Before you run out expecting to go and buy a copy of a brand spanking new Katatonia album, you need to know that all is not quite what it seems. Yes, Dethroned and Uncrowned is Katatonia's new release, and first for Kscope after spending 14 years on sister label Peaceville Records, BUT, basically what you get here is a re-working of their 2012 album Dead End Kings. Those who might have felt that Dead End Kings saw the Swedish masters of sorrowful, melancholy metal take even more steps further away from their classic sound will no doubt want to steer clear of this often tender, poignant, beautiful, but at the same time sleep inducing re-interpretation of their previous CD. Most of the songs here are now adorned with acoustic guitars, piano, strings, and assorted keyboards, certainly given a 'lushness' that has some appeal, but anyone expecting any metallic thump will be severely disappointed. There's nothing metal or even hard rock about this album, instead the band altering these songs towards a style that's not unlike what Anathema has been doing, which is a sort of melancholy pop/prog/gothic hybrid. Not bad mind you, but anything resembling vintage Katatonia it ain't.
So, if you are longing for the days of Brave Murder Day, Viva Emptiness, or The Great Cold Distance, I think we can safely say that Katatonia has moved well past those glory years and morphed into something entirely new. If you can accept the more textured, layered, bleak, and melodic Katatonia of Night Is the New Day and Dead End Kings, then I'm sure you'll appreciate this mellow re-working of the latter. For me, this is pleasant but ultimately a yawn fest.
Track Listing
1.The Parting
2.The One You Are Looking For Is Not Here
3.Hypnone
4.The Racing Heart
5.Buildings
6.Leech
7.Ambitions
8.Undo You
9.Lethean
10.First Prayer
11.Dead Letters