KATATONIA Lineup Changes

Fredrik "North" Norrman (guitar) and Mattias "Kryptan" Norrman (bass) have both left Sweden's KATATONIA. The band states, "We respect their decision and would like to take the opportunity to collectively thank them both for all the years gone by, all the ups and downs we shared out on the road, in the studio and basically the memories and moments we shared of our 20s growing up together.

"Fredrik was with us for 15 years and Mattias for 10 years and we were lucky to have the same intact lineup going since 1999, but it's true what they say — all good things come to an end.

"We also know that out of the ashes of a setback new possibilities open up. We've already found temporary replacements for the upcoming tours and this will not affect any of our agenda or plans for 2010. Currently filling in for Fredrik on guitar will be longtime guitar tech and also guitarist of BLOODBATH, Mr. Per 'Sodomizer' Eriksson while we have Niklas 'Nille' Sandin filling Mattias' shoes on bass until we decide how to move on with the replaceable positions on a permanent long-term."

The Norrman brothers have released the following statement regarding thier decision to leave KATATONIA:

Fredrik: "This is definitely the hardest decision I've ever made. It's absolutely grievous to say the words 'quit KATATONIA,' even worse to make it happen.

"It's been 15 really good years and I would like to thank the guys in the band and all people that I've meet on the road. I'll now watch KATATONIA from your side."

Mattias: "It's with great sadness I have decided to leave KATATONIA after 10 fantastic years.

"This decision was probably the toughest I have ever made. The reason for this is many small factors that makes it hard for me to be away from home this forthcoming year. It's going to be a lot of touring in the future so the time for this desicion had to be done now. And I will point out that there is no personal argue between us in the band, just that the time for touring isn't right for me… This is not what I wanted, but family always comes in the first place.

"I would like to thank Jonas, Anders, Daniel, Fred and our crew for all those years together. It has truly been the best in my life. And a big thanx to all fans and all good friends I have made out there. You are the best and you will be missed…

"I really hope that one day when the time is right be able to continue the journey with the band.

"I wish all the best to you guys!! I'm really gonna miss the life on the road with you!"

KATATONIA's new video, "Day And Then The Shade", can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Lasse Hoile, who has previously worked with OPETH and PORCUPINE TREE, among others. The song comes off the band's eighth studio album, "Night Is The New Day", which sold around 2,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

A mini-site for "Night Is The New Day" can be accessed at this location. It includes audio samples, downloads, album information, interviews, art gallery plus exclusive previously unseen studio diaries from the recording session.

"Night Is The New Day" is the long-awaited new studio album of transcendental, atmospheric rock and metal, exploring the darker corners of audial melancholy. It was recorded throughout July 2009 and was co-produced, engineered and mixed by David Castillo. A continuation of the heaviness, depth and atmosphere of their previous album, "Night Is The New Day" is also a more multi-dimensional effort — waltzing between prog moments, doom, folk and the classic melodic anthems that are the staple of KATATONIA's uncompromising sound, completed by the haunting tones of Jonas Renkse's vocal journeys of urban and emotional decay. Cover art once again comes courtesy of Travis Smith (KATATONIA, OPETH, NOVEMBRE) and continues the stylistic identity established so effectively since "The Great Cold Distance".