Katatonia- The Longest Year

Artist: Katatonia

CD Title: The Longest Year

Label: Peaceville Records

Reviewer: Peter Cooper

Date: 3-31-10

Depending on what era of Katatonia you are into, Katatonia's new EP "The Longest Year" featuring new unreleased tracks and alternate versions is definitely worth getting into. The title track utilizes dynamics that are well placed and structured and delivers bipolar power and melancholy. However, I am put off by songs like "Day and Then the Shade" and "Sold Heart" which are quite soft and synthetic. There is no doubt that the songs are chock full of melancholy, though they lack power and anger. I have not been a fan of Katatonia's change in direction since 1998's Discouraged Ones, but those Katatonia fans who are loyal to the death will like the new EP since it is full of despair. However, I think that anger is more useful than despair and too much of the former can give music a lethargic and tired feeling, which was certainly accomplished on this EP. Perhaps there are many Katatonia fans hoping and wishing that they will return to their roots; I am one of those people.

Check out the band and label: www.peacevillerecords.com

Pete Cooper- www.facebook.com/pages/Peter-Cooper-Band/103553261084