words by Nikola Shahpazov, photo: Elena Nenkova

Promoter: Radio TANGRA MEGA ROCK

GALLERY

It’s not everyday that you get to meet Jonas Renkse and Anders Nyström at the backstage of Plovdiv’s picturesque Roman Theater and just casually chat with them about their masterpiece ‘The Great Cold Distance’.

I point out that it came exactly 10 years ago and Jonas is smiling, saying “Truly a long time ago!”, while Anders is quick to point out just how proud he is how the record turned out – “I like its sound, it’s still fresh, up to this day.”

It is indeed an important release for KATATONIA – ever since I first heard their 1998 album ‘Discouraged Ones’ I’ve had the highest expectations of them but somehow ‘The Great Cold Distance’ surpassed them. Maybe it’s the sound, or the unique way those heavy riffs coexist with Renkse’s mournful croon, or Travis Smith’s excellent artwork, but it turned out to be one of the band’s most celebrated releases.

The author in trance

And still is. Thus it comes as a bit of a surprise that KATATONIA never fancied the idea of playing it in its entirety before – some tracks like 'The Itch' were never performed live, so the band had to actually learn how to play them from the beginning. Feeling it’s high time to leave them prepare for this very special gig, I head to the streets around the grand Roman Theater.  

It’s not everyday that you get to celebrate the September Equinox in the very lovely city of Plovdiv with temperatures more in tune with summer than with autumn. And with hordes of people sporting KATATONIA and OPETH t-shirts, walking around with the same air of happy anticipation that you yourself feel. About an hour before the gig I happen to hear a conversation between two bearded fans of obvious northern origin.

“Where did you travel from?”

“Ireland.”

“Wow! That’s what I call a long travel!”

“I call it dedication.”

As I would find out later, the other chap was most dedicated as well – he turned out to be Icelandic and travelled to Plovdiv from Norway. I tell him it’s going to be worth it – as most gigs, organized by Tangra Mega Rock. 

KATATONIA are done with playing it safe and up for any kind of experiment. I never thought they would go unplugged but that’s just what they did with ‘Dethroned & Uncrowned’ and the tour that followed. And I never imagined they would play ‘The Great Cold Distance’ in its entirety, let alone here of all places but that’s just what was about to happen. 

Jonas and Anders took this event very, very seriously – after months of working on the arrangements from leading Bulgarian conductor Levon Manukyan, they had to arrive some three days prior to the show, so they would have enough time for rehearsals with State Opera Plovdiv’s Orchestra. By this afternoon they’ve made sure everything would work out fine, so the band and their crew look relaxed and ready.

They were right, of course – it does turn out to a spectacular show, despite some problems with the guitar sound on the opening track ‘Leaders’. 

KATATONIA celebrate the Equinox like noone else can – with a grand slab of 25 (!) tracks of pure heaviness and melancholia. 

Jonas is a sight to behold – tall and black-haired, bent on the microphone stand, delivering his splendid croon and going strong during the whole long, exhausting set. It’s pure magic and an almost flawless performance on his part.

Anders, Roger, Daniel and Niklas play tightly and beautifully, going through the material from ‘TGCD’ and then back and forth the band’s own catalogue with newer songs like ‘Last Song Before The Fade’ and ‘Serein’ and older fan favourites like ‘Teargas’ and ‘Criminals’. 

During the first part of the set the State Opera Plovdiv Orchestra add a new dimension to the tracks, making ‘Consternation’, ‘Soil’s Song’ and ‘My Twin’ sound lusher, more melodic and often downright bombastic – a whole new experience even for the most hardcore KATATONIA fans out there.

I wouldn’t mind if straight after 'TGCD’ the band went on to perform ‘Last Fair Deal Gone Down’ in its entirety (KATATONIA did that on a 2011 tour, remember?) but I have to admit the setlist for tonight is most satisfying. Judging by the reaction of fellow katatoniacs around me it is indeed well selected – people sing their hearts out on ‘Criminals’ and ‘Buildings’, while I’m most delighted the band chose to play my own favourite ‘Longest Year’.

Not all days end in such a glorious fashion – this sure was one to remember.

GALLERY