October Tide – A Thin Shell

Releasedate: 11-10-2010; Label: Candlelight Records
By: Sabine van Gameren

October Tide was originally started as a side project of Katatonia members Jonas Renske and Fredrik Norrman. After two albums it got quiet and we had not heard of them since 1999. About ten years later when Fredrik decides to quit Katatonia, the project got going again, but without Jonas Renske. “A Thin Shell” is the third release of the band.

Soon after starting the album it is clear that these fruits of gloom are from a class far above whatever you might have expected. The riffs are melodic and adequately are used as a transport to get you in the sorrow of darker atmospheres. Fredrik got himself quite an entourage. Tobias Netzell is there for the vocal duties. He brings sepulchral, deep grunts to the sound and let’s himself be supported by these guitars, making a leverage out of each other towards some unseen orgasm of melodic doom. Jonas Kjellgren is bringing the bass in the music. He is not in the band anymore currently. Robin Bergh comes in on drums which may not always comes forward directly in the band but brings a substantial backing to the music. Seeing the line up obviously still on the move, it will be a surprise what will show up next, but it must be said that the base of “A Thin Shell” is good.
Autumn is here, October Tide sets the right timing for their album, what’s in the name. but quality wise there are simply no substantial remarks to make. You can consider it a bit early, but this one goes up for album of the year in many people their year lists. It is an album that all Doom fans should buy without hesitating, another classic one has been made.

Line Up:
Tobias Netzell – Vocals
Fred Norrman – Guitars
Robin Bergh – Drums
Jonas Kjellgren – Bass

Tracklist: 01. A Custodian Of Science 02. Deplorable Request 03. The Nighttime Project 04. Blackness Devours 05. The Dividing Line. 06. Fragile 07. Scorned

Links:
October Tide MySpace
October Tide Official