A mind dazzling musical journey
Swedish metal band Katatonia have been wreaking havoc with their music since 1991 and earlier this year the band released their latest album Sky Void of Stars. As a whole, the record is gnarly with an authoritative vocal performance and each guitar note and drum beat bleeding heavy metal. Sky Void of Stars shows that Katatonia is still able to create dynamic music.
Opening track “Austerity” kicks things off with solid guitar playing by Anders Nystrom and Roger Ojersson. Both guitarists perform on a harmonic level before a wild guitar solo shakes the background with amazing sound. “Austerity” showcases Nystrom and Ojersson’s killer riffs.
Hard hitting “Birds” has a catchy drum play from Daniel Moilanen. The beginning of the track ushers in drum beats, welcoming listeners to Katatonia’s dark world. Throughout, Moilanen does an excellent job of staying attuned with the band; his talent as a drummer truly shines on “Birds.”
Mysterious “Author” is a composition that features smashing bass guitar playing by Niklas Sandin. The riffs fill the atmosphere with beautiful noise and vibrating rumbles that contribute to the harmonic musical style. It is refreshing to hear Sandin’s talents as a bassist on “Author” maintaining the consistency and power of the track as well as the album’s integrity.
Retro “Atrium” is a bit different from the rest of the tracks as the band evokes more of an ’80s rock vibe. The song consists of catchy drum beats and guitar riffs contributing to the feeling of being in a ear of time where the music dominates people’s minds with heart racing sounds. Other than the instrumentation, Jonas Renkse’s vocal performance steals the show. The vocal performance perfectly matches the ’80s rock style portrayed by the instrumentation. “Atrium” is a fun tune that cements Katatonia as unafraid to utilize their creativity to the fullest extent in order to make quality, fantastic music that endures time and space.
Sky Void of Stars is simply a great album which proves that Katatonia have not lost touch with making righteous songs.
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