Interview with Katatonia (Daniel Moilanen)
Once again, the Stockholm-based unit masterfully navigates the tightrope act between nocturnal darkness and Scandinavian despair while subtly weaving a sense of hope into the listener’s heart. Since emerging in the early nineties, KATATONIA has projected a beacon of light for the forgotten and the lonely ones, offering solace to those willing to lose themselves in the band’s immersive soundscapes. From their roots in death-doom metal to the post-metal entity they embody today, their art remains as haunting as ever. Drummer Daniel Moilanen is here with us to share some thoughts about the new opus…
So, dear Daniel. Can you tell us something about the genesis, the evolution and the actual recording and production process for the songs of Nightmares As Extensions Of the Waking State?
The genesis…
One of the parts in one of the songs on the album goes back to the demo days of ‘The Fall of Hearts’, my first album with the band. Another song – ‘Efter Solen’ – co-written with Joakim Karlsson of the Swedish black metal band Craft, is the first song Jonas and Joakim collaborated on, years back. The genesis goes back in time and is also without beginning. But technically it’s the same as always. As soon as one album is done Jonas starts writing on the next one. Or rather, he’s constantly writing and as soon as one album is done, time and space frees up to concentrate that writing into something more specific.
The evolution…
When there is material to present, we get to hear it and get to start discussing it and working on it on our own. We don’t rehearse before recording so until we start working on stuff for stage, we haven’t played the songs together. There’s a point to that, I believe, as we’re able to put the music and our own touch first when going into the studio, and later using the album as a ‘key’ of sorts, we can play around with it together, finding things for us to latch on to and develop further.
The recording and production process…
We worked with Lawrence Mackrory from start this time, he recorded guitars and bass for our previous album and we thought it to be prudent to have him in the drum recording too, this time. Drums were done in an old missionary church in Söderfors, north from Stockholm, in NBS Studio, owned and operated by Tore Stjerna. Very nice place with a very nice sound. Took about a week to get things down, after which it was time for guitars and later bass in our own studio space, this time around with both Sebastian and Nico playing guitars on the album, instead of having one guitarist doing it all, as on the previous two albums. This was a treat and in my ears makes everything sound more alive. Vocals were done by Jonas in his own studio and after that it was down to Adam Noble to make it all sound the way he heard it. We decided we wanted to experience how Katatonia would sound through someone who doesn’t necessarily work with metal productions and we all are very happy with both the choice and the result.
How would you describe the sound of the album and which differences will the fans experience compared to Sky Void Of Stars?
I think ‘Nightmares’ is an organic follow-up to ‘Sky Void of Stars’ for sure, but musically (and lyrically) more introspective and introvert than in a long time. To me we sound less ”metal” and less “prog” this time around, more straight forward and more mopey. I like to call it a step forward in musicality, a step back in vibes and feels. A mix between the previous album and ‘Discouraged Ones’, perhaps?
Could you please explain the beautiful artwork of the cover of the album and, generally, the graphic layout you chose for it?
The artwork is done by Roberto Bordin of Bunker Artworks, who also worked with us on our previous album. Explaining art is always tricky. I don’t want to put words in anyone’s mouth or brain. The album cover, artwork, lyrics, song titles and even the music do connect on many levels. It’s not as convoluted as it seems, we’re just bringing our nightmares into your waking state – and that’s as convoluted as I’m going to be about it.
Can you please introduce to our readers all the physical version of Nightmares As Extensions Of the Waking State?
Other than the usual versions and different color variants from different places there’s a liquid filled LP version that I think is quite cool! And there’s also a wooden box with, I think, a cotton bag and a very nice art print, alongside the musical media.
How is to work with such a great label like Napalm Records in terms of production and promotion of your music?
Napalm Records have been nothing but excellent for Katatonia and it’s been a pleasure to work with the team. They, as a bigger label, have the means to push the band further than before and although it’s demanding more from us as well, the future is something we look forward to.
What shall the Italian fans expect from the gigs that will take place in Fermo on August 22nd and in Milano on November, 27th?
Slayer on the ‘Clash of the Titans’ tour but on a much much smaller scale and not even thrash metal! We’re working on a more intense set than before but being Katatonia who even knows what that means? More strobes? More sorrow? More headbanging, that’s for sure!
It’s almost been ten years since you joined Katatonia, which are your best memories of being part of the band in this decade?
Obviously it’s been a thrilling ride, seeing the world from different stages. I would say, other than experiencing my personal and musical growth in this setting, my best memories are those of travel. Experiencing new things and putting myself in places not of my choosing is maybe historically not something I enjoy but, in the right company and for the right reason it’s honestly the best.
Without seeking any controversy: which is your opinion about Anders leaving the band?
There’s a time and a place for everything and everyone. My personal opinion about it all is that I believe that this parting is for the best, for all parties involved.
Can you share any news about your activity with Runemagick?
I’m not currently active with Runemagick due to scheduling issues. I know Nicklas is working on new stuff right now and I expect it to be absolutely crushing in the old death/doom vein of the band. Only death (and doom) is real.
Which final message and greeting would you send to the Italian fans of Katatonia?
Supporta la scena, attiva la fossa.