Review: Katatonia - Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State

By Seth Metoyer, Metal Crawlspace -

Katatonia's latest release, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State, is one of those rare albums that hits both the brain and the gut. Over the years the band has always had an evolving sound, but this one feels like a bold, progressive leap into something even darker and more atmospheric.

Imagine a primordial soup stirred with elements of Ghost, Tool, Gojira, AFI, Mastodon, and Opeth’s Sorceress-era complexity. Katatonia isn’t just dabbling in influences here, they’re fusing genres into something beautifully experimental. The band plays with time signatures like it’s second nature, shifting from heaviness to melancholic melody without warning, and it works.

The production is stellar. The basslines hum with ominous clarity, the drums punch with precision, and Jonas Renkse’s vocal layering gives the entire album an ethereal weight. There’s a sonic richness here that rewards headphones and repeat listens. Tracks like "Lilac" and "Thrice" stand out as masterclasses in tension and release, with moments that feel like a free fall into emotional darkness.

What makes this album shine isn’t just its heaviness or atmosphere; it’s the risk. This record feels alive, unpredictable, and willing to challenge the listener. It’s not just another entry in their discography; it’s a transformation.

While some longtime fans might find the genre-hopping a bit disorienting, it’s that very adventurous spirit that makes Nightmares arguably Katatonia’s most ambitious and cohesive work yet. For me, it’s already a top contender for best heavy release of 2025.

Whether you’re an old fan or just discovering them, Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State is a journey worth taking, preferably with the lights off and the volume way up.