One of those that grabs you on first hearing and just improves with further listening. They are up there for me with the best of modern metal.

A great album, classic katatonia

Very pleased, thanks.

Katatonia - Dead End Kings is good but perhaps a little disappointing if compared to some of their back catalogue. Stand out tracks are "The Parting" and "Undo You".

A Fantastic album and combines dark melodies and heavy and soft moments and there are no bad tracks on the album.

Great Album