| Doom hellhounds KATLA travel into the depths of heartache and resilience with their newly released track, “Dead Lover”. The song is the second single to premiere from the three-headed Danish metal monster’s unmissable debut album, Scandinavian Pain, out March 21, 2025 via Napalm Records. After years of honing their colossal sound and live energy, the band delivers an unrelenting blend of raw emotion, gritty riffs, and subterranean sonic battery. Scandinavian Pain not only marks a new chapter for the band, but also reflects their rise to acclaim – from humble beginnings at Copenhell Festival, to becoming a standout act in Denmark’s heavy music underground. “Dead Lover” delivers relentless energy and powerful imagery, encouraging listeners to embrace their struggles and emerge stronger. Battling inner demons and cosmic horrors, the track pulses with raw emotion. KATLA on “Dead Lover”: “This song was the first song to actually go on the album, as our first single ‘Taurus’ was kind of a standalone single by then. ‘Dead Lover’ was basically made in one day, as it was the perfect fit to that no-bullshit approach we wanted to make with the album. The lyrics were almost made as the song was being created in the rehearsal room, and pretty much hit the spot straight away. On a personal level, the ‘Dead Lover’ lyrics wrote themselves at the time, since Rasmus was also dealing with some very depressive and dark thoughts at the time. It is meant as more of an ‘uplifting’ song, as it also explores the subjects of getting through rough patches and coming out on the other side.” |
| Watch the official music video for “Dead Lover”: |
Scandinavian Pain is a cathartic exploration of personal struggles, mental health, and societal critique. Songs like “Grim Jesus” dive deep into themes of overcoming inner darkness and rejecting oppressive systems, showcasing lyrics that resonate with the resilience of the human spirit. “Castle of Purity” is a searing anthem that calls out the abuse and hypocrisy in organized religion – a powerful statement about pushing back against injustice and finding strength in individuality. Produced by Lasse Ballade (known for his work with Solbrud, Alkymist, and Halshug), the record combines visceral sonic landscapes with a deeply personal narrative. Prepare to experience the raw power and unfiltered honesty of KATLA on Scandinavian Pain.
Scandinavian Pain also marks the debut of new KATLA bassist and vocalist Theis Thorgersen. His addition not only breathes renewed energy into the band itself, but imbues an evolved sound that is heavier, darker, and sharper than ever before. KATLA’s meaningful yet uninhibited sound and high-energy live performances have positioned them as a force to be reckoned with.
KATLA says about the album:
“Scandinavian Pain is an album about the shame of feeling depressed in a country that in many ways seems to be out of any misery or control of others. The inherent feeling of guilt, the despondent thoughts. The weight of cultural Christianity and being part of a system that is destroying both ours and other lives. It’s about watching the newest season of whatever decadent TV show is on while children are being murdered daily. All the songs are different, yet similar. This time, there’s an affirmation for you, who might need it, a story telling, a short grindy track, something with a blast beat, but of course also heavy sludgy doom. Welcome to the house of pain.”
Metal Planet Media 