£13.99
With a history tracing back to the epicentre of melodic death metal in Sweden, October Tide have come a long way and have generated a spark that is strongly felt in the energy of the scene. "In Splendor Below" is the latest addition to their vibrant discography of guitar-driven, emotive death/doom metal art. It packs some of the most authentic and unique compositions from the capable hands of long-time Katatonia members, Fredrik & Mattias Norrman & co. Fredrik Norrman formed October Tide in 1995 with another Katatonia member, Jonas Renske (also of Bloodbath), and have since made it the apple of his eye; initially dividing his time between Katatonia (whose line-up also included his brother, Mattias) and October Tide. The early years were rich in two albums recorded with Renske, nowadays enjoying cult-like status: "Rain Without End" (1997) and "Grey Dawn" (1999). What followed was a nearly eleven-year hiatus, crowned by parting of ways with Katatonia and a refreshed purpose. The revived band released three studio albums and evolved through several personnel shifts (which made October Tide a temporary home to, among other artists, Jocke Wallgren of Amon Amarth and Tobias Netzell of In Mourning). The line-up eventually consolidated around both Norrman brothers & former Katatonia musicians - Fred and Mattias - and Demonical's lead singer, Alexander Högbom.