KATATONIA — Live Consternation (review)

KATATONIA — Live Consternation album cover Live album · 2007 · Alternative Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3/5 ·
bartosso
A studio band

I've seen Katatonia live once in Katowice, Poland and I came to a conclusion that they simply are not meant to be a live band. Since THE GREAT COLD DISTANCE their sound has become so polished, so detailed and rich that every time I hear them live it's just not it. And I don't mean LIVE CONSTERNATION is not a good live record, quite the opposite! All tracks sound pretty good and the musicianship is great.

Personally I prefer the first live recording from Katatonia, namely THE BLACK SESSIONS recorded in Krakow. The magic of a small gig played in a club cannot be overestimated. Still, given the circumstances(a metal fest concert) I think the band created a decent atmosphere.

Another good thing about LIVE CONSTERNATION is the set-list that consists mostly of tracks from TGCD and VIVA EMPTINESS. These two records are my favourite from Katatonia and it was the set-list that made me buy the album. So really, even though it's just a recording of the band's gig on Summerbreeze, and despite the fact that Jonas Renkse is one of the least charismatic frontmen I've ever seen, I think every fan should get it.
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J-Man wrote:
more than 2 years ago
The band seemed kinda dead when I saw them with Opeth a few years back too. Competent performance for sure, but they didn't have much stage presence or charisma.
bartosso wrote:
more than 2 years ago
yeah, me too. Also, I think Jonas Renkse sang out of tune in Katowice, 2 years ago. That's strange as he sounds alright in Live Consternation. Did they use auto-tune or just the acoustics in Spodek were crappy ?
UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I agree. I´ve seen Katatonia twice and went home disappointed both times. It´s like their music doesn´t come off well in a live setting...

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