Katatonia – Gig Review and Photo Gallery 10th February @ The Croxton Bandroom, Melb VIC

Katatonia
The Croxton Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne VIC
February 10, 2023
Supports: Suldusk and Victoria K

Remember when live music wasn’t a thing during those dark times of COVID? Remember when international bands couldn’t come to Australia? Sorry for the PTSD flashbacks but shake them off because we are well and truly back with international bands playing somewhere in Aus most nights of the week. Tonight it was Swedish melancholic metal from Katatonia.

The night opened with two acts I had not heard of, but both fit the bill perfectly. The first, Victoria K, was an interesting blend of gothic symphonic metal, with some black metal sprinkled in there. Dual vocalists made their set really balanced and interesting.

The second was also an interesting discovery for me – Suldusk. A blend of folky black metal and, post rock perhaps? It’s something special when a violin and acoustic guitar can fit so perfectly with blast beats and black metal vocals. Only days earlier they supported Blind Guardian, so they’re having one hell of a week!

Light’s dimmed and cheers rose as the Swedish melancholic metal icons Katatonia graced the stage of the Croxton bandroom. With an extensive catalog spanning almost three decades, Katatonia brought their signature blend of dark atmospheres, haunting melodies, and introspective lyrics to the eager crowd. Delivering a setlist that traversed the later half of their illustrious career.

They began with the ominous strains of ‘Austerity’ setting the tone for a journey into the depths of their emotional landscape. Tracks like ‘Colossal Shade’ and ‘Lethean’ captivated the audience with their brooding atmospheres and poignant lyrics. The infectious energy of ‘Flicker’ and ‘Dead Letters’ had the crowd moving in unison.

As the set progressed, highlights emerged in the form of fan favourites such as ‘Forsaker’ and ‘Nephilim’ showcasing the band’s ability to seamlessly blend heavy riffs and pick up the pace a bit. The ethereal beauty of ‘Opaline’ and ‘Birds’ were next.

As the night drew to a close, the encore proved to be a fitting finale, with ‘Behind the Blood’, ‘My Twin’ and ‘Evidence’ that called back to the era that I discovered Katatonia. Their ability to evoke raw emotion through their music was palpable is always.

A masterclass in melancholic metal, showcasing the band’s evolution and enduring relevance in the music scene. Katatonia once again proved why they are held in such high regard by fans and critics alike.

Setlist:

Austerity
Colossal Shade
Lethean
Flicker
Dead Letters
Opaline
Forsaker
Buildings
Decima
The Racing Heart
Nephilim
Birds
Atrium
July
Old Heart Falls
Journey Through Pressure
Encore:
Behind the Blood
My Twin
Evidence

Review and Photo Gallery by Clinton Hatfield. Insta: @ampd.agency.
Please credit Wall of Sound and Clinton Hatfield if you repost photos.

Victoria K

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‍Suldusk

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‍Katatonia

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