Simon Rushworth
Following the release of last month’s rushonrock rated 8/10 album Night Is The New Day, Katatonia are set to tour the UK next year.
Formed in 1991 by Anders Nyström and Jonas Renkse their debut album, Dance Of December Souls, was released in 1993 gaining the band recognition for their eclectic brand of gothic doom/death metal.
Future albums saw a sleeker Katatonia sound come to the fore, starting with the melodic rock songs which became the third album Discouraged Ones – the record which shaped their modern-day approach.
Night Is The New Day sees Katatonia at the height of their powers with a continuation of the heaviness, depth and atmosphere of their previous album The Great Cold Distance.
Shaped by the haunting tones of Jonas Renkse’s journeys of urban and emotional decay the band has now been joined by Frank Default on keyboards, notable for his work on the track Unfurl from the July EP.
The album was recorded throughout July 2009 and was co-produced, engineered and mixed by David Castillo (Opeth, InMe). Recording was divided between Studio Mega (for drums) and Ghost Ward Studios, where most recording took place. This provided a dose of inspiration from the darker corners of life with its choice of location. Mastering was completed at Fascination Street Studios (where The Great Cold Distance was recorded) with Jens Bogren (Opeth, Amon Amarth and Paradise Lost)
Consummate live performers, Katatonia have just supported Paradise Lost across the UK and performed at the Hellfire festival. The band have announced a series of headline UK gigs across the UK in March 2010 in addition to performing at Hammerfest II.
Full dates are as follows –
Tues 9th March Manchester – Academy 3
Wed 10th March Nottingham – Basement
Thu 11th March London – Garage
Fri 12th March Hammerfest II – Prestatyn
Sat 13th March Cardiff – Barfly
Sun 14th March Wolverhampton – Little Civic
Tickets are priced £10 (£12 for London) – subject to booking fee. Tickets are available from Seetickets – http://www.seetickets.com/see/event.asp?e|artist=KATATONIA&n|artist=null&resultsperpage=20&filler1=see&filler2=art-srch&orderby=date and 24hr cc hotline 08702643333. Doors are at 7.30pm – Katatonia onstage at 9pm.