Katatonia
Teargas

THE REVIEW

Fresh off the success of one of their most intimate and well-crafted albums, "Last fear deal gone down," Katatonia released this three-track EP titled "Teargas" in the summer of 2001 (named after the track that already shone on the album).

The tradition of creating high-caliber mini-albums is confirmed here, not only by the quality but also by the inclusion of two previously unreleased tracks. And what unreleased tracks.. "Teargas" is pure sonic sadness, a nostalgia for irretrievably lost feelings, tearful internal conflicts, and resignation. Lamenting resignation. Fragile vocal harmonies by Jonas follow liquid and litany-like guitars in lost corners where emptiness is the prince of weeping dreams. Art and melancholy.
"Sulphur" surprises me for not having been released on the main CD, as in terms of quality, it certainly would not have looked bad. It's more upbeat compared to the previous track, enriched with acoustic phrasing and melodies with an almost pop flavor (in the vocals). The riffing draws heavily from the past, "Discouraged ones" above all. It closes with "March 4", perhaps less intense but containing an effective chorus and an excellent guitar crunch from Anders and Fredrik.

Without a doubt, a work of great interest for the more "melodic" fans of the band, which I doubt the "Dance of December souls" devotees will adore, but I care little about that. The high value allows me to recommend it to those who love the combination of touching romanticism and raw metallic arrangements. Cry in silence.