Katatonia Unveils New Single ‘Temporal’

Swedish melancholic metal band Katatonia has once again captivated their audience with the release of their second single, “Temporal,” from the forthcoming album “Nightmares As Extensions Of The Waking State.” Scheduled for release on June 6, 2025, via Napalm Records, the album marks a significant evolution for the band, showcasing their ability to balance fragility with power through intense verses and emotive choruses. The song “Temporal” exemplifies this balance, bringing listeners into a vivid emotional landscape, supplemented by a compelling lyric video available to fans on major streaming platforms.

The lineup of Katatonia in 2025 sees some notable changes, offering a fresh dynamic to their sound. Founding vocalist Jonas Renkse continues to guide the band alongside bassist Niklas Sandin and drummer Daniel Moilanen. Adding to their rich musical tapestry, new guitarists Nico Elgstrand and Sebastian Svalland join the team, replacing long-standing guitarist Anders Nyström, who recently departed. Nyström's exit, while highlighting a shift in personal and musical trajectories, places a spotlight on the new chapters awaiting Katatonia with their upcoming album.

“Nightmares As Extensions Of The Waking State,” builds on the successful foundation of their previous release “Sky Void Of Stars,” unveiled in 2023. This album promises a refined sonic journey through crystal-clear production that emphasizes the interplay between silence and intensity. The tracks fluctuate between heavy, raw riffs and tender harmonies, inviting listeners into Katatonia's distinctively enigmatic soundscapes. For instance, “Thrice” and “Warden” pulse with energetic fervor, while the nearly ceremonial “Wind Of No Change” mingles subtle electronic tones with natural soundscapes, each contributing to the album's diverse palette.

This latest release celebrates Katatonia's perennial ability to redefine melancholic metal. Despite over 30 years in the scene, the band continues to challenge themselves and their listeners with their innovative approach to music production. The production team consisting of renowned professionals like Lawrence Mackrory, who handled recording, Adam Noble on mixing duties, and Robin Schmidt in mastering, has brought a high level of polish and finesse to the album’s overall sound. These elements conspire to highlight the intricacy and depth of tracks such as the minimalistic yet striking Swedish-lyric piece “Efter Solen.”

As anticipation builds for the album's release, Katatonia is also preparing for an extensive tour titled ‘Waking State of Europe’ which will feature labelmates Evergrey and Italian band KLOGR. This tour, beginning in Tampere, Finland, on November 11, will traverse 31 significant cities across Europe, culminating in Stockholm, Sweden, on December 20. Fans are eager to witness the band live, as this tour promises to deliver some of the most stirring performances, highlighting tracks from both their new and classic repertoires.

In the wake of Anders Nyström's departure, however, the band faces transitionaries. Jonas Renkse acknowledges both the impact Nyström had on establishing the band’s sound and the necessity of their parting for future creative freedoms. Nonetheless, the legacy of Katatonia is a shared history, one that Renkse seeks to honor as he steps further into the band's next evolutionary phase. Such changes are underscored by the lyricism and themes of “Nightmares As Extensions Of The Waking State,” as the band ventures deeper into exploring the human condition, beauty amidst chaos, and the intricate dance between light and shadow.

With “Nightmares As Extensions Of The Waking State,” Katatonia not only promises to expand their discography but also to offer a piece of art that resonates with long-time fans and new listeners alike. Through their storytelling and musical craftsmanship, they continue to be torchbearers of melancholy, weaving complex emotions into their melodies and lyrics, and affirming their standing in the metal scene. As the release date approaches, the blend of veteran experience and fresh influences rekindles excitement for what lies ahead for Katatonia.