| | Full Review | Ratings (455) |
Give your Rating |
| 4.5 superb | Kyle Ward STAFF | August 15th 12 |
It seems that Katatonia realized that maybe Night is the New Day was just a bit too bland to keep their sound going for an 11-track album, so they went ahead and fixed that. On Dead End Kings, we have the same eleven tracks, but we also have substance that was nowhere near present on their previous effort. Vocals that are dialed in and on-point, riffing that is still minimalist but makes itself more flowing, running with the vocal melodies while still retaining a sense of individuality. Electric guitar solos to harmonious bridges to subtle, simple clean riffs, there is something tangible here that Katatonia have not displayed for quite some time. It is a clash of serenity and brutality, with the guitar solo in "Leech" showing a side that the thunderous chords of "Dead Letters" would not reveal. The stellar production that was placed on Night is the New Day is back, and this time even better given the fact that it has more to work with and so many different shades to accentuate. It is likely that the more this spins, the better it will get, so don't be surprised to see yourself becoming more and more enthralled.
9 Bumps | Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | controlled | August 22nd 12 |
better than 'Night' ok, good. aren't we just asking for good new albums by now? fuck...
3 Bumps | Bump |
| 3.5 great | DarkNoctus CONTRIBUTOR | August 15th 12 |
not terrible, what do you know? :]
3 Bumps | Bump |
| 1.5 very poor | Mr. Snake | November 2nd 12 |
Boring, contrived, and overrated. Katatonia falls flat; many are unable to see it.
1 Bumps | Bump |
| 3.5 great | lifter | September 9th 12 |
Yet another Katatonia album that subscribes to the following formula for just about every song: heavy riff intro, instruments lay back replaced by rather ambient atmospheric beats plus crooning and sad vocals for the verse, heavy riff returns for chorus. Repeat twice, throw in a bridge in the middle, and for one or two chosen songs, include a guitar solo. Don't get me wrong, they are the masters of this formula within their genre. Compared to their last three albums, this one sounds more emotional, more intimate, more akin to chamber music. This is good. On the other hand, the heavy parts are not as memorable or crushing (seeing them play this live made this abundantly clear--there is no "Forsaker" or "Leaders" on this album), and they sound a bit derivative of their previous albums. Plus, the variation between songs (except in emotional coloring) is nowhere near as pronounced as on Last Fair Deal Gone Down or Viva Emptiness. A solid album from a truly excellent band, but rating this against Katatonia's eight other full-lengths, I would place this latest effort somewhere in the middle.
1 Bumps | Bump |
| 3.5 great | Trey Spencer STAFF | August 28th 12 |
It's the album I've been waiting for them to make.
1 Bumps | Bump |
| 3.0 good | Kanye West | August 20th 12 |
I was really hoping to like this...but this is like water. It's tasteless, doesn't stick, not very viscous at all (streamlined beyond memorability), and all interesting ideas that do exist are diluted and ineffective. Although, it has its moments and I can still find enjoyment in this aqueous attempt at a significant album.
1 Bumps | Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | Apollo | August 15th 12 |
Stellar album, could easily see this going up to a 5 in time. Right in time for the fall/winter season.
1 Bumps | Bump |
| 5.0 classic | phichens | August 15th 12 |
A classic, has all the qualities of NITND and some interesting sounds that you don't really expect from Katatonia, not a foot wrong IMO. Woot!
1 Bumps | Bump |
| 4.5 superb | Dan | March 6th 13 |
Great in every point, gloomy and dark, but still very melodic and catchy. 4,6 - 5.
Bump |
| 3.0 good | Travis Montgomery | January 23rd 13 |
I want to say this would be an album I'd have loved 3 years ago, but going back and looking, I didn't even like it then (when Night is the New Day came out). This band it seems is a lot like Opeth, a highly skilled band that can open up a listener's horizons. However, once that point has been reached by the listener, the band kind of loses its pizzazz. 3.2/5
Bump |
| 4.5 superb | MaidenUFO | December 2nd 12 |
I am addicted with this album..songs like "The racing heart", "Hypnone" and "The parting" are so fuckin perfect songs! Katatonia->in the top 5 rock/metal bands today...
Bump |
| 3.5 great | Voivod STAFF | October 22nd 12 |
This is Katatonia suffering from a burnt out syndrome (who's to blame: Night Is The New Day)
Still the record has its moments...
Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | LakeshoreStrangler | September 27th 12 |
Very beautifull stuff again, but was kinda expected haha.
Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | ManintheBox | September 20th 12 |
Another really really strong 4 this year, so close to a 4.5 due to amazingly slick production and some beautiful atmospheres. There just wasn't a song on here that really blew me away or just jumped out of the mold. Don't get me wrong there are amazing songs that form an amazingly dark yet beautiful album. Best songs are the one you are looking for is not here, racing heart, and ambitions.
Bump |
| 3.5 great | TheNotrap | September 7th 12 |
Elegant songwriting with a strong sense of harmony dynamics. Interesting release.
