Katatonia’s Dead Air: live and kicking in lockdown

Sweden’s masters of melancholy Katatonia bust the lockdown blues on new live album Dead Air

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Katatonia: Dead Air album cover
(Image: © Peaceville)

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This spring, veteran Swedish prog metallers Katatonia released City Burials – a mighty return after a four-year hiatus. With the supporting tour derailed by the pandemic, Katatonia streamed a lockdown show in May, released now as a live album, and the performance highlights the band’s aptitude for performing their highly polished material with both precision and emphatic potency. The setlist offers a veritable Katatonia primer, its 20 fan-chosen songs including three tracks from City Burials. Anthemic standards My Twin, Lacquer and Unfurl translate well, capping off a towering vocal performance from Jonas Renkse. Not a dramatic leap from the originals but earnest, energised and a worthy addition to their catalogue.

Joe Daly
Joe Daly

Hailing from San Diego, California, Joe Daly is an award-winning music journalist with over thirty years experience. Since 2010, Joe has been a regular contributor for Metal Hammer, penning cover features, news stories, album reviews and other content. Joe also writes for Classic Rock, Bass Player, Men’s Health and Outburn magazines. He has served as Music Editor for several online outlets and he has been a contributor for SPIN, the BBC and a frequent guest on several podcasts. When he’s not serenading his neighbours with black metal, Joe enjoys playing hockey, beating on his bass and fawning over his dogs.