City Burials
Katatonia · 2020
48 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal
A haunting blend of atmospheric melodies and heavy riffs, encapsulating a journey through loss and introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Heart Set to Divide Start here — Opening with a powerful orchestral arrangement that sets a somber tone, this track encapsulates the album's exploration of despair and longing. Its dynamic shifts between melodic verses and heavy choruses exemplify Katatonia's signature sound.
-
→
Behind the Blood — This track features intricate guitar work layered with melancholic vocals, creating an atmosphere of haunting beauty. Its introspective lyrics delve into themes of vulnerability and self-reflection.
-
→
Lacquer — With its driving rhythm and evocative lyrics, Lacquer stands out for its portrayal of emotional turmoil. The contrast between soothing melodies and heavier instrumentals highlights the band's ability to blend genres seamlessly.
-
→
Neon Epitaph — This closing track offers a poignant reflection on mortality, combining delicate instrumentation with profound lyrical imagery. It effectively encapsulates the overarching themes of the album while leaving a lasting impact.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances atmospheric elements with heavy riffs, showcasing strong songwriting and production.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace with layered guitar textures, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics and tempo shifts.
- Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that create a sense of space and reflection, particularly noticeable in 'The Winter of Our Passing' and 'Lachesis'.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo reflective moments
- atmospheric soundscapes for introspection
- haunting melodies for deep thinking
- consistent flow for focused listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer quick, catchy songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and depth in Katatonia's sound in their later career.
- Themes
- mortality reflections· neon-lit sorrow
- Career context
- City Burials marks Katatonia's eleventh studio album, following their critically acclaimed release, The Fall of Hearts, in 2016. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their sound, balancing progressive elements with gothic and doom metal influences. The album showcases a matured artistry while building on the band's established legacy in the metal scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anathema· Opeth· Paradise Lost
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
The Winter of Our Passing
The narrative shifts from personal grief to collective loss as it evokes the chill of winter to symbolize emotional desolation.
This choice to use seasonal imagery deepens the emotional weight while connecting individual experience to broader human conditions.
Tracklist
- 1 Heart Set to Divide Start here 5:29
- 2 Behind the Blood 4:37
- 3 Lacquer 4:42
- 4 Rein 4:20
- 5 The Winter of Our Passing 3:18
- 6 Vanishers 4:56
- 7 City Glaciers 5:30
- 8 Flicker 4:44
- 9 Lachesis 1:54
- 10 Neon Epitaph 4:31
- 11 Untrodden 4:29
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Weather Systems
Anathema
Explores similar themes of introspection and emotional depth with atmospheric melodies and heavy instrumentation.
When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light
Swallow the Sun
Shares a haunting atmosphere and lyrical focus on loss, blending doom elements with melodic beauty.
The Ghost of Orion
My Dying Bride
Combines gothic metal with poignant themes of mortality, offering rich textures and somber melodies.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.