October Tide
Rain without end (CD) 1997 Vic Records
October Tide is a side project by Katatonia members Jonas Renkse and Fredrik Norrman. Released by the small Vic Records label that also released Katatonia's debut Mcd, we are served something that reminds me a great deal of earlier Katatonia. Jonas still uses his old grunt/screaming style and the music has that typical Katatonia feel from around the period of 'Dance of December Souls'. The difference between October Tide and Katatonia however, is that the music is a lot less rash and more open for experimentation. As such we get treated to for example a violin! But the music is by far not as mellow as on the later Katatonia albums and can still best be compared to 'Dance of December Souls' or 'Brave Murder Day'. The best way would be to think of what would happen if the old Katatonia had decided to experiment more, bringing greater diversion into their sound; old Katatonia with a twist. As such this is a must for anybody longing for the old days and sound of Katatonia.	1. 12 days of rain 2. Ephemeral 3. All painted cold 4. Sightless 5. Losing tomorrow 6. Blue gallery 7. Infinite submission Approx. 39 minutes
Reviewed by: Aldo Quispel
Grey Dawn (CD) 1999 Avantgarde
Less experimentation (no more violins or keys) and a new vocalist are the biggest differences on this album compared to 'Rain without end'. Jonas and Fredrik are still the core of the group but the vocals have been left to a certain Marten Hansen. His vocals are pretty similar to Jonas (slightly harsher) and that is probably the reason why they choose him. Althrough if you ask me his vocals don't really seem to fit the music for some reason and can get on my nerves. As such we have the old Katatonia sound with the old Katatonia vocals. While Jonas claims in interviews that October Tide is not aiming to recreate the old Katatonia sound, this album still leads me to the conclusion that October Tide is mainly a project for Jonas and Fredrik to relive the old Katatonia days. So just like 'Rain without end', this is one for everybody who wished that Katatonia never changed directions and of course for any Katatonia fan in general. A follow up for 'Brave Murder Day' if Katatonia had not changed styles. Rumour has it also that this will be the last October Tide album ever, but don't hold me on this.	1. Grey dawn 2. October insight 3. Sweetness dies 4. Heart of the dead 5. Floating 6. Lost in the dark (and then gone) 7. Into deep sleep 8. Dear sun Approx. 40 minutes
Reviewed by: Aldo Quispel