Discouraged Ones, Katatonia, LP

'Discouraged Ones' was recorded in 1997 at the infamous Sunlight Studios by Fred Estby & Tomas Skogsberg (Entombed, Dismember) & released the following year. 'Discouraged Ones' saw a new direction change with the epic compositions of old replaced with stripped down, compact structures to make room for new vocal harmonies courtesy of Jonas Renkse (who also played drums on the album), putting an end to the growling vocal style from prior releases & giving the band a broader appeal which only helped their trajectory towards being established on the global stage. This edition of 'Discouraged Ones' is presented on black vinyl, containing the album's original cover artwork, including printed inner sleeve with lyrics. - Upon release, 'Discouraged Ones' was seen as somewhat of a breakthrough opus for Katatonia which undoubtedly planted the seeds, stylistically, of what the band evolved into & represent to this day, even though more progressive elements were integrated over time. Overall, 'Discouraged Ones' is a pinnacle of dark, gothic rock/metal excellence combined with ethereal, trance-like intensity.