Bump |
| 4.5 superb | RedHorizon | September 5th 12 |
It became clear and obvious that since releasing Viva Emptiness, Katatonia were poised to one day release an album with a sound far more oriented towards Progressive Rock than anything they have ever done. If you are someone that seeks haunting yet stratospheric melodies, soundscaping that pushes you to evade your mind, and an overall musicianship that dares to deliver complex yet compelling songs, this album is for you. Special mentions goes to Jonas Renkse, whose vocals abilities never cease to amaze.
Bump |
| 3.5 great | meepstik | September 4th 12 |
This didn't stand out to me at first but grew on me quite a bit. There are lots of intricate details in each song. The vocals are perhaps a weak point in terms of variety, although it sounds good. Also could criticize the overall sameness in their sound going back a number of years now.
Bump |
| 3.5 great | 05McDonaldT | August 29th 12 |
A case of style over substance this time round. There are some very strong moments, but most of this album is thoroughly overwrought, with the songs smothered by layers of sound that need not be there and their emotional impact significantly reduced as a result.
Bump |
| 2.0 poor | Terrence von Wright | August 29th 12 |
this is shallow, boo-hoo I'm sad look at me make sad music BS in a pool already full of this
kind of BS. This isn't even good music to boot, so what is left? Easy 2...the fans are
stupid.
Bump |
| 4.5 superb | ArisLBM | August 28th 12 |
My favorite material released by this band, even though I haven't really listened to any of their other albums in full. But I listened to a good amount of songs before the release of this album. I really love the dark/melancholy/brooding atmosphere that this band creates. From what I've heard from other people, this album is the softest in the band's discography. For a band like Katatonia, I think that their softest moments shine the most, and are executed perfectly. That's not to say there aren't any heavy moments on this album. This band is able to contrast their heavy moments and soft moments beautifully, especially on songs like "Leech". Songs like "Dead Letters" and "Buildings" will satisfy the fans of heavier Katatonia. There is also great instrumentation on here, with the addition of symphonic elements. The vocals are very haunting yet beautiful. The drumming is not too flashy, but there are plenty of interesting grooves and fills.
Bump |
| 4.5 superb | Banksy | August 27th 12 |
This album is mastered and played perfectly. The lyrics are both apocalyptic and hopeful, like dying then waking to live your best day ever!
Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | FranticDisemboweler | August 27th 12 |
Katatonia's sound, but its the same sound. Not bad, but not different.r4/5
Bump |
| 0.0 | For Bitchfork | August 27th 12 |
A grower, everytime I listen I get familiarized with it much more and start realizing it is much better than it seemed.. Their most balanced and well-crafted record since Brave Murder Day came out a decade & so ago.
Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | J.H. | August 24th 12 |
This was the 4/5 that Night is the New Day should have been but wasn't. I am glad this album turned out to be so creatively written!
Bump |
| 4.5 superb | Kartik Suresh | August 20th 12 |
Following the footsteps of 'Night is the New Day', Katatonia have produced possibly their
finest record since 'The Great Cold Distance'. The ingenuity behind this record begins
revealing itself after a few spins but when it hits, it'd take a lot to not be enthralled by
it.
Riffing on occasions is hardly complicated, but the multiple layers of melancholy, serenity
and bliss begin unmasking themselves after a few listens. A definite review will definitely
follow. However, for now, just kick back, get your alcohol and get ready for the upcoming
winter with this record that not only promises, but for the moment, seems to deliver.
Bump |
| 3.0 good | glezz | August 19th 12 |
Album hasn't been released. I'm pretty sure all these folks are not Metal Journalists who get free pre-releases!
Bump |
| 3.5 great | Lani Parker | August 18th 12 |
I kinda feel meh after this album. The closer is amazing with its odd melodies, but most of the stuff that comes before it just isn't that engaging.
Bump |
| 4.5 superb | Brendan Schroer CONTRIBUTOR | August 16th 12 |
A happy Noctus makes me a happy Necro :3
Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | Crysler | August 14th 12 |
Basically a continuation of Dead End Kings with better range of vocals (A LOT better vocals actually, they really shine on this album). rVery good atmosphere and musicality, very bad in terms of originality.
Bump |
| 4.0 excellent | Tobi | June 15th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | Joseph | May 28th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | cb123 | May 28th 13 |
| 4.5 superb | Flyboy | May 16th 13 |
| 4.5 superb | Duncs | April 26th 13 |
| 2.5 average | wonky | April 20th 13 |
| 2.5 average | snewso | April 17th 13 |
| 3.5 great | Mike08 | April 15th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | Cabrero | April 10th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | simonj | April 7th 13 |
| 3.5 great | Pesty | March 28th 13 |
| 3.5 great | hraffe | March 24th 13 |
| 4.5 superb | sodas | March 21st 13 |
| 2.5 average | mh13 | March 13th 13 |
| 4.5 superb | max13x | March 10th 13 |
| 3.5 great | Asator | March 3rd 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | Zantera | March 1st 13 |
| 4.5 superb | Mehtal | February 28th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | Ryuujin | February 20th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | captahab | February 20th 13 |
| 3.0 good | Makku | February 3rd 13 |
| 3.5 great | viri | January 25th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | ddmac | January 22nd 13 |
| 4.5 superb | Jac | January 15th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | trogora | January 14th 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | Swoon | January 6th 13 |
| 3.0 good | Escain | January 6th 13 |
| 3.5 great | mursu | January 3rd 13 |
| 4.0 excellent | Kronzo | December 31st 12 |
| 3.5 great | Zeg | December 30th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Muhammad | December 29th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Gmork89 | December 28th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Key | December 22nd 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | ameypv | December 18th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | IronWolf | December 18th 12 |
| 3.5 great | seifer | December 12th 12 |
| 3.5 great | Aziz CONTRIBUTOR | December 10th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | marasm | December 5th 12 |
| 5.0 classic | adace1 | November 28th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | lerem | November 20th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Josh Pye | November 19th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | pboitel | November 16th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Duffluc | November 16th 12 |
| 3.5 great | Sunlar | November 15th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Coast | November 12th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Skubny | November 12th 12 |
| 3.0 good | Lalka | November 10th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | RAGG | October 25th 12 |
| 5.0 classic | yjrb | October 24th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | vkristi | October 20th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Khailen | October 17th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Tambur | October 17th 12 |
| 2.5 average | DRZ | October 15th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Hunter | October 15th 12 |
| 3.5 great | Stonik | October 14th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | pumi | October 3rd 12 |
| 3.5 great | 01011 | October 2nd 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | N2B3J | October 1st 12 |
| 3.5 great | Dev518 | October 1st 12 |
| 5.0 classic | Paul | September 30th 12 |
| 3.5 great | Majkl | September 30th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | TBliss2 | September 28th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Photon | September 24th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | pride | September 23rd 12 |
| 3.5 great | BrianE | September 22nd 12 |
| 3.0 good | drewkar | September 22nd 12 |
| 3.0 good | kriz | September 21st 12 |
| 4.5 superb | theTodd | September 21st 12 |
| 3.5 great | J. Ponton EMERITUS | September 20th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Nokterne | September 19th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Spag | September 19th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Sean Mc | September 17th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Kriss | September 16th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | gallus90 | September 15th 12 |
| 2.5 average | fjutt | September 15th 12 |
| 3.5 great | Host78 | September 15th 12 |
| 1.0 awful | Dawija | September 14th 12 |
| 3.5 great | Dime22 | September 13th 12 |
| 3.0 good | SourAK | September 11th 12 |
| 3.0 good | Solisis | September 11th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | sj666 | September 11th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | btors | September 11th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | hsb | September 10th 12 |
| 3.5 great | Wafflez | September 10th 12 |
| 1.5 very poor | Schizo94 | September 10th 12 |
| 3.5 great | Vak | September 10th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | 32left | September 10th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | daghe | September 10th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Aileen09 | September 8th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | srm90 | September 7th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | chayka | September 7th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Texture | September 6th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Gbhill | September 5th 12 |
| 2.5 average | Pho3nix | September 4th 12 |
| 3.0 good | RvN | September 4th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Djjakul | September 3rd 12 |
| 3.0 good | zuzek | September 2nd 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Andres | September 2nd 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Acros | September 2nd 12 |
| 3.5 great | Behexen | September 2nd 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Ikarus14 | September 1st 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | NoXoR | September 1st 12 |
| 3.5 great | dre458 | September 1st 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | DRWND | September 1st 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Amazone | August 31st 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | xVision | August 30th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Alex Beebe CONTRIBUTOR | August 29th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Zappo | August 29th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Mike C | August 29th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Shogun | August 29th 12 |
| 3.0 good | Lueda | August 29th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Hyper | August 29th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Thomas | August 28th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | smeaf | August 28th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | limbs | August 27th 12 |
| 5.0 classic | Dritero | August 27th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Phate72 | August 27th 12 |
| 2.5 average | Glemsen | August 27th 12 |
| 3.5 great | alsid | August 25th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | CoConi | August 25th 12 |
| 2.0 poor | Titan | August 24th 12 |
| 3.5 great | Marth | August 24th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Dan | August 24th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | DWiz | August 24th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Will C. | August 24th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Tobi | August 23rd 12 |
| 3.5 great | leycec | August 23rd 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Lambda | August 22nd 12 |
| 5.0 classic | Murli | August 21st 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | zxlkho | August 18th 12 |
| 4.0 excellent | Zion | August 17th 12 |
| 4.5 superb | Hawks | August 17th 12 |
| 5.0 classic | Sabaton | August 16th 12 |
| 2.0 poor | bloc | August 15th 12 |
| 5.0 classic | ArAforN | August 15th 12 |
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