The Great Cold Distance - Katatonia

Following the disappointment of 'Viva Emptiness,' Katatonia play it safe with an unadventurous album of slow and steady gothic rock songs, all bearing the exact same structure and often sounding like they want to be Tool, albeit without the artistry and interesting music. It's not a bad album, but there's nothing particularly notable about it either; 'Leaders' has some catchy vocals but is spoiled by a worthless quiet section, 'Increase' has some stoner rock style riffs to help distinguish it somewhat, and every song builds to the same crescendo that sees otherwise pleasant, atmospheric rock songs spoiled by an unnecessary loud finale, something that's particularly ...  Read the complete review