I love Katatonia. Of course, the musicianship isn't as outstanding as Opeth, but in some ways Katatonia can stand in Opeth's league. For example, Jonas Renske OWNS Mikael Akerfeldt as a lyricist. And his singing, while perhaps not as strong or confident, carries in it a fragility and emotional strength that Mike hasn't quite yet achieved.
Stylistically, they really bear little resemblence to Opeth. They write short, more conventional songs. But that isn't to say they are weak for it.
Last Fair Deal Gone Down is an album of classic songs, from start to finish. Damn near perfect IMO. Viva Emptiness is a little heavier, and a little more complex (by Kata standards), Not quite so strong as a whole, but excellent.
The 2 albums prior to these are superb, but lack the tightness, skill, and production quality. Also, Renske's voice falters on these recordings. Their earlier doom stuff is great... but not what they're best at. It's like Anathema... what they started with is fine, but what they have moved on to FAR surpasses it.
And as far as what I've heard of The Great Cold Distance is concerned... wow!!! Roll on March!!!!