After 20 years in the metal scene, Katatonia have taken a very similar route of celebration as their Swedish compatriots Opeth; by performing a series of special shows to showcase their back catalogue of songs. Unlike the aforementioned prog-metallers, the slightly less renowned Katatonia ended up in Camden’s KOKO which, while less impressive and grandiose than the Royal Albert Hall, suited the band and their sound perfectly and offered an intimate experience.
Having unfortunately missed Opeth’s 20th anniversary show I was determined to get tickets for Katatonia for a show that would surely be exceptional not only for the performance but also the content. The setlist was divided into a complete performance of 2001’s Last Fair Deal Gone Down, followed by an assortment of songs from their latest record and some previously unheard and seldom played classics.
While there is no doubt that the musicianship and sound of the band was excellent, much better than I was expecting after watching a rather dismal performance at Bloodstock 2009, I feel that the song selection let them down a little. Katatonia are by far one of my favourite bands, but unlike many that hold that title I would not claim that their back-catalogue is flawless. Last Fair Deal Gone Down has some of their greats on it, but as a whole does tend to waver towards the end, and unfortunately this very effect was produced with the first set. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but I couldn’t help but feel that the first half was more of a prologue to what was undoubtedly going to be a more interesting second.
And what a second half it turned out to be. Opening with Brave, Katatonia’s early and much heavier death/doom sound which featured frontman Jonas Renske growling with an ease that makes one question the disappearance of the metal shouts post Brave Murder Day. The band managed to carry what is ultimately a long and sludgy doom sound with such facility, that it retained the same quality and interest as their later and catchier songs. Following this was Nephilim which sounded brilliant and had all the emotional inflection felt on the album. The juxtaposition between the old and new material really showed that, while differing in many ways throughout their career, Katatonia retain a very deep set emotive quality to all their music which can be detected no matter what album you listen to.
High points during the set included July, I Break and The Longest Year which, while being more popular choices, got the crowd going and highlighted Katatonia’s strongest assets. I Break was particularly welcome as every song on Discouraged Ones really gets me excited. The biggest disappointment of the second half had to be the complete lack of tracks from Viva Emptiness which is my favourite album. Gutting.
Now while I may not be completely satisfied with which songs they chose, I cannot deny that this was Katatonia on an absolute high and it was a great concert. No doubt a lot of the songs haven’t seen light for many years, if at all, and there was a real sense of enjoyment among the band and fans who relished the resurgence of older material. I think these anniversary shows are great for both band and fans alike and hopefully leads to an excitement which will spur such bands to continue for many years to come. The setting of KOKO, while smelling of piss and vomit on occasion, was an excellently intimate and well-chosen venue and the band surpassed all previous doubts about their live prowess.
Set 1
Dispossession
Chrome
We Must Bury You
Teargas
I Transpire
Tonight’s Muic
Clean Today
The Future of Speech
Passing Bird
Sweet Nurse
Don’t Tell a Soul
Set 2
Brave
Nephilim
My Twin
I Break
Right into the Bliss
The Promise of Deceit
Wait Outside
The Longest Year
July
New Night
Encore
Dissolving Bonds
Forsaker
