Katabatic: Heavy Water

This is a terrific release. I don't know how many people are familiar with Katabatic, but I certainly think that our readers will enjoy giving them a listen. They're songwriting falls in line with what's come to be known as post-metal, that far-reaching, seemingly boundless style, that makes so much of pauses, long notes, and atmosphere. The vocals are spare, but I didn't mind that--sometimes I get tired of vocals. When vocals are employed, they are usually done so wordlessly. I like that; it creates a musical mood unfettered by blustering lyrics.

According to the promotional materials, Heavy Water was actually released last year in Portugal, the band's home country, but is only now coming to our attention, mostly because the band is looking to broaden their reach. I hope they'll succeed and that other listeners can enjoy this strong album.

My favorite track was easily "Wonder-Room," the opener. I was especially drawn to the comfortable thrumming of the bass parts. At times, I wished I could separate the bass line out from the rest of the music and enjoy its confident foundation. I was disappointed with the way the track ended, though. It just stops, almost in mid-note. The feeling it gave me was that the "wonder" of the "Wonder-room" was taken away, the door closed, the opportunity lost. Alas.

The rest of the album is equally strong, though I suspect some listeners may wish some of the tracks were a little shorter. The title track is a very pretty meditation played on the guitar. Clocking in at only one minute, the song is too short. I wanted much more of that melancholy sound. I think readers will dig this one. My advice: sit back and enjoy this one.

Track Listing:
1. Wonder-Room
2. Light Hexagons
3. Morsa
4. Anova
5. Heavy Water
6. Girlaxia
7. Abandnica

Added: October 9th 2012
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2117
Language: english

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