Mnemosynean is a celebration of Sweden’s Katatonia thirty-year career. Not a greatest hits album but a collection of rarities B-sides, and remixes collected in a sumptuous package with great love and detail.
This is an exhaustive two-disc set that is far from the usual cash-in to celebrate success. at 27 Tracks it is a cohesive beautiful representation of a band that has progressed throughout the realms of metal to progressive and at times alt-rock. From its gentle opener ‘Vakaren’ with its emotion, and the subdued Sister things take a powerful thunderous turn with ‘Ashen’, ‘Sulfur’ and ‘Fractured that ‘remind you of the band’s beginnings and their doom-laden power, whilst ‘Scarlet Heaven’ is more Goth inspired rock and a glimpse into the band’s adventurous musical diversity.
Always been a huge fan of their version of Priests Night Comes Down and it is a pleasure to see it represented here and how seamlessly it fits in with the band’s diverse musical offerings.
‘Ashen’ offers its layers of guitars and the later released ‘Displaced’ continues this theme. The guitar line on Wait outside is superb in its barely contained fury and rousing vocals.
The remixes represented here are thoughtful and well-constructed. The excellent ‘My Twin’ (Opium dub version) and ‘’Soils Song’’ (Krister Linder 2012 remix) are true highlights.
For the casual listener, Mnemosynean is the perfect introduction to the band’s somber emotive power and sublime musicianship. For the fan, this is an essential part of your collection that is a unique offering and insight into their remarkable musical career.
Katatonia: Facebook
Release Year: 2021
Label: PEACEVILLE
Category: Album
Country: Sweden
Reviewed by Sparky
