Swedish progressive metal pioneers “Katatonia” will return to Serbia for the first time in nearly 21 years with a concert scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 2027, at Hangar in Luka Beograd courtesy of “Hengtajm” agency. The band will bring their “Waking State of Europe” tour to the Serbian capital, joined by Canadian duo “Bonnie Trash” as special guests.
Tickets are on sale now for the price of 4.500 RSD though Hangtime ticketing, while the early bird tickets sold out in just 25 minutes.
Few bands have created such a distinctive musical universe out of darkness and melancholy as “Katatonia”. Formed in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1991, the band initially explored the bleak territories of death and doom metal before gradually developing a rich and multifaceted sound that incorporates progressive metal, alternative rock, gothic influences and shoegaze. At the heart of their music is the unmistakable voice of Jonas Renkse, equally captivating in moments of fragile introspection and against waves of crushing guitars. Over the decades, “Katatonia” have transformed their sound without losing the emotional depth and atmospheric intensity that have made them one of the most respected names in modern progressive metal. From the cult classic “Brave Murder Day” to acclaimed releases such as “Last Fair Deal Gone Down”, “Viva Emptiness” and “The Great Cold Distance”, followed by “Night Is the New Day” and “Dead End Kings”, “Katatonia” have built a remarkable discography that reaches far beyond conventional genre boundaries. Their songs combine emotional immediacy with carefully constructed arrangements, turning feelings of anxiety, loneliness and inner turmoil into music of extraordinary intensity. This distinctive approach has earned them a devoted international following and established their influence across several generations of alternative and progressive metal artists. The band opened another chapter in their musical evolution with their 13th studio album, “Nightmares as Extensions of the Waking State”, released in 2025 through “Napalm Records”.
Following “City Burials” and “Sky Void of Stars”, the band delivered a more guitar-driven record, packed with powerful riffs, unexpected twists and memorable melodies. Guitarists Nico Elgstrand and Sebastian Svalland brought fresh energy to the band’s sound, while Renkse’s deeply personal lyrics further expanded “Katatonia’s” emotionally complex musical universe. Tracks such as “Lilac,” “Thrice” and “The Light Which I Bleed” demonstrate that the Swedish band continues to explore new musical territory while retaining the haunting atmosphere that has defined their identity for more than three decades. Their upcoming Belgrade performance will offer Serbian fans a long-awaited opportunity to experience this latest material alongside songs from the band’s extensive back catalogue.
Joining “Katatonia” in Belgrade will be “Bonnie Trash”, a Canadian band led by twin sisters Emmalia and Sarafina Bortolon-Vettor. Their sound draws from post-punk, shoegaze and drone rock, combining gothic atmospheres, noisy guitar textures and haunting vocals that emerge from dense layers of sound. The duo creates an intense and unsettling musical experience that balances beauty, distortion and emotional vulnerability. On their 2025 album “Mourning You”, “Bonnie Trash” explore themes of loss, grief and memory, weaving them into an immersive and deeply evocative sonic landscape.
