Gallery, ReviewDitch This MagazineFebruary 12, 2024gallery, live, melbourne, Odin Imaging, Nathan Goldsworthy, odin imaging, Katatonia, Suldusk, Victoria K, Croxton Bandroom, David Roy Williams

Katatonia + Suldusk + Victoria K @ The Croxton Bandroom 10-02-24

Gallery, ReviewDitch This MagazineFebruary 12, 2024gallery, live, melbourne, Odin Imaging, Nathan Goldsworthy, odin imaging, Katatonia, Suldusk, Victoria K, Croxton Bandroom, David Roy Williams

photos: Nathan Goldsworthy @odin.imaging

The Melbourne summer heat transformed The Croxton band room into a boiling cauldron of humanity. Imagine a sardine can left in the sun, then crammed into a dimly lit cupboard – that was the air, thick with the mingling scents of stale beer, antiperspirant surrender, and the fervent energy of a liquefied metalhead mosh pit. Despite the sauna-like conditions, the anticipation for Katatonia, the Swedish masters of melancholic euphoria, was palpable.

The evening opened with Victoria K's captivating brand of gothic metal, her haunting vocals and intricate melodies setting the stage for the night's journey. Next up, Suldusk unleashed their own brand of atmospheric darkness, further warming the crowd and raising the anticipation for the main event.

Then, the lights dimmed, and Katatonia took the stage. While it was unfortunate that Anders Nyström, the band's guitarist and co-founder, couldn't be there due to personal reasons, the remaining members - Roger Öjerström, Niklas Sandin, Daniel Moilanen, and Jonas Renkse - delivered an mesmerizing performance.

Renkse's vocals soared, guiding the audience through a rich tapestry of emotions with the precision and power of a seasoned conductor.

The setlist kicked off with "Austerity" and "Colossal Shade" from their latest album, "Sky Void of Stars", seamlessly transitioning into a treasure trove of fan favorites from their early 2000s back catalog. Renkse's witty banter peppered the performance, adding a touch of humor and camaraderie to the intense emotional journey.

The energy truly exploded with the crowd-pleasing "The Racing Heart" from "Dead End Kings" and the hauntingly beautiful "Nephilim" from "Night Is the New Day". The band's tight-knit musicianship, fueled by years of shared experience, shone through in every riff and melody, forcing the crowd to feel every bit of sorrow .

As the night approached its climax, the band returned for an encore, delivering "My Twin" and "Evidence" with a fervor that ignited the audience once more. The room pulsed with a collective surge of energy, voices joining Renkse overpowering the venues PA.

Finally, as the last notes faded, a wave of catharsis washed over the crowd. The sweat, the chaos, the oppressive heat – all melted away, replaced by a sense of shared release and the lingering afterglow of an unforgettable experience. This wasn't just a concert; it was a ritualistic immersion in the depths of human emotion, masterfully guided by Katatonia's musical prowess. Leaving the venue, one couldn't help but feel lighter, perhaps even cleansed by the shared experience. And that, I believe, is the true mark of a transcendental live performance.