Title above summarize new Katatonia album in a wondrous way. No matter how good you feel, how much your life is peachy, how much love you have to give, after finishing the journey called The Fall of Hearts, you’ll be in an emotional gutter.
The Fall of Hearts is a strange beast to review. At first look, it sounds pretty much the same as the last three records; similar riffs, similar song structure, Jonas’s voice as haunting as ever, but describing the album as a mash-up of previous three offerings is wrong as it gets. The real nature of this record needs time to show itself in the full light. Songs are longer, with complex structure, always driving between thick, heavy riffs and serene, hauntingly emotive parts.
From the album opener, Takeover, all the way down to the Passer, The Fall of Hearts is disturbingly addictive, dark, oppressive journey through depths of the mind. All of your fears, all lost lovers, and all life’s defeats will reveal themselves; come to the surface, reminding you that life is actually made out of a constant struggle with an occasional silver lining. Jonas has that placid, calming, melancholic voice that is strong as ever, being the engine powering and giving an edge to the music. New drummer, Daniel "Mojjo" Moilanen, is a perfect addition to the band. He knows how to provide a perfect rhythm cortege to Anders Nyström’s killer guitar work.
The first part of the album seems weaker compared to the songs featured on the latter half. More atmospheric, with somewhat weaker arrangements, they will fully reveal themselves only after a dozen of listens. Then, you’ll suddenly realize that songs are actually incredibly complex, filled with progressive parts giving them the aura that will crack over time, revealing their real quality. Takeover, Serein, Decima, Old Heart Falls, are all masterpieces, hidden under a veil of convolution, just waiting for a dedicated and patient listener to lift the veil and see their astonishing faces, shining with the dark light of the gothic moon.
The second part of the album is more straightforward; filled with killer compositions brimming with dark energy, calling to you in the night, to lead them into the darkness of your mind. Serac is probably the heaviest song Katatonia made ever since Viva Emptiness. Filled with unexpected turns, rhythmic shifts, and viciously good riffs, it will definitely leave an impression. Last Song Before the Fade has marvelous leading riff, just wanting to be played again and again, Shifts is an oppressively melancholic journey through your worst fears, and Passer is a perfect closing song.
The Fall of Hearts may seem like a copy-paste of last three albums, but if you give it time, you won’t be disappointed. While not better than Viva Emptiness, or Last Fair Deal Gone Down, it deserves a place in the top half of Katatonia’s catalogue.
