Katatonia’s last two LPs are the very definition of being growers. Albums I listen to and just do nothing for me. They have a spark though, maybe a song that keeps me coming back for more. With Dead End Kings that spark was The Parting, the amazing opening track. Each listen opened me up to liking more and more songs until suddenly I loved it all. There is just such an entrancingly claustrophobic atmosphere on Dead End Kings. Very rarely does the band break out of their signature oppressive sound which makes it so that when they do it sounds so much the sweeter.
Dead End Kings can easily just feel like Night is the New Day part II. I really can hear it but it’s done with much more swagger here and there is unquestionably more melody hidden beneath the surface which arises with each additional listen.
Best Songs: The Parting, The Racing Heart, Leech, and Dead Letters. But the album really works best as a whole.
Score – B+
MOSTLY METAL! 