Sweden’s Katatonia has a hard driving, bright, and sad metal sound. The uncommon mix of Last Fair Deal Gone Down continues the contemporary direction of Tonight’s Decision. Both seem like an eclectic collection of sad songs rendered in faster motion. The guitars strum and flutter with a spiraling action as if they are fading in and out of a fitful Smashing Pumpkins video. The beat, especially with the livelier drum play in Last Fair Deal Gone Down, romps like newer Metallica, laying down an infectious, head-bobbing groove. Katatonia as described in many circles would seem to be depressing doom metal band but instead plays a very vibrant type of metal. While other labelmates on Peaceville Records have also been blazing this trail lately, Katatonia has a good combination going.

In particular, singer Jonas Renkse has an interesting and emotional voice even though he sounds like he could be one of us. He sings very naturally and casual as if he is singing along to the radio across the room. Yet somehow through perhaps familiarity he makes you encouraged to sing along with him. It’s sultry and grabs for attention like a wise Kevin Moore (Chromakey) weaving expression around philosophy and type. And Katatonia’s weaving of lyrics around soul and negativity is so captivating because it could've been of your own depressed musings.

by Alzn, score 4.75 out of 5