Search - October Tide :: Thin Shell

Sweden's October Tide formed and disbanded before most metal fans were given an opportunity to embrace them. Originally intended to fill a temporary void for Katatonia guitarist Fredrik Norrman and vocalist Jonas Renkse, the band's brilliant 1997 debut, Rain Without End (album reissued by Candlelight in 2009), topped many metalhead "favorite" lists; impressive considering its limited availability. Not a single interview or show was performed in their short lived history.... that is, until now. A Thin Shell finally delivers what fans have anxiously awaited from this treasured band. Seven doom-laden and emotive songs that are every bit as heavy as they are catchy fill this impressive recording that officially closes the band's self-imposed decade-long hiatus. Now featuring vocalist Tobias Netzell, drummer Robin Bergh, session bassist Jonas Kjellgren (Scar Symmetry, Carnal Forge), with Norrman, the album was mixed/mastered at Black Lounge Studios and features artwork from photographer/graphic designer Travis Smith (Opeth, Katatonia, Testament, Death). "I have wanted to get October Tide back together for some time," reveals Norrman. "When we decided the time was right, ideas for new songs surprisingly came together nicely. Many sleepness nights were involved, with lots of coffee of course, but the songs were written in flow one after another." Continuing he notes, "we started recording in March of last year as Jonas (Kjellgren) liked what he heard and offered to get it into the studio's schedule even though we didn't have a label yet. A year later, the record is finally finished. What was meant as a side project so long ago is my main project and I am very proud of it. We only hope people enjoy it as much as we do." Decibel Magazine called Rain Without End "a peculiar album. It reminds of past and future Katatonia albums yet, it's entirely unique in vibe and riff assembly. October Tide's slow to mid-paced doom/death stuns... Renkse and Norrman using counterpoint, build/release tension and melody to peerless effect." E-Blogger Lonely Ghost Transmissions on its 2008 review of the album's European re-release says, "Rain Without End is without a doubt the greatest doom-death metal album ever."