Live Review: Katatonia – Wolverhampton

Katatonia's UK tour brought them to KK's Steel Mill in Wolverhampton for a West Midlands date. With rising Belgian metallers Cobra the Impaler in tow as their support act, they impress with a high octane opening set. Powerful, melodic and modern sounding, they bring a tight, well rehearsed performance with them. Their vocal harmonies, interesting riff work and tasty guitar leads sit nicely ahead of precise, controlled drumming. Each member is clearly talented and well-seasoned as live performers, able to deliver the set with presence despite the precise, progressive music. The crowd receives them well, getting into the music and visibly headbanging away. Closing song 'Assassins of the Vision' is one of their strongest, with a particularly powerful breakdown at the very end.

Eventually it's Katatonia's turn to take to the stage, entertaining the lively crowd with their dark, gothic heavy metal. 'Austerity' opens proceedings in fine form, setting the tone very quickly. Commanding the stage with the presence of metal gods, they have a graceful, elegant sense of groove. Jonas's hypnotic and low vocals carry the melodies with class, and the polished guitar tones bring a sense of atmosphere to really make the band sound big. 'Lethean' offers an early setlist highlight, before 'Leaders' gets the crowd headbanging with its strong guitar riffs.