The first of two
Katatonia
discs to feature
Mikael Akerfeldt
of
Opeth
subbing for regular vocalist
Jonas Renske
,
Brave Murder Day
is perhaps the most thorough and accomplished first-phase release from the Swedish death/doom outfit. The music is simple, almost trance-like
gothic metal
topped with
Akerfeldt
's signature shouts and growls. Dynamics aren't exactly places at a premium on
, but quieter moments on tracks like
"Day"
are a nice touch. These softer spots never really hint at the band's coming genre shift, and unlike later outings, there are no borderline
alternative rock
moments on
. This should delight fans of
's earliest recordings. Consistent and committed to its gloomy theme, this 1997
Century Media
offering represents the metallic high-water mark from an ever-evolving group. ~ Vincent Jeffries