KATATONIA Interview: Nico and the Similar Expressions of Country, Bluegrass, and Metal
I have said this many times, and I will say it many more, Sweden has some of the most impressive bands in the metal genre within their country. What is most astonishing about this is that Swedes are primarily not metalheads, so it’s remarkable how they consistently produce not only some of the best music but also some of the most talented musicians. Katatonia is high up on that list, along with In Flames, Candlemass, The Halo Effect, and Greenleaf. The most amazing thing about Katatonia, is no matter how many lineup changes they go through, they remain incredibly consistent. Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State is no different and in my opinion, is one of their best releases in the last three album cycles, even though I have loved every stage and every album of this soulful band.
Katatonia began in 1991 out of Stockholm by vocalist Jonas Renkse and Anders Nystrom (bass, guitar, keyboard, backing vocals). Nystrom currently left Katatonia leaving Renkse as the sole original member. Current members include: Renkse (vocals), Niklas Sandin (bass), Nico Elgstrand (guitar), Sebastian Svalland (guitar), and Daniel Moilanen (drums). Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State begins with a melodic yet heavy track, “Thrice,” which features many melody shifts throughout the song. It has become my favorite on this album. Renkse’s haunting vocal style which fans have grown to love to the depths of their souls, drives through the heart with each twist and turn. Instrumentally, it is incredibly impressive. Another notable track is, “The Light Which I Bleed”, which pushes and pulls the darkness and brutality of your inner being. Renkse also presents a beautiful Swedish song titled, “Efter Solen”, with a beautiful piano melody.
This entire album is exactly what I love about Katatonia with consistency yet little surprises here and there. It is charm and elegance mixed into some of the best musicianship when it comes to composition. I highly encourage you all to listen to it all, in its entirety.
Nico was kind enough to sit down with Metal Nation and discuss this release. (If you are viewing from your phone, please scroll to the end of the page and click “View Desktop Version” to gain interview and video access).