“Dead End Kings”, the ninth album from Swedish dark rockers KATATONIA, has registered the following first-week chart positions:
Finland: #4
Sweden: #12
Norway: #17
Germany: #21
Austria: #25
Netherlands: #60
Switzerland: #46
USA: #138
Commented KATATONIA guitarist Anders Nyström: “People might think only the biggest artists, or the latest, hyped and most commercial music lands on the actual album charts, but it seems five miserable Swedes just destroyed that fact. Bottom line is that all charts are based on actual album sales, nothing more, nothing less, so this simply proves that KATATONIA got a loyal following, that positively still in today’s climate, are determined to buy our albums. In our turn, albums, that are again despite today’s climate, still built on music prior other aspects, so it’s pretty glorious, really!
“THANK YOU for supporting KATATONIA! We’re proud to be more than a just scribble in the margins of your lives.”
“Dead End Kings” sold 3,200 copies in the United States in its first week of release. The CD landed at position No. 4 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.
KATATONIA’s previous album, 2009’s “Night Is The New Day”, opened with around 2,200 units.
“Dead End Kings” was released on August 28 (one day earlier internationally) via Peaceville Records. Containing some of KATATONIA’s most poignant and ambitious material to date, the CD sees the quintet conjure yet another milestone in audial angst and melancholy with this much-anticipated follow-up to 2009’s inspired and acclaimed “Night Is The New Day”.
“Dead End Kings”, which features a guest appearance by Norwegian singer Silje Wergeland (THE GATHERING), was recorded at Ghost Ward Studios and The City Of Glass, and was produced by KATATONIA’s own Anders Nyström and Jonas Renkse, and mixed by David Castillo, known for his prior work with KATATONIA, as well as OPETH and BLOODBATH.
The album marks the recording debut of KATATONIA guitarist Per Eriksson and bassist Niklas Sandin. Additionally, KATATONIA was joined once again by Frank Default and his invaluable expertise on sampling and atmospherics. The cover artwork was created by KATATONIA’s longtime visual collaborator Travis Smith.
“Dead End Kings” track listing:
01. The Parting
02. The One You Are Looking for is Not Here
03. Hypnone
04. The Racing Heart
05. Buildings
06. Leech
07. Ambitions
08. Undo You
09. Lethean
10. First Prayer
11. Dead Letters
KATATONIA hit the road earlier this month in support of “Dead End Kings” as part of a co-headlining tour, “Epic Kings & Idols”, with the DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT. The 18-city trek also features PARADISE LOST and STOLEN BABIES.
Source: www.blabbermouth.net