TGCD sound like a more proficient band going through the motions. For example Jonas sounded better than ever, but the passion just wasn't quite there. Same with the guitars, the time signatures were more out there, but it came at a price of their signature melody. However that was kind of their goal when describing the album. Something thats sterile, cold, and distant. I don't blame the production one bit as the production value or lack thereof on some of the older albums always bothered me. Imo high production values can only make something good sound even better, but it also has the adverse effect that if something is lacking it really shows. The point of music is to be able to hear what's going on. Another thing I should point out is that TGCD featured for the first time a distortion channel done right. They rolled back on the preamp gain, and let the master do the heavy lifting. On the other albums the distortion would fizz out, and leave a blanket of static over the songs. Highly annoying. This time around the guitars sound even better so that's always a plus. I only listened to Forsaker once, but what stuck out to me the most was how great the drums sound. They sound full with lots of punch, and really help drive the song. Discouraged1 I don't think you're right about the new album being obsessed with metal. If anything from the TGCD B-sides, what the band has said, and the sample it leads me to believe they're only trying to expand their sound as well as recap some of their signature moments that worked. I think the first track(like most first tracks) is more reminiscent of the last cd to help easy the listener into the record, and is obviously heavy to start the cd out with a bang.
Looking forward to 15 more spins tomorrow, and some more åsome growth.
Fuck yeah! It's Katatonia...I already knew it was going to be great but man I gotta say how shocked I was at how great FORSAKER truly is. Definitely looking forward to getting this album.
