Review by Jack on March 7, 2002.

The second of Katatonia’s releases (not counting the EP; “Saw You Drown”) in phase II of their musical history. “Tonight’s Decision” is Katatonia at a pivotal moment in their musical careers. The formula that Katatonia set ablaze on “Saw You Drown”/”Discouraged Ones” has been solidified into a more concrete basis in that Katatonia is once again having people standing up and taking notice.

From the opening track, ‘For My Demons’; one can tell that they have stumbled upon a Katatonia record, not a cheap copy. Despite the fact that Katatonia have changed many aspects about their music, going from a doom/atmospheric death metal sound to more gothic/doom rock style, one can still tell that it is Katatonia despite the large fluctuations in base musical styles. By that I mean the initial identifiable Katatonia sound is still the deep, repetitive riffing that guitarist Anders Nyström has been strumming out since Katatonia’s ignition many a year ago. However, don’t make the mistake that this strong similarity on all albums may be bland and/or boring. While still utilizing the same approach as in all Katatonia albums, Anders Nyström’s playing still remains bold and invigorating for a new or seasoned listener.

Some things however never change and Katatonia suddenly turning into a band that writes happy-go-lucky lyrics is the day that I know I will never see. Covering the contemporary topics of today, death and depression and so on, Katatonia are still writing the sad and morose lyrics that brought them to the top of the crop with their trademark doom/death metal sound in the early years.

Few negatives can be uttered about “Tonight’s Decision”; I do feel the guitars are a little high up in the production mix though, which helps to drown out Jonas’ already weak voice. Speaking of Jonas, his vocal work had not quite reached its peak in “Tonight’s Decision” and it would be something that would not be fully realised until “Last Fair Deal Gone Down”.

Bottom Line: Certainly a ‘safe’ record from Katatonia, they didn’t break the mold from “Discouraged Ones”. “Tonight’s Decision” is a polished “Discouraged Ones” and well worth a look.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 8
Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 7
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.9 out of 10

Review by JD on August 8, 2011.

Female fronted bands have been one of my hidden joys for a long time. Ever since I was twelve, and I heard The Plasmatics with legendary metal/punk queen the late Wendy O Williams showing off just how the ladies of metal can rock harder than most. I have wanted to see more metal women with this amazing levels of talent. When I saw that Orkyd Orchestra was just that, that was the first one I threw on. That was where my excitement ended... and I had to listen closely. I had a mixed bag to go through here.

Germany’s Goth/Power metal outfit Orkyd Orchestra was founded by ex members of Encyclia after the founder of this band moved on to play ‘other’ styles of music. The remaining members wanted to make sure that this bands collection of material was not going to go to waste so they recorded four of the songs under the new moniker they have chosen.

The four tracks here are musically impressive as hell, but it is a problem with the vocals that made me hit pause more than once. You could tell that Katy Gollner has the talent to match up with anyone today, but the vocals power for this tight band was lacking. Whether this is a vocalist that is growing into her part in the band, or the recording that makes the vocals almost non-existent, it hurts the music that is at the heart of this project. I am not saying that she is not talented in any way...far from it, in truth... I just struggle with the lack of power Ms. Gollner has going throughout the four songs.

In short, I love the music, hate that the recording makes the vocals very muddied or just to vanish from the album. I would love to hear this EP re-recorded and perhaps given a couple more songs as well. I have this deep gut feeling that the way it has been produced is the problem, and that this band has a shot at being international headbanging superstars if the vocals were brought out. It is a pity... but it is what it is. Orkyd Orchestra can be a viable act.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 6
Originality: 7.5
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.5 out of 10