What makes July by Katatonia notable?

July received positive reviews for its atmospheric sound and emotional depth, contributing to Katatonia's reputation within the metal community. The EP also highlighted their ability to blend melodic elements with heavier instrumentation, influencing subsequent bands within the alternative and gothic metal scenes. Released in early 2007, July marked Katatonia's return to the scene following their critically acclaimed album, The Great Cold Distance. This EP showcased their evolving sound and artistic direction, further establishing them as significant figures in the gothic and doom metal genres.

How many songs are on July?

July has 3 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

July

Katatonia · 2007

14 min · 3 tracks · alternative metal

Ethereal melodies entwine with heavy riffs, creating a haunting atmosphere that blurs the lines between despair and beauty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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July — The title track encapsulates the essence of the EP with its melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics, serving as a poignant reflection on loss.
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Unfurl — This track stands out with its dynamic shifts between serene verses and powerful choruses, showcasing the band's range and emotional intensity.
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Soil’s Song (Krister Linder 2012 remix) — As a remix of an earlier work, this track highlights Katatonia's willingness to reinterpret their music while maintaining the haunting aesthetic that defines their sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The EP blends atmospheric melodies with heavier riffs, creating a unique yet cohesive sound within its limited runtime.

What we noticed

The title track 'July' features a slow build with layered guitars that create a dense, atmospheric soundscape before introducing the vocals.
The second track is a remix that alters the original's structure, emphasizing electronic elements over the band's typical heavy instrumentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry that showcases evolving sound but isn't a major highlight in their catalog.
Career context: Released in early 2007, July marked Katatonia's return to the scene following their critically acclaimed album, The Great Cold Distance. This EP showcased their evolving sound and artistic direction, further establishing them as significant figures in the gothic and doom metal genres.
Stylistic neighbors: Anathema· Opeth· Paradise Lost