The main reason for this year’s departure of Katatonia’s founding member Anders Nyström was the fact that, unlike his bandmate and co-founder Jonas Renkse, he wanted the band’s heavier roots to play a bigger role in its music. Knowing that, it comes as no surprise that the band’s 13th studio album continues down the path set by their previous release, Sky Void of Stars. This means that Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State has a polished sound, with the same compact, well-rounded quality. For those who hoped for more edge and heaviness, this might be disappointing—but it shouldn’t be surprising, as this is the sound the band has been working with on the last few records, and it’s the direction Renkse sees as the cornerstone of Katatonia’s identity in the 2020s.

The heavy use of keyboards adds to the refined overall listening experience, while also playing a vital role in sustaining the album’s signature atmosphere. However, it is Renkse’s vocals and melodies that remain the heart of Katatonia. His tone and melodic phrasing are highly distinctive, carrying an emotional depth that defines the band’s sound.

This atmosphere and flow are juxtaposed with odd time signatures and drum patterns that, at times might seem out of place, actually play a crucial role in the overall arrangements. These rhythmic choices are another defining element of the band’s music.

The contrasts within the elements that make up Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State are skilfully juggled and balanced by Renkse’s melodies, which simultaneously highlight both the simplicity and complexity of the instrumentation and arrangements. A perfect example is the album’s most ambitious track, “Winds of No Change,” which is heartbreakingly simple yet layered and intricately arranged. The band uses choirs and keyboards in a way that makes them an essential part of the song’s identity.

The album opener, “Thrice,” also works extremely well, encapsulating almost all the trademarks of Katatonia anno 2025 in one dynamic and intense journey.

The first half of the album is undoubtedly the strongest, while the second half feels somewhat less inspired. It suffers from some of the same issues as its predecessor—namely, a reliance on similar formulas across several tracks, which makes it hard to distinguish songs like “Departure Trails,” “In the Event Of,” and “The Light Which I Bleed.” Still, both albums feel more consistent than 2020’s City Burials, which lacked a clear direction.

The album also marks the first time the band has recorded a song in their native Swedish. “Efter Solen” (“After the Sun”) features some exquisite elements, and it’s a pleasure to hear Renkse singing in his own language. However, the track feels like a somewhat strange fusion of Kent and Katatonia. While Renkse has long been a fan of Kent, the bottom line is that he should probably leave sounding like Kent to Kent.

Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State is a logical follow-up to Sky Void of Stars — to such a degree that it feels like its part two. This is a clear direction for the band in this day and age. While more unpredictability, edge, and experimentation would be welcome, Katatonia has carved out a unique niche, and even the departure of Nyström and Roger Öjersson hasn’t shaken that foundation.

Renkse appears comfortable with the band’s current direction, and ultimately, it’s most important that artists follow their instincts rather than trying to please fans. There’s something stubbornly admirable about that. That said, while this is another solid album, it’s unlikely to become one of the band’s truly career-defining releases.

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