Katatonia Announce New Album, Unveil Lead Single “Lilac”: Stream

Katatonia have announced the new album Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, out June 6th via Napalm Records. The video for the lead single “Lilac” can be streamed now.

The LP marks the first Katatonia album with new guitarists Nico Elgstrand and Sebastian Svalland, both of whom are put to the test on the prog-leaning “Lilac.” The song touts dynamic rhythmic changes and traverses numerous styles, from somber atmospheric goth rock to full-grind progressive death metal. Frontman and founding member Jonas Renkse helms the track with a majestic vocal performance.

“We are proud and excited to announce our new album,” stated Renske in a press release. “As always, these songs are the stories that thrive in the corner of the eye, obscured by the light but waiting to come alive in the dusk of our morbid existence. Please enjoy the first scent — ‘Lilac.'”

Renkse served as the album’s producer, with engineering by Lawrence Mackrory at NBS Audio and The City of Glass. It was mixed by Adam Noble and mastered by Robin Schmidt at 24-96 Mastering.

News of the album comes just weeks after founding guitarist Anders Nyström announced his departure from the veteran metal act after 34 years alongside Renske. Nyström cited creative differences with his longtime bandmate, expressing a desire to revisit the more extreme sound of Katatonia’s early discography that was at odds with Renske’s vision for the band.

You can pre-order Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State via Napalm Records. Stream the video for “Lilac” and see the album art and tracklist below.

Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State Artwork:

Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State Tracklist:
01. Thrice
02. The Liquid Eye
03. Wind of no Change
04. Lilac
05. Temporal
06. Departure Trails
07. Warden
08. The Light Which I Bleed
09. Efter Solen
10. In the Event